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Looking for a quick snack that seems super fancy? These Cranberry Brie Bites are my go-to party trick! You'll only need three simple ingredients and about 15 minutes to whip them up. There's something magical about gooey brie paired with zingy cranberries inside crunchy little cups. I've never seen these tasty treats last more than ten minutes at any gathering!
Ingredients You'll Want
This simple snack only calls for three components: cranberry sauce (my own works wonders, but grab the canned stuff if you're in a hurry), some soft brie cheese, and those ready-made phyllo cups from the freezer aisle. That's the whole list! You won't find many finger foods this straightforward.
Creating Your Treats
- Prep Work
- Start by turning your oven to 350°F. While you wait, slice your brie into small chunks.
- Putting It Together
- Think of this as playing with tiny food cups - just pop a brie chunk into each shell and add a dollop of cranberry on top.
- Short Cooking Time
- Stick them in the oven for roughly 8 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to get all gooey and start bubbling.
- Ready to Eat
- These little snacks taste great whether they're hot or just sitting out - you can't go wrong!
Handy Tricks
Need to plan ahead? You can put these together and freeze them uncooked. I sometimes switch things up with different toppings - maybe some fig spread, spicy jelly, or a tiny bit of honey. Want to make cranberry sauce from scratch? Just cook fresh berries with some sugar and water until they burst!
Switch Things Around
Can't find phyllo cups? Small squares of puff pastry work just as well. You can keep or trim off the brie rind - whatever you prefer! My kids go crazy when I switch up the cheese types too.
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Storage Solutions
These little bites stay good in your fridge for several days. When you want some more, heat them in your oven - don't use the microwave or they'll turn mushy. They taste best when they're warm and still crispy!
The Big Appeal
These snacks check all the boxes - they're fast, adaptable, and incredibly tasty! What makes them stand out is how the textures come together - crunchy shells with soft cheese and sweet-tart cranberry topping. Just a heads up though: they vanish incredibly quickly, so maybe make twice as many as you think you'll need!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can these be prepped early?
Sure! Build them ahead, then freeze for up to three months. Defrost before baking.
- → Is the brie rind necessary?
You can leave it on or take it off—it’s totally up to you since it’s edible.
- → What other toppings work?
Try fig spread, hot pepper jelly, honey, or your favorite jam instead.
- → Can I swap the shell?
Yep! Puff pastry or crescent dough can be used in small muffin tins. Just tweak the baking time as needed.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop them in a 350°F oven to crisp them back up. Don’t microwave—they’ll get soggy.