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Cozy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Bites: Easy Holiday Appetizer

cranberry pecan baked brie bites - featured image

These easy baked brie bites feature flaky phyllo shells filled with tart cranberry sauce, creamy brie, and crunchy pecans, finished with a drizzle of honey. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they come together in just 20 minutes and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boxes frozen mini phyllo pastry shells (about 30 shells)
  • 8 ounces brie cheese
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (canned whole berry preferred)
  • 1/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange frozen phyllo shells on a baking sheet in neat rows (do not thaw).
  2. If toasting pecans, spread chopped pecans on a small baking sheet or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant and slightly darker. Set aside to cool.
  3. Cut off the rind from the brie wheel and cut the cheese into small cubes, about 1/2-inch each.
  4. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into the bottom of each phyllo shell. Place one or two cubes of brie on top of the cranberry sauce, pressing down gently.
  5. Sprinkle a pinch of toasted pecans over each bite, pressing down slightly.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until brie is melted and gooey and edges of phyllo shells are golden brown. Check at 8 minutes if oven runs hot.
  7. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
  8. Just before serving, drizzle a tiny bit of honey over each bite. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
  9. Serve warm, ideally within 15-20 minutes of baking.

Notes

Don’t overfill the shells to prevent bubbling over. The cranberry sauce on the bottom creates a barrier that keeps the pastry crisp. Assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate; add 2-3 minutes to bake time. For best texture, serve within 15-20 minutes of baking. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes (not microwave).

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie bites, cranberry pecan brie, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, phyllo shells, brie appetizer, cranberry brie