I really love the combination of sweet cranberry and creamy brie, especially when the weather gets cooler. It’s such a comforting and cheerful flavor pairing that works for so many occasions. Today, I’m sharing two simple recipes that feature this wonderful duo, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or something special for a gathering, these recipes are easy to make and everyone enjoys them. I hope you give them a try!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies: Easy Party Appetizers
- 2. Festive Cranberry Brie Tartlets for Quick Bites
Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies: Easy Party Appetizers
These little hand pies are a fantastic way to enjoy cranberry and brie in a portable form. They are warm, gooey, and just sweet enough, making them perfect for a snack or a gathering.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold. This helps keep it flaky in the oven.
- Brie Cheese: Cut the brie into small pieces. The rind is edible, so you don’t need to remove it unless you prefer.
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. If it’s too runny, you might want to drain some liquid first.
What You Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: a sprinkle of fresh thyme
⏱️ Time: 15 mins prep, 20 mins bake🍽️ Yields: 8-10 mini pies
How to Make It
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. You can gently roll it out a bit thinner if you like.
Step 2: Fill the Pastry
Cut the puff pastry into 8-10 squares, about 3×3 inches each. Place a small cube of brie in the center of each square, then top it with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. If using, add a tiny sprig of thyme.
Step 3: Fold and Seal
Fold each pastry square diagonally to create a triangle. Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp them closed. This helps keep the filling inside. Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake until Golden
Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
📝 Final Note
These hand pies are best served warm, when the brie is perfectly melted and gooey. You can make them ahead and reheat gently in the oven.
Festive Cranberry Brie Tartlets for Quick Bites
If you need something even quicker but still very elegant, these cranberry brie tartlets are for you. Using pre-made phyllo shells makes this recipe super simple, so you can have a lovely snack ready in minutes.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Phyllo Shells: These come ready to use in the freezer aisle. They are great for quick appetizers.
- Brie Cheese: Small pieces melt nicely in the tartlets. You can leave the rind on or take it off.
- Garnish Ideas: A sprinkle of chopped pistachios, a tiny bit of rosemary, or a fresh mint leaf adds a nice touch and color.
What You Need
- 1 box (15 count) frozen mini phyllo shells
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Optional: chopped pecans or fresh rosemary for garnish
⏱️ Time: 10 mins prep, 12 mins bake🍽️ Yields: 15 tartlets
How to Make It
Step 1: Heat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the mini phyllo shells out of the freezer and arrange them on a baking sheet. No need to thaw them first.
Step 2: Fill the Shells
Place a small cube of brie cheese into each phyllo shell. Then, top the brie with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Try not to overfill them.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly and the phyllo shells are lightly golden. Carefully remove from the oven. If you like, you can garnish with a few chopped pecans or a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary before serving.
📝 Final Note
These tartlets are best served right after they come out of the oven, while the cheese is still warm and soft. They are so easy to make in a big batch for a party!
