Cranberry Brie Bites
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Dec 17, 2025 
These cranberry brie bites are one of my favorite appetizers to make during the holidays. Each buttery pastry cup is stuffed with warm brie that’s topped with a sweet yet tangy cranberry garnish and pistachios. They are the perfect party snack to make when you are in a hurry.
I think I’ve struck brie gold with these cranberry brie bites, which is why they’ve become my go-to party appetizer during the holidays. I’m obsessed with the combination of crispy, flaky pastry, warm oozing cheese, tangy cranberry preserves, and salty chopped pistachios. I can’t think of a more perfect bite of flavors and textures… And they pair perfectly with some of my other festive apps like this creamy cranberry jalapeno dip.
Sommer’s Recipe Highlights
Quick and easy – With only four ingredients and five minutes in the oven, this recipe is ideal for no-stress appetizers and last-minute guests.
Perfect pairing – I love the combo of flavors here; the sweet yet tangy cranberry topping really accentuates the creamy pungent notes in the brie.
Kid-approved – Not only are these brie bites loved by adults, but I watched even picky kids go nuts for these little beauties.
Key Ingredients and Tips
- Mini fillo shells – I love to use Athens Mini Fillo Shells because they’re buttery, delicious, and best of all, they bake in just a few minutes!
- Brie – This is the star of the show. I slice it up into small, bite-sized pieces, and once it’s warm and creamy, it’s just perfection. If you can’t fine brie, you can substitute Camembert cheese.
- Cranberry sauce – For that sweet and tangy pop of flavor, just a spoonful of this cranberry sauce goes a long, long way. You can make a homemade cranberry sauce, or you can use the chunky store-bought kind.
- Pistachios – A handful of chopped pistachios gives this recipe the perfect addition of saltiness, crunch, and a pretty pop of green.
How To Make
Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Prep the shells – The first thing I do is preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s getting nice and toasty, I spread the mini fillo shells on a baking sheet.
Add the brie – Next, I cut up the brie into small, bite-sized chunks and plop them into the shells. Each piece of brie should be about 1/2 teaspoon, or just big enough to fill up the shell. Then I place the tray into the oven, and I bake the brie-filled shells for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Top off the shells – Once the cheese has melted, I remove the baking sheet from the oven and top each shell with a dollop of that deliciously sweet and tangy cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. That’s it!
Recipe Variations
- Cheese – If you’re not a fan of brie, you can use other soft cheeses instead, like Chevre goat cheese.
- Fruit preserves – Can’t find cranberry sauce? Some alternatives include cherry preserves, orange marmalade, raspberry jam, apricot jam, or even pepper jelly.
- Nuts – Swap the pistachios with a pinch of crushed blanched almonds, toasted walnuts, or pecans.
Serving Suggestions
These fillo bites filled with baked brie and cranberry sauce are the perfect holiday appetizer. They’re best served warm, straight out of the oven, but you can also give them as a gift to your next holiday gathering. Here are some fun ways I like to serve these up.
- Enjoy these festive bites with a glass of my champagne punch.
- Add them to a holiday brunch spread alongside this egg white frittata with spinach and some walnut cherry scones.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can purchase the freezer fresh pastry shells from the freezer section of your local grocery store, or you can make your own with filo sheets. Cut out circles with a cookie cutter, and press them into a mini muffin pan.
You can assemble the pastry shells and brie chunks ahead of time and refrigerate them. But make sure to bake these before serving because they taste the most delicious fresh from the oven!
No, you don’t need to do that. The rind is edible and add a little texture.
Storing
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to use, pop them in a 350-degree oven for 3-5 minutes. I do not suggest freezing leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
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More Party Snack Recipes To Enjoy
Cranberry Brie Bites
Video
Ingredients
- 1 box Athens Mini Fillo Shells
- 4 ounces brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, homemade or store bought
- 3 tablespoons pistachios chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the Athens Mini Fillo Shells on a baking sheet.
- Cut the brie into small 1/2 teaspoon-sized chunks and place one in each mini fillo shell. Bake for 5 minutes, until the brie is melted.
- Remove from the oven and dollop a scant spoonful of cranberry sauce on each little brie tart. Sprinkle with pistachios and serve warm.
Thanks for sharing this recipe- it’s delicious! Does your note mean that these should not be frozen after baking? Thanks again.
Hi Cannef,
Yes, I would not freeze these after baking. The brie texture would most likely not recover after thawing and rewarming.
These are so simple and so fancy! I love making them for parties. So few ingredients, yet such a tasty little appetizer!
I have made these several times and always a hit! I’ve made them exact to the recipe and have also tried variations. Today I am making them with cherry preserves because I forgot the cranberry sauce when at the store. That variation I haven’t tried yet but I see you recommend it as a swap if needed. You can also try Sunny Cranberry trail mix instead of just pistachios. I find that at Target. It’s delicious!
These were perfect for my holiday table, these were gone in a flash.
This is so good!! Everyone at my house really loved it! Such an amazing appetizer!
the mixture of cranberry, brie and pistachios is one of my favorites!
These were a huge hit at my house! Perfect for entertaining!
These are the best! They were such a hit and I plan to make them again for sure!