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Lighter Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Bites

cranberry pecan baked brie bites - featured image
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These lighter cranberry pecan baked brie bites are warm, gooey, and have that perfect sweet-savory balance. They come together in under 20 minutes using frozen phyllo shells, making them an impressive yet effortless appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 mini phyllo shells (frozen, like Athens or Pepperidge Farm)
  • 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed
  • 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toast the pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a dry small skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan occasionally and toast for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.
  3. Prepare the brie: Use a small knife to cut away the white rind from the brie. Cut the brie into small cubes, about 1/2 inch each.
  4. Arrange the phyllo cups: Remove the mini phyllo shells from the freezer and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, still in their foil cups. No need to thaw.
  5. Fill the cups: Place a few cubes of brie in each phyllo cup, filling them about two-thirds full.
  6. Add the cranberry sauce: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup.
  7. Top with pecans: Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the cranberry layer, dividing them evenly among the 15 cups. Press them in gently.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the brie is melted and bubbly and the phyllo cups are golden brown.
  9. Finish with honey and thyme: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle each bite with a tiny amount of honey (about 1/4 teaspoon each) and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  10. Serve warm: Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while the brie is still warm and gooey.

Notes

Don’t skip removing the brie rind—it doesn’t melt and creates a rubbery texture. Toast the pecans for best flavor. Let bites cool 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth. For make-ahead, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake straight from the fridge, adding 2-3 minutes. For air fryer, cook at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie bites, cranberry pecan brie, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, phyllo cups, 20-minute recipe, party food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/lighter-cranberry-pecan-baked-brie-bites-easy-20-minute-appetizer/