Cranberry and Walnut Brie Bites with Honey Drizzle
Kelly Hall
Brie Bites
Crispy phyllo cups filled with melted brie, tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts. A elegant appetizer that's simple yet impressive.
Nutrition (per serving)
These Cranberry and Walnut Brie Bites are an absolute showstopper that look far more complicated than they actually are. The contrast of creamy, buttery brie melting against tart cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts creates a flavor combination that keeps people reaching for just one more. They're the kind of appetizer that makes you look like a culinary genius while barely requiring any real effort.
What I love most about these bites is their versatility—they're fancy enough for dinner parties or holiday gatherings, yet casual enough for casual entertaining or game day. You can prepare the phyllo cups ahead of time and assemble them just before serving, making them perfect for when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests. The honey drizzle adds that final touch of elegance and a subtle sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
- Phyllo pastry sheets:1 package
- Butter, melted:4 tbsp
- Brie cheese:8 oz
- Dried cranberries:½ cup
- Walnuts, chopped and toasted:½ cup
- Honey:3 tbsp
- Fresh thyme:1 tbsp
- Sea salt:¼ tsp
- Black pepper:⅛ tsp
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly brush two 12-cup mini muffin tins with melted butter.
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Cut phyllo sheets into 3-inch squares—you'll need about 24 squares total. Stack and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
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Gently press each phyllo square into the muffin cups, creating a cup shape. Brush lightly with melted butter.
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Bake the phyllo cups for 5-7 minutes until just starting to turn golden but still pliable. Remove and let cool slightly.
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Cut the brie into small cubes and place one piece in the center of each phyllo cup. Top with a few cranberries and a pinch of toasted walnuts.
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Return to the oven for 4-5 minutes until the brie is melted and creamy but still holding its shape.
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Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, sea salt, and a crack of black pepper. Serve warm.
Tips & Notes
- Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and make them crunchier.
- Phyllo dries out quickly, so work fast and keep unused sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel.
- These can be assembled several hours ahead—just store the unbaked cups in the fridge and bake them 10-15 minutes before serving.
- For extra flavor, try drizzling a tiny bit of balsamic glaze alongside the honey.
- If you can't find dried cranberries, fresh ones work beautifully, or swap for chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
