Of course! Baked Brie Bites with Pecan and Cranberry Topping are the ultimate easy, elegant, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. They combine all the gooey, savory, sweet, and crunchy elements of a baked brie wheel in a perfect, single-serving package.
Here’s a foolproof recipe that will become your go-to for any gathering.
The Magic of Baked Brie Bites
Imagine: A flaky, buttery phyllo cup filled with molten, creamy brie, and topped with a sweet-tart cranberry and toasted pecan mixture. They are as delicious as they are beautiful, and they can be assembled in advance!
Easy Baked Brie Bites Recipe
This recipe uses pre-made phyllo (or puff pastry) cups for maximum ease and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
· 1 package (15 count) frozen phyllo dough cups (mini fillo shells), thawed
· 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
· ¼ cup pecans, finely chopped
· ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
· 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
· ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish (or a pinch of dried thyme)
· Pinch of salt
· Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar for extra caramelization
Instructions:
- Prepare the Topping:
· In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, maple syrup, thyme, and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Prepare the Brie:
· Use a small, sharp knife to remove the rind from the Brie wheel. While the rind is edible, removing it for this recipe allows for easier melting and a smoother texture.
· Cut the Brie into small cubes, roughly ½-inch in size. You will need one cube per phyllo cup.
- Assemble the Bites:
· Arrange the thawed phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
· Place one cube of Brie into each phyllo cup.
· Top each one with a small spoonful of the pecan-cranberry mixture, pressing it down gently.
- Bake:
· Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
· Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the Brie is completely melted and bubbly and the phyllo cups are golden brown.
· Keep a close eye on them, as the phyllo can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Serve:
· Let the bites cool for just 1-2 minutes before serving (the filling will be extremely hot).
· Garnish with a few extra fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful presentation.
· Serve warm.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Bites
· Thaw Phyllo Cups Properly: Take them out of the freezer about 15 minutes before you need them. If they are still frozen, they won’t heat through properly.
· Remove the Rind: This is highly recommended for the best texture and easiest eating. The rind can be tough and prevent the cheese from melting seamlessly into the cup.
· Toast the Pecans: For a deeper, richer flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant before mixing them with the other topping ingredients.
· Don’t Overfill: The Brie will expand as it melts. Fill the cups only about ¾ full to prevent messy overflow.
· Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble these bites completely up to a day in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if they go in cold.
Delicious Variations
· Puff Pastry Version: If you can’t find phyllo cups, use a sheet of thawed puff pastry. Cut it into small squares and press them into the cups of a mini muffin tin. Fill and bake as directed.
· Savory & Sweet: Add a tiny piece of cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the Brie before adding the cranberry-pecan mix.
· Spicy Kick: Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry-pecan mixture.
· Apple Cinnamon: Replace the cranberries with very finely chopped apple and a pinch of cinnamon in the topping.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are perfect on their own, but they can be part of a larger spread. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine, Prosecco, or a sparkling cider.
Enjoy these incredibly easy and impressive appetizers! They are guaranteed to disappear in minutes.