Introduction
If you’re looking for a holiday nibble that looks fancy but takes almost no effort, these Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer are about to be your new party trick. They’re everything we love in a festive bite: creamy melted brie, crisp golden phyllo shells, and a pop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce all in one adorable, two-bite package. They disappear from the party tray faster than you can say, “Who brought these?”.
I still remember the first time I served them at a holiday get-together. I blinked, and the entire platter was gone—my guests were standing around the table, casually “guarding” the tarts so no one else would grab the last one. Since then, this has become our family’s official “it’s time to celebrate” appetizer.
What makes this dish extra special is how simple it is. Frozen mini phyllo cups, a little triple cream brie, and leftover cranberry sauce are all you need. We’re talking minimal prep, about 10 minutes in the oven, and almost zero dishes. If you love my easy baked brie with cranberry and pecans recipe, these mini tarts are like its cuter, speedier cousin—perfect when you want all the flavor but none of the fuss.
Whether you’re hosting a big holiday party or a cozy family movie night, this Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll make you look like a kitchen rockstar with hardly any work. Let’s make some magic in mini form!
What is Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer?
So what exactly is this Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer with the very long (but very delicious) name? Think of it as the shortcut version of fancy baked brie, shrunk down into bite-sized phyllo cups that you can pop straight into your mouth. No knife, no plate, no awkwardly trying to cut gooey cheese while everyone watches—just crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory goodness in one little shell.
Why is it called that? Because sometimes you just have to tell it like it is: cranberry, brie, mini, tarts, easy, holiday, appetizer… check, check, and check! I jokingly told my family that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these were my proof. Spoiler: it works for women, kids, and neighbors too. Ready to test the theory in your own kitchen? Grab a muffin tin and let’s bake a batch!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but let’s talk about the big three: flavor, budget-friendliness, and those irresistible, simple ingredients.
First, the main highlight: flavor and texture. Each tart starts with a crisp, flaky mini phyllo cup that bakes up golden and light. Inside, triple cream brie turns into a pool of rich, melty, creamy cheese that feels totally luxurious. Finish it off with a dollop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce and a tiny twist of freshly ground black pepper, and you’ve got a beautiful balance of buttery, tangy, sweet, and savory in every single bite. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes guests close their eyes for a second while they chew—always a good sign.
Second, this recipe is a quiet little money-saver. Instead of buying expensive pre-made appetizers or ordering a fancy party platter, you can make these at home with just three main ingredients. Frozen mini phyllo cups are affordable, a small wedge of triple cream brie goes a long way, and cranberry sauce is something many of us already have leftover from holiday meals. You get restaurant-style presentation for a fraction of the cost, and no one has to know how quickly you threw them together.
Third, the ingredients and toppings are simple but customizable. The star combo here is brie plus cranberry sauce, but you can dress them up with a sprinkle of chopped herbs, a few toasted nuts, or a drizzle of honey if you want to get extra fancy. The base recipe is perfect as-is, but it also plays well with little additions. Think of it as your holiday appetizer canvas.
If you’ve tried my mini spinach artichoke phyllo cups, you already know how much I love using frozen phyllo shells for easy, impressive bites. These Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer are the festive, brie-filled version you’ll find yourself making again and again. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they become your go-to holiday starter!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer
Quick Overview
Making this Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer is as easy as heat, fill, and bake. You’ll preheat your oven, pop frozen mini phyllo cups into a mini muffin tin, tuck a small spoonful of triple cream brie into each, and bake until the shells are golden and the cheese is melted and gooey. Once they come out of the oven, you top each cup with cranberry sauce and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for a tiny kick.
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 15–20 minutes total, including preheating the oven. That means you can pull off a gorgeous holiday appetizer even when you’re short on time, energy, or counter space. Perfect for last-minute invitations or when you just want something special without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer
Here’s everything you need to make one batch of this simple but elegant holiday appetizer:
- 12 frozen mini phyllo cups – These are pre-baked and found in the freezer section. They get extra crisp and golden in the oven.
- 6 teaspoons triple cream brie – About 1/2 teaspoon per cup. Triple cream brie melts beautifully and gives that rich, silky texture.
- 6 teaspoons homemade cranberry sauce – Again, about 1/2 teaspoon per cup. You can also use canned if that’s what you have.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Just a light twist over each tart to finish. It balances the sweetness of the cranberry.
This ingredient list is for 12 mini tarts, but you can easily scale up. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make just a few for a small gathering or several batches for a big holiday party.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the oven.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving the oven a few minutes to preheat ensures the phyllo cups get nicely crisp and the brie melts evenly. -
Arrange the phyllo cups.
Place the frozen mini phyllo cups into the wells of a mini muffin tin. This helps them keep their shape and makes it easier to transfer them in and out of the oven without spilling. -
Fill with brie.
Cut your triple cream brie into small pieces or scoop with a teaspoon. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of brie into each phyllo cup. You want just enough to melt into a deliciously creamy pool without overflowing the shell. -
Bake until melted.
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the phyllo cups are golden and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. Keep an eye on them toward the end so the shells don’t get too dark. -
Top with cranberry sauce.
Carefully remove the tin from the oven. While the tarts are still warm, spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce onto the center of each melted brie-filled cup. The warmth of the cheese will help the cranberry settle in nicely. -
Finish with pepper.
Give each tart a light twist of freshly ground black pepper. One gentle turn of the grinder per cup is usually perfect. This little touch adds a subtle spice that keeps the bites from being too sweet. -
Serve warm.
Transfer the tarts to a serving platter and serve them warm or at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed shortly after baking when the brie is still soft and creamy.
That’s it! No complicated steps, no special equipment, and no advanced cooking skills required. Even a beginner in the kitchen can proudly serve this Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer with confidence.
What to Serve Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Easy Holiday Appetizer With
These mini tarts are wonderfully versatile and work with tons of holiday favorites. Here are a few ideas to help you build a beautiful spread:
