Let’s Make Some Magic: Cranberry & Brie Tartlets
Hey friends, Beau here! Can you smell it? That crisp, festive air is starting to swirl, and you know what that means—it’s officially party season. And whether you’re hosting the big family feast, heading to a friend’s potluck, or just treating yourself to a fancy little snack, every celebration needs a show-stopping appetizer. The kind that makes folks’ eyes light up the second the platter hits the table. The kind that looks like you fussed for hours but secretly comes together in a beautiful, flaky, cheesy flash. That, my friends, is where these Cranberry & Brie Tartlets come in.
Imagine this: a delicate, buttery phyllo cup, cradling a pocket of luxuriously melted, creamy brie. On top, a dollop of sweet-and-tart cranberry sauce that just *pops* with flavor, and maybe a little crunch from some toasted pecans. You pick one up, still warm from the oven, and in one perfect bite, you get that incredible combo of crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory. It’s a flavor and texture party, and everyone’s invited. These little bites are my absolute go-to for the holidays because they are foolproof, endlessly customizable, and disappear from the plate faster than you can say “Happy Holidays!” So, preheat that oven, grab your favorite baking sheet, and let’s create some bite-sized magic together.
A Tartlet Tradition is Born
I’ll never forget the first time I threw these together. It was years ago, right before a last-minute Friendsgiving potluck. You know the drill—you’re scrambling through the pantry, hoping inspiration strikes. I found a lonely box of phyllo cups, a wedge of brie that was begging to be used, and a jar of cranberry sauce left over from a test recipe. In a moment of “what’s the worst that could happen?” genius, I assembled them and popped them in the oven.
The result was nothing short of legendary. They were the first platter to be completely emptied, and I spent the rest of the night giving out the “recipe.” What started as a kitchen Hail Mary has now become a non-negotiable tradition. For me, the smell of these tartlets baking—that warm, cheesy, berry-scented aroma—is the official smell of the holidays. It’s a little reminder that the best creations often come from a place of fun, experimentation, and a desire to bring people together over seriously good food.
Gathering Your Tartlet Toolkit
Here’s the beautiful part: you only need a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients to make these tartlets sing. Let’s break them down.
- 1 package (15-count) phyllo shells: These are the little edible vessels for our delicious cargo! You’ll find them in the freezer section near the desserts. They’re pre-formed and ready to go, which is the ultimate kitchen hack. Chef’s Insight: Keep them frozen until you’re ready to use them to ensure they stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
- 6 oz brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small cubes: The star of the show! Brie melts into this incredible, creamy pool of goodness. Substitution Tip: If you’re not a brie fan, camembert works beautifully. And about the rind—it’s totally edible, but for a smoother melt in these small bites, I prefer to remove it.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought): This is where the tangy magic happens. Chef’s Insight: If using store-bought, I often jazz it up with a squeeze of fresh orange juice or a pinch of orange zest to brighten it up. Whole-berry sauce gives a great texture, but jellied works just fine too!
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): A little sprinkle adds a wonderful toasty, crunchy contrast. Substitution Tip: Not a nut family? Totally fine to leave them out. For a different crunch, try a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or even a few pomegranate arils for a juicy burst.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish: Don’t skip this! A tiny herb leaf not only makes them look professionally gorgeous but also adds a whisper of earthy, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Let’s Build These Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, team, let’s get our hands (gently) dirty. This process is so simple it’s almost magical. Here’s exactly how to nail it.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep. First things first, get that oven heating to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to gently melt the brie and warm the phyllo without burning those delicate shells. While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with your phyllo cups. Give them a little space—they don’t need much, but they appreciate the breathing room. Chef’s Hack: If your shells feel a bit soft straight from the box, you can pop the empty shells in the oven for 2-3 minutes to crisp up before filling. This creates a extra-sturdy barrier against sogginess!
Step 2: The Cheese Please. Take your cubes of rind-free brie and place one neatly inside each phyllo cup. You want a nice, hearty cube that will melt into a generous cheesy pool. Don’t be shy! Chef’s Tip: If the brie is too soft to cube neatly, pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. It will firm up beautifully and make slicing a breeze.
Step 3: Crown It With Cranberry. Now, take your cranberry sauce and give it a good stir if it’s separated. Using a small spoon (a ¼ teaspoon measuring spoon is perfect for this!), carefully place a dollop of the saucy goodness right on top of the brie cube. You don’t want to overfill it and risk a sticky, leaky mess in the oven. Just a cute little red hat for your cheese.
Step 4: The Nutty Finale (Optional). If you’re going the nut route, now’s the time! Sprinkle a few pieces of your chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry layer. This adds that final textural element and a lovely toasty flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection. Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the magic happen. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be completely melted and gloriously bubbly, and the edges of the phyllo to turn a beautiful golden brown. Chef’s Hack: Keep a close eye after the 8-minute mark! Ovens can vary, and phyllo goes from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve Immediately. The most important step! As soon as they’re out of the oven, immediately garnish with those tiny fresh herb leaves. The residual heat will release their amazing aroma. Serve these beauties warm. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the shell is crisp.
How to Serve Your Masterpieces
Presentation is part of the fun! You’ve created these gorgeous, jewel-like appetizers, so let’s show them off. I love to arrange them on a simple white platter or a beautiful piece of slate—something that really lets their red-and-gold colors pop. Place a few extra sprigs of rosemary around the platter for a festive touch.
Because the cheese sets up as they cool, these are truly a “serve immediately” situation. I like to have my guests gathered ’round the kitchen island so I can transfer them straight from the baking sheet to the platter and into their waiting hands. The sound of happy murmurs after that first bite is the best review a chef can get! Pair them with a glass of sparkling prosecco, a crisp white wine, or even a festive cocktail. They’re rich, so a bubbly or acidic drink helps cleanse the palate perfectly.
Get Creative: Tartlet Twist Ideas
The basic formula is a masterpiece, but feel free to play with it! Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix things up.
- Thanksgiving Leftover Style: Chop up a little bit of leftover turkey and add a tiny piece under the brie before baking. Finish with a tiny drizzle of gravy after baking. Seriously!
- Fig & Goat Cheese: Swap the brie for a small piece of creamy goat cheese and replace the cranberry sauce with a spoonful of fig jam. Garnish with a tiny piece of prosciutto for a salty kick.
- Apple Pie Twist: Use a small cube of sharp cheddar cheese and top with a dollop of spiced apple butter or finely diced sautéed apples. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top is divine.
- Savory Herb: Skip the sweet and go savory. Fill with herbed goat cheese and top with a sliver of sun-dried tomato and a fresh basil leaf after baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño on top of the brie before the cranberry for a sweet-and-spicy combination that will wake up your taste buds.
From My Kitchen to Yours: Chef’s Notes
Over the years, I’ve made approximately a zillion of these tartlets (slight exaggeration, but you get it). I’ve learned a few things. First, always buy an extra box of phyllo cups. They are notoriously fragile, and you’ll always have a few casualties in the box. Plus, it’s better to have too many than not enough—the filling is easy to scale up! Second, embrace the mess. Sometimes the cheese bubbles over, sometimes the cranberry drips. It’s okay! It just shows they’re made with love (and it all tastes the same). This recipe has evolved from a last-minute fix into a beloved staple, and I hope it becomes one for you, too. The best part is how it gets everyone gathered in the kitchen, waiting for the next batch. That’s the real magic.
Your Questions, Answered!
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can *assemble* them ahead of time! Up to a few hours before your party, fill the shells and keep them covered in the fridge. Hold off on baking until your guests arrive. This prevents the phyllo from getting soggy. Do not freeze assembled tartlets.
Q: My phyllo shells got soggy. What happened?
A: Sogginess is usually caused by two things: 1) The filling was too wet, or 2) They weren’t eaten immediately. Using thicker cranberry sauce (not runny) and that pre-baking trick for the empty shells can help create a barrier. But remember, they are best right out of the oven!
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely! Brie is classic, but other soft, melty cheeses work wonderfully. Camembert is a direct substitute. For a stronger flavor, try a soft goat cheese. For a more stretchy, savory vibe, a small cube of mozzarella could be fun!
Q: How do I keep them warm for a party?
A: Bake them in batches! Since they only take 10 minutes, I’ll often do one tray to put out right away and have a second tray assembled and ready to pop in the oven 15 minutes later. You can also keep them warm on a warming tray or in a low oven (200°F) for a very short period, but they are so quick to bake fresh it’s usually easier to just do multiple rounds.
Cranberry & Brie Tartlets
Description
Crispy, golden phyllo cups filled with creamy brie, topped with tangy cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pecans—these tartlets are the holiday appetizer everyone will rave about. They’re festive, elegant, and shockingly easy to make in just minutes. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights with a glass of bubbly, they’re guaranteed to vanish as soon as they hit the table.
Ingredients
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1 package (15-count) frozen phyllo shells
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6 oz brie cheese, rind removed, cut into cubes
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½ cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or jellied)
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2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
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Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
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Fill: Place a cube of brie in each shell. Top with ½–1 tsp cranberry sauce.
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Add Crunch: Sprinkle with pecans or walnuts, if using.
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Bake: 8–10 minutes, until brie is melted and shells are golden.
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Finish: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Nutrition
- Calories: 70 Cal per tartlet
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Tartlet)
Let’s be real—these are a treat, and that’s okay! It’s all about balance. Here’s a rough breakdown of what’s in each delicious bite. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially the cranberry sauce (jellied vs. whole berry, sugar content) and the type of nuts.
- Calories: ~70
- Total Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
To lighten them up slightly, you could use a light brie cheese (if you can find it) and opt for a reduced-sugar cranberry sauce. The pecans add healthy fats and a bit of protein, but you can omit them to save a few calories. But hey, it’s the holidays. Enjoy a few without guilt!
Final Thoughts
Well, that’s it, folks! Your complete guide to creating the easiest, most impressive appetizer of the season. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Remember, cooking isn’t about being perfect; it’s about creating moments and memories. These little tartlets are a perfect way to do just that. They’re a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the fact that the best food is often the simplest.
So from my kitchen at Feastical to yours, I wish you a season filled with delicious food, great company, and plenty of warm, cheesy, cranberry-filled hugs. Now, go preheat that oven and get your party started! And if you make them, I’d love to see your creations. Tag me @feastical on social media so I can share in the fun. Happy cooking!