If you are searching for a stunning yet simple holiday appetizer, these Mini Brie Wreath Bites are just the ticket to wow your guests. These delicate little pastry shells filled with creamy brie, topped with vibrant cranberry sauce, and adorned with fragrant rosemary and crunchy pistachios create a festive and flavorful bite that tastes as joyful as it looks. Perfectly crisp and beautifully presented, Mini Brie Wreath Bites bring together classic holiday flavors in a charming, handheld form that’s sure to be the star of any Christmas party snack table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for Mini Brie Wreath Bites is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the buttery crispness of the phyllo shells to the tangy burst of cranberry sauce and aromatic rosemary, every bite feels thoughtfully crafted.
- Mini phyllo shells: These provide a light, flaky base that crisps up beautifully in the oven for the perfect bite-sized vessel.
- Brie cheese: Use a creamy, mild brie; it melts wonderfully to create a luscious filling that contrasts with the crisp shell.
- Whole-berry cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet-tart pop of color and flavor that brightens and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Minced rosemary: This fresh herb adds an earthy, piney aroma that evokes holiday spirit and complexity.
- Chopped pistachios: Provides a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness while enhancing the festive green color.
How to Make Mini Brie Wreath Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo Shells
Start by arranging your mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet. These tiny shells are your canvas, so make sure they are spread out evenly to bake up crisp and golden without sticking together. No need to grease them, as they already have that perfect flaky texture.
Step 2: Add the Brie Filling
Cut the brie cheese into small cubes roughly the size of the phyllo shells. Place one cube inside each shell, making sure the pieces fill but do not overflow from the shells. This ensures each bite delivers that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sensation without creating a mess.
Step 3: Top with Cranberry Sauce
Use about half a teaspoon of whole-berry cranberry sauce on top of each brie cube. The berries should nestle gently on top, providing a glistening red jewel contrast that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. This sweet-tart topping cuts through the richness of the brie perfectly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep a close eye so the shells turn crisp golden brown, and the brie melts into a velvety pool inside. The aroma during baking will have everyone eagerly anticipating these Mini Brie Wreath Bites.
Step 5: Garnish to Create the Wreath Effect
Once out of the oven and slightly cooled, sprinkle minced rosemary and chopped pistachios around the edges of each baked bite. This delicate ring of green herbs and nuts mimics a wreath’s shape, adding not just texture and flavor but stunning holiday flair to these elegant appetizers.
How to Serve Mini Brie Wreath Bites
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, consider adding a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a few whole pistachios on top of each bite. A light dusting of powdered sugar or edible gold flakes can also elevate the presentation for a party worthy of admiration.
Side Dishes
Serve your Mini Brie Wreath Bites alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a platter of assorted cured meats and olives. These bites complement a variety of flavors while also holding their own as a standout, flavorful appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Mini Brie Wreath Bites on a circular serving tray lined with evergreen sprigs or cranberries for a seasonal effect that invites guests to indulge. Layering them around a bowl of spicy mustard or honey for dipping adds interactive fun and an extra flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though they rarely last long!), place the Mini Brie Wreath Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate. For best texture, consume within 24 hours to enjoy the cheese’s creaminess without the shells getting too soft.
Freezing
While Mini Brie Wreath Bites are best fresh, you can freeze unbaked filled shells before adding cranberry and garnishes. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding toppings after baking for the freshest presentation.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and the shells regain their crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the phyllo soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie provides that creamy, mild flavor, you can also try camembert or a soft goat cheese for a different but equally delicious twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
Yes, swap the brie for a vegan cheese alternative and use phyllo shells that are dairy-free. Be sure to check the cranberry sauce and other toppings to keep everything plant-based.
Can Mini Brie Wreath Bites be made ahead of time?
You can assemble them a few hours ahead, but for best texture and flavor, bake and garnish just before serving. This keeps the shells crisp and the toppings fresh.
What if I don’t have mini phyllo shells?
You can use regular phyllo dough cut into small squares, shaped into mini cups in a muffin tin. This requires a bit more prep but yields a similar delightful result.
How do I prevent the cranberry sauce from making the shells soggy?
Adding the cranberry sauce on top of the melted brie right before baking helps it adhere without soaking the shell. Baking quickly at a high temperature also keeps the shells crisp.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about Mini Brie Wreath Bites—the way familiar holiday flavors come together in such a charming and elegant form is downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or looking for that perfect seasonal snack, these bites will not disappoint. I absolutely encourage you to try making them; they’re sure to sprinkle your celebrations with joy and plenty of compliments.
PrintMini Brie Wreath Bites
These Mini Brie Wreath Bites are a delightful and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday parties. Featuring small phyllo pastry shells filled with melted brie cheese and topped with sweet whole-berry cranberry sauce, fresh rosemary, and crunchy pistachios arranged to resemble festive wreaths, they combine simplicity with festive sophistication, making them a standout addition to your Christmas snack spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Mini Brie Wreath Bites
- Mini phyllo shells – about 24 shells
- Brie cheese – 8 oz, cut into small cubes
- Whole-berry cranberry sauce – 12 tablespoons (about ½ teaspoon per shell)
- Fresh rosemary – 1 tablespoon, minced
- Chopped pistachios – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare the phyllo shells: Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet evenly spaced for easy handling.
- Add brie cheese: Place a small cube of brie cheese inside each phyllo shell, ensuring the cheese fills the shell but does not overflow.
- Top with cranberry sauce: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of whole-berry cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each shell, adding a burst of sweetness and texture.
- Bake the bites: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the filled phyllo shells for 8–10 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the phyllo shells turn crisp and golden.
- Garnish the wreaths: Once baked and slightly cooled, sprinkle minced rosemary and chopped pistachios around the edges of each bite in a circular pattern to mimic the look of festive mini wreaths.
- Serve: Arrange the mini brie wreath bites on a holiday-themed platter and serve warm or at room temperature for an elegant appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor and appearance in the garnish.
- Whole-berry cranberry sauce adds texture and visual appeal compared to smooth sauce.
- Mini phyllo shells can often be found in the freezer section of grocery stores.
- Serve these bites warm for the best cheese texture and flavor.
- To prepare ahead, assemble the bites on the tray and refrigerate; bake just before serving.