4-Ingredient Cranberry and Brie Bites deliver a burst of festive flair with hardly any effort, setting them apart from more complicated recipes. Perfect for gracing your Christmas spread, Thanksgiving, or elevating a weeknight dinner. Simple, and superbly savory-sweet, they’re the smart cook’s secret to effortless holiday entertaining.
Indulge in the effortless charm of the holidays with our 4-Ingredient Cranberry and Brie Bites. A recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal fuss. With just 4 simple ingredients, these elegant appetizers come together in a snap, making them the perfect last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
They may look fancy, but these delightful appetizers are astonishingly easy to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time toasting on special occasions.
Let’s dive in!
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- Unbelievably Easy: You know those recipes that say they’re simple, and then two hours and a sink full of dishes later, you’re not so sure? Yeah, this isn’t one of those. With just 4 ingredients and virtually no prep time, these bites come together faster than you can say “Where’s the party at?” Seriously, it’s just a matter of assembly – no culinary degree is required.
- Fancy Without Fuss: When you lay these gorgeous little gems out on a platter, your guests will think you’ve been moonlighting at a French pâtisserie. The rich, creamy brie with that pop of tart cranberry jam nestled in a cute tartlet – it’s like something out of a food magazine. But we’ll keep it between us just how easy they are.
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: Ever try to please a crowd with different tastes? It’s like juggling cats while riding a unicycle. But these Cranberry and Brie Bites? They’re the peacemakers. Sweet, savory, with a little crunch – it’s a combo that even the pickiest palate can’t help but love.
- It’s All About the Leftovers: Got some cranberry jam left from Thanksgiving? Some brie lounging in the back of your fridge? These bites are your ticket to using up those leftovers in the most delicious way possible. Waste not, want not – am I right?
- Mix, Match, and Make It Your Own: Yes, it’s a 4-ingredient wonder, but it’s also a canvas for your creativity. Swap out the walnuts for pecans for a southern twist, or add a sprinkle of thyme for some herby depth. It’s your world, these tartlets are just living in it.
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Cranberry Jam gives a burst of fruity flavor that perfectly complements the cheese. If cranberry jam isn’t lounging in your pantry, no sweat—try apricot preserves or raspberry jam for a sweet twist that still brings a zing.
- Brie Cheese melts like a charm and brings a touch of indulgence. If you don’t have Brie cheese, then Camembert is its close cousin and will melt just as beautifully, or go for a chunk of mozzarella for that gooey pull-apart effect.
- Tartlets holding everything together. No tartlets? Scoop that jam and brie onto puff pastry squares or even filo dough shells for an equally crispy vessel. Just keep an eye on them in the oven; they’ll go from golden to char-town in a blink.
- Walnuts add the oh-so-necessary crunch and a nutty finish that rounds out the bite. Pecans can step in here for a sweeter nuttiness, or almonds can offer a crunch that’s just as satisfying if walnuts are a no-go.
🍴 Tools Needed:
- Baking Dish
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
This recipe is a game-changer for those moments when your guests are practically on their doorstep; all you have to do is stuff the tartlets. I suggest opting for savory pastry shells to achieve a more harmonious flavor profile.
Lay the tart shells out in a baking tray and spoon roughly a third of a tablespoon of jam into each one.
Next, nestle a slice of cheese on top of the jam in each tartlet, and crown it with a walnut half.
Pop them into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is delightfully melted.
Serve the tartlets warm from the oven, and for an extra pop of color and taste, consider scattering a few thyme leaves on top just before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- On a Rustic Wooden Board: Imagine this: your Cranberry and Brie Bites arranged on a charming wooden board, the rustic vibe making the reds pop and the cheese look even creamier. Scatter some loose walnuts around, and maybe a sprig of rosemary or two for that.
- With a Drizzle: Before you serve, drizzle a little honey over the brie bites. This isn’t just for looks (though it’ll glimmer like amber), but for that perfect hint of sweetness that ties the nutty and tart flavors together. Honey’s viscosity creates a delightful texture contrast too.
- Garnished to Perfection: A little thyme or even a small basil leaf on top of each bite can add a pop of color and an aromatic touch that’ll have your guests sniffing around the kitchen like cartoon characters floating on the scent of a pie.
- Pair with a Drink: If you’re into pairings, serve these bites with a nice bubbly Prosecco or a crisp white wine. The effervescence and acidity will cut through the richness of the brie, cleansing the palate and prepping your guests for the next delectable bite.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a sit-down affair, place each bite atop a fresh salad leaf on individual small plates. This not only looks elegant but the greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brie and jam.
- A Sweet Finish: Who says you can’t double down on dessert vibes? Try placing these on a dessert stand among mini cupcakes and fruit tarts. The sweet and savory play is a modern twist on after-dinner treats, and these bites hold their own among the sugar.
😻 Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- 4 Ingredient Beetroot And Feta Tartlets
- 4 Ingredient Tomato And Ricotta Bruschetta
- 4 Ingredient Baked Salami Appetizer
- Quick 4 Ingredient Olive Dip
- Cherry Tomato Tartlets With Cream Cheese (4 Ingredients)
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- The Brie Cut: When cutting your brie, don’t remove the rind; it helps keep the cheese together while it melts and adds a subtle earthy flavor. Cut the brie when it’s cold for cleaner slices that’ll fit neatly into your tartlets.
- Jam Consistency: If your cranberry jam is on the thicker side, give it a quick stir with a spoon or a gentle warm-up. This will make it easier to spoon into the tartlets and ensure a more even distribution for each bite.
- Toast Those Nuts: If you have time, toast the walnuts before topping the brie. This not only intensifies their flavor but also adds an extra layer of crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry pan or a quick toast in the oven will do the trick.
- Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on these bites as they bake. Tartlet shells can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. You want that cheese melty, not oily, and the pastry crisp, not burnt.
- Balancing Flavors: Too much jam can overpower the delicate brie, and too little can be underwhelming. Aim for a teaspoon or so per bite, enough to nestle into the cheese but not so much that it spills over during baking.
- Prepping Ahead: If you’re prepping for a party, you can assemble the bites ahead of time and refrigerate them. Pop them in the oven just before guests arrive for that fresh and gooey cheese pull.
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
How Can I Prevent the Tartlet Shells from Getting Soggy?
The key to keeping your tartlet shells crisp is to avoid overloading them with jam. A thin layer of jam just at the bottom, topped with a slice of brie, allows the fruitiness to shine without compromising the texture of the pastry. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking so the shells can start crisping up right away.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
In the rare event you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F (around 175°C) for a few minutes until they’re warmed through and the brie is soft again.
Can I Prepare These Bites in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the tartlets a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This can be a real time-saver if you’re planning for a party. Just make sure to cover them well in the fridge to prevent the tartlets from absorbing any stray odors.
Do I Need to Toast the Walnuts?
Toasting walnuts is not a must, but it’s highly recommended. It intensifies their flavor and adds a toasty depth to the bites that complements the creamy brie and tart cranberry beautifully. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in the end result.
📋 Recipe Card:
4-Ingredient Cranberry and Brie Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 Tartlet Shells
- 3 tablespoon Cranberry Jam
- 3 oz Brie Cheese
- ¼ cup Walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tart shells in a baking dish. If you don't have a special mold, you can place them directly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.9 Tartlet Shells
- Start by filling the tartlets with about ⅓ tablespoon of jam each. Don't overfill to prevent spillage during baking.3 tablespoon Cranberry Jam
- On top of the jam, place a piece of Brie cheese in each tartlet, cut to the right size to fit nicely into the shells.3 oz Brie Cheese
- Add half a walnut on top of the Brie. The walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the jam and the saltiness of the cheese.¼ cup Walnuts
- Bake the tartlets in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until you notice that the cheese has melted and the edges of the tartlets are lightly golden.
- While the tartlets are still warm but just out of the oven, you can add a few sprigs of fresh thyme on top for an aromatic touch and a beautiful presentation.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Ensure your brie slices are appropriately sized for your tartlets. If they’re too big, they’ll overflow; too small, and they won’t provide enough creamy goodness.
- If using store-bought tartlet shells, keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to fill them. This helps them maintain their shape and texture when baked.
- If your jam is particularly runny, you may want to reduce it slightly on the stove to thicken it before using, so it doesn’t make the tartlet shells soggy.
- For a festive twist during the holiday season, mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cranberry jam before filling the tartlets.
- These bites are best served warm, but not piping hot, as allowing them to cool for a minute or two after removing from the oven will enable the flavors to meld perfectly.
- A little orange zest sprinkled on top before serving can add a bright citrus note that complements the cranberry beautifully.
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