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Looking for the ultimate showstopper among christmas appetizers? I’ve got you covered with these Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds. Whether you’re hunting for Christmas Party Food Appetizers or just want to wow your guests with Holiday Party Appetizers, this little crowd-pleaser ticks all the boxes. Imagine warm, gooey brie topped with a vibrant cranberry compote and crunchy pistachios—basically a Christmas Charcuterie Board in miniature form.
Seriously, these bite-sized wonders have become my go-to for Xmas Appetizers and Christmas Eve Appetizers. I whipped them up last year in under 30 minutes when I realized I forgot to plan Christmas Dinner Appetizers—classic me, right? 😂 But honestly, they saved the day, blending sweet, salty, and nutty flavors like a dream.
Ever wondered why everyone raves about Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties? It’s because they love food that’s easy to grab, portable, and packs a punch. These Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds fit the bill perfectly as Holiday Appetizers Easy enough to make last-minute but fancy enough to impress your in-laws. Ready to dive in and learn how to whip up these gems? Let’s go!
Ingredients
- 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese, cut into 12 equal rounds
- ½ cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ¼ cup orange juice (fresh squeezed if possible)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 12 small phyllo shells or mini puff pastry cups
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Working in parchment-lined elegance prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Make the cranberry compote. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries pop and the mixture thickens—about 8–10 minutes. Smells like holiday magic, right?
- Assemble the Brie rounds. Place each Brie round into a phyllo shell. Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the warm cranberry compote on top. Trust me, don’t skimp—fruitiness is key here.
- Add the pistachio crunch. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over each Brie round. You want that satisfying nutty texture in every bite. Plus, pistachios give you that festive green pop of color!
- Bake for 8–10 minutes. Slide the sheet into the oven and bake until the Brie just starts to ooze. Keep an eye on them—gooey cheese is glorious, but a cheese puddle on your pan? Not so much.
- Garnish and serve hot. Carefully transfer the Brie rounds to a serving platter. Add a small sprig of rosemary on each for that fancy Holiday Appetizers Easy touch. Serve immediately and watch them disappear.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few creative twists:
- Spiced Walnut & Maple Brie: Swap pistachios for chopped walnuts and drizzle pure maple syrup instead of honey. You’ll get a deeper, earthier sweetness that pairs amazingly with Brie.
- Pear & Gorgonzola Delight: Use thinly sliced pears and crumbled Gorgonzola instead of Brie. Top with a sprinkle of candied pecans. This variation feels posh and works great as Christmas Dinner Appetizers when you want something different.
- Tropical Mango & Coconut: For a wild take, add diced mango and toasted coconut flakes. It’s the curveball your Holiday Party Appetizers never knew they needed—IMO, a total winner.
Serving & Tips
These Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds shine as Christmas appetizers finger foods. Here’s how to make your life easier and your guests happier:
Serving Ideas: Lay them out on a wooden board alongside a Christmas Charcuterie Board featuring cured meats, olives, and crackers. Add some Christmas Snacks For Party like spiced nuts and mini meatballs for variety. Your spread will look like you spent all day prepping—though you barely lifted a finger!
Storage Tips: Got leftovers? (Ha, as if.) But seriously, store any uneaten Brie rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. FYI, they won’t be as crisp, but the flavor stays on point.
Prep Ahead: You can prep the compote up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled. Assemble the rounds right before baking so the phyllo shells stay crisp. This trick transforms you into the hostess with the mostest without breaking a sweat.
Play with Textures: Feel free to swap phyllo shells for mini puff pastry cups or even tortilla scoops. The goal is a sturdy vessel that can handle all that melty cheese and tangy fruit. Got picky eaters? Offer a plain Brie round too—sometimes simplicity wins.
And hey, if you accidentally drop a round on the floor, just pick it up and enjoy—because no one’s judging at a holiday party, right? 🙂
Final Thoughts
I still remember the first time I whipped up these Brie rounds for a last-minute holiday gathering. My kitchen looked like a wrapping-paper tornado hit it, but the smiles on my friends’ faces made every second worth it. These Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds have that cozy, nostalgic vibe mixed with a little bit of fancy—perfect for any Christmas throwdown.
Whether you’re searching for Holiday Appetizers Easy enough to pull together between Zoom calls or want to stun your crowd with festive flair, these bites won’t let you down. They genuinely taste like a warm hug on a chilly winter night. So, go ahead: grab that Brie, crank up the holiday playlist, and get ready for applause.
Happy snacking, and may your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and lots of cheese! 🧀
Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries pop and the mixture thickens (about 8–10 minutes).
- Place each Brie round into a phyllo shell or puff pastry cup on the baking sheet.
- Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the cranberry compote on top of each Brie round.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios over each round.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until Brie starts to melt. Do not overbake.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish each with a rosemary sprig. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. They’ll still burst beautifully in the compote and give you that vibrant holiday color.
Are phyllo shells necessary?
Nope! You can use mini puff pastry cups or even sturdy tortilla chips. Just pick a vessel that holds up under melted cheese and juicy compote.
How far ahead can I prep these rounds?
You can make the cranberry compote up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the Brie rounds right before serving for maximum crispiness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
For sure. Swap phyllo or puff pastry for gluten-free alternatives like corn tortilla cups or gluten-free pastry cups. The flavor stays festive and fun!
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