Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds: A Festive Christmas Appetizer That Will Dazzle Your Guests!

Ever wondered how to elevate your holiday spread from “meh” to “omg, you made this?” These Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds deliver that wow factor every time. I first whipped these up at a last-minute potluck when I realized my usual christmas appetizers lineup needed a serious upgrade. Spoiler alert: they vanished in minutes, and I still get asked for the recipe! 🙂

Whether you’re brainstorming Christmas Party Food Appetizers or hunting for the perfect Holiday Party Appetizers, these bites fit right in. They’re simpler than a charcuterie board but feel just as fancy—IMO, the best of both worlds. You’ll impress your friends with minimal effort (FYI, they assume you slaved over these all day!).

Need a quick Christmas Finger Food Idea For Parties? Done. Craving easy Holiday Appetizers Easy? Check. Want something that pairs flawlessly with your Christmas Charcuterie Board? Bingo. Plus, they work as Christmas Eve Appetizers or late-night Xmas Appetizers munchies—no judgment here 😉

Keep reading to discover my tried-and-true method for perfectly melty, crunchy, and bright-tasting baked brie rounds. Ready to become everyone’s favorite holiday host?

Ingredients

• 8 oz round Brie cheese (cut into 8–10 slices)
• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• ½ cup fresh cranberries (roughly chopped)
• ¼ cup pistachios (shelled and roughly chopped)
• 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional but lovely)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8–10 squares, each about 3–4 inches wide.
3. Place a slice of Brie in the center of each square. Top with chopped cranberries and pistachios, then drizzle a bit of honey over each.
4. Fold pastry corners up and pinch to seal, creating a little pouch. Brush each with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye—puff pastry can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
6. Remove from oven, let cool for 3 minutes, then drizzle extra honey and sprinkle flaky sea salt and thyme leaves.
7. Serve warm on a platter alongside your favorite Christmas Dinner Appetizers or as part of a larger Christmas Snacks For Party spread.

Variations

1. Spiced Up: Swap fresh cranberries for a spoonful of cranberry chutney or jam. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the jam for that cozy holiday spice. You can even stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

2. Nut-Free Option: Skip the pistachios and sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. They add a nice crunch without risking allergy issues.

3. Savory Twist: Replace honey with fig jam and add prosciutto slices beneath the Brie. You’ll get that sweet-savory combo that feels downright gourmet—perfect for your Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods lineup.

Serving & Tips

Serve these brie rounds straight from the oven so your guests taste them at their meltiest best. Pair with crisp apple slices or your favorite crackers to balance the richness. If you want to prep ahead, assemble the rounds on the baking sheet and refrigerate (covered) up to 4 hours—just add a few extra minutes to baking time.

Leftovers? No shame in that game. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. These also make killer toast toppers: slice leftover rounds and drop on baguette toasts for an impromptu snack.

Looking to style a pretty holiday table? Arrange the baked brie rounds around a small Christmas Charcuterie Board featuring cured meats, olives, nuts, and a few sprigs of rosemary for color. Your table will look festive, and the flavors will mingle beautifully—everyone wins!

Final Thoughts

In all honesty, these Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds represent everything I love about christmas appetizers: they feel upscale without fuss, deliver big on flavor, and bring people together around the table. I still remember the first time I made them—I used store-bought cranberry sauce (no judgment) and some sad-looking pistachios from the back of the pantry. To my surprise, they tasted amazing, and my friends went nuts. That day taught me a valuable lesson: great recipes don’t need a million steps or pricey ingredients. They need heart, a pinch of creativity, and a willingness to embrace a little mess in the kitchen. So next time you plot your Xmas Appetizers or hunt down the perfect Holiday Party Appetizers, give these a shot. They’ll earn you all the “oohs” and “aahs” without tieing you to the stove. Plus, you’ll feel like a bona fide holiday hero when you watch everyone dig in. Isn’t that what the season is all about? Sharing good food, good laughs, and good company. Now go grab that Brie and puff pastry—your guests are waiting!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the rounds on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before popping in the oven.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooled rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. Perfect for late-night Christmas Snacks For Party cravings!

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Sure thing! Thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. You might want to pat them dry on a paper towel to avoid soggy pastry.

Are there dairy-free alternatives?

You can swap Brie for a dairy-free “cheese” wheel or a firm vegan cream cheese. The texture won’t be identical but the concept still rocks for your Holiday Appetizers Easy needs.

Follow me on Pinterest for more christmas appetizers recipes!