If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy all in one delightful bite, the Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe is your new best friend. These little gems feature crispy phyllo shells filled with luscious melted brie and topped with vibrant cranberry sauce, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday parties or elegant brunches, this recipe is both quick to assemble and guaranteed to impress your guests with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making these phyllo cups sing. Each element plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and color that pop on your serving platter.
- Frozen mini phyllo shells: These provide the perfect crisp and delicate container that holds all the delicious fillings.
- Brie cheese, 5 oz: Cut into small cubes to ensure even melting, the creamy richness makes these cups irresistible.
- Cranberry sauce, ½ cup: Adds brightness and a touch of tang that contrasts beautifully against the brie.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, 1 tablespoon (optional): A nutty crunch that amps up texture and nuttiness.
- Fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon finely chopped (optional): Adds an aromatic herby note that’s subtle but memorable.
- Honey for drizzling (optional): A sweet finish that enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the phyllo shells
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange frozen mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet. It’s best to handle these gently so they don’t break—they’re delicate but will bake into a perfect golden crispness.
Step 2: Add the brie cheese
Place one small cube of brie into each phyllo cup. Removing the rind is optional but can create a smoother melt if you prefer. This cheese is the creamy foundation of your cups, destined to melt beautifully.
Step 3: Top with cranberry sauce
Spoon about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce onto each cup, right on top of the brie. The tart and slightly sweet sauce is a fantastic contrast to the richness of the cheese and adds a lovely festive red splash of color.
Step 4: Add nuts and rosemary (optional)
If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts and fresh rosemary, sprinkle them now. These add a delightful crunch and fragrant herbal notes that will elevate the whole experience.
Step 5: Bake until melty and crisp
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the brie to melt into a gooey dream and the phyllo edges to turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Finish with a honey drizzle (optional)
Remove the cups carefully and let them cool slightly. Drizzle a touch of honey over the top right before serving for a sweet accent that balances all the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme adds a pop of color and aroma. For extra visual appeal, you can scatter a few whole nuts around your serving platter, inviting guests to enjoy every flavor element.
Side Dishes
These phyllo cups shine on their own but also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a platter of charcuterie and other cheese varieties. Light, fresh vegetables contrast nicely with the rich brie while keeping your appetizer spread balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving these cups on a wooden board lined with festive greenery or a beautiful marble slab. You could also arrange them in a muffin tin for an easy grab-and-go style display that keeps them tidy and intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed the same day but will keep well for up to 2 days without losing too much crispness.
Freezing
These cups don’t freeze well once baked due to the phyllo losing its crisp texture. However, you can assemble them fully and store them frozen before baking. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the cups into a 325°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and the phyllo is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it will make the phyllo soggy and detract from the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular phyllo dough instead of pre-made mini shells?
Absolutely! You can brush sheets of regular phyllo with melted butter, cut into small squares, and layer them in mini muffin tins to create your own cups. Just bake until crisp before adding fillings.
Is it necessary to remove the rind from the brie?
No, the rind is edible and adds flavor. If you prefer a smoother melt without the slightly firmer texture the rind provides, feel free to remove it.
Can this dish be made vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, swap the brie for a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, and use a vegan-friendly cranberry sauce. The texture won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
What other jams or sauces can I use instead of cranberry?
Fig jam, apricot preserves, or cherry preserves make excellent substitutes for cranberry sauce, offering a sweet-tart contrast that complements the brie beautifully.
How far in advance can I prepare these for a party?
You can assemble the cups a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh just before your guests arrive for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe—it’s an effortless way to bring elegance and deliciousness to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday celebration, a Sunday brunch, or simply craving a charming bite, these phyllo cups deliver warmth and flavor with every mouthful. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to appetizer that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 15 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are a festive, bite-sized appetizer featuring crispy phyllo shells filled with creamy brie cheese and topped with tangy cranberry sauce. Quick to assemble and elegant to serve, these cups are perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 1 package (15 count) frozen mini phyllo shells
Filling
- 5 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes (rind removed if desired)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
Toppings (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the frozen mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet to prepare for filling.
- Fill Phyllo Cups: Place one small cube of brie cheese into each phyllo shell, ensuring even distribution so every cup has a creamy center.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup, adding the perfect balance of tangy sweetness.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) and finely chopped fresh rosemary over the cups if using, to add texture and an herbal note.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly and the phyllo edges turn golden and crisp.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the phyllo cups cool for a few minutes so they are safe to handle and the flavors meld.
- Final Touch: Just before serving, lightly drizzle honey over the cups if desired to add a hint of natural sweetness.
- Serve: These phyllo cups are best served warm or at room temperature, perfect for entertaining and easy to enjoy in one bite.
Notes
- You can prepare these appetizer cups ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then baking them just before serving to save time.
- For a flavor variation, replace the cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves to complement the creamy brie with different fruit notes.
