If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your holiday table or next gathering, Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are about to become your go-to appetizer. These irresistible little bites marry creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and crispy phyllo shells into one festive, easy-to-eat treat, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and, if you like, a luxurious drizzle of honey. They’re quick to make, beautifully elegant, and deliver that wow-factor without the fuss—what more could you want in a finger food?
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups comes from a short list of superstar ingredients. Each one shines in its own way, lending unique flavor, texture, or color that makes these savory-sweet morsels so hard to resist.
- Mini phyllo shells: These delicate, ready-to-use cups bake up golden and crisp, providing the perfect base for the creamy filling.
- Brie cheese: When warm, brie turns perfectly gooey and rich, adding an indulgent, buttery layer to each bite. Remove the rind for extra smoothness, but it’s entirely up to your taste!
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Tart, sweet, and bursting with color, this ingredient is both the jewel topper and the flavor contrast to the creamy brie.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme: Just a touch of chopped herbs adds a fragrant, savory finish that balances the richness and sweetness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a nutty crunch, toasted nuts bring extra texture and a hint of earthiness to the mix.
- Honey (optional): A light drizzle before serving adds gorgeous shine and just a touch more sweetness, tying all the flavors together.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line up the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet, spacing them so each has room to crisp up beautifully. This early prep step helps ensure everything moves quickly once you start assembling.
Step 2: Fill With Brie
Cut the brie cheese into 15 little cubes—ideally, just about the size to fit snugly inside each phyllo cup. Place one cube in each shell. If you don’t like brie rind, trim it away first, but don’t worry if a little remains, it melts like a dream.
Step 3: Top With Cranberry Sauce
Spoon about a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce onto the brie in each cup. This luscious layer brings a burst of color and that signature cranberry zing which makes these pop, both in flavor and presentation.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Nuts
Sprinkle each cup with just a pinch of chopped rosemary or thyme, plus a few chopped nuts if you’re using them. The herbs offer a fresh, savory note while the nuts contribute a wonderful crunch that keeps every bite exciting.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and let the Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the shells are golden and crispy. Keep an eye out! The cheese should be oozy, but not overflowing.
Step 6: Cool and Finish With Honey
Once out of the oven, give the cups just a few minutes to cool so they’re easy to handle. If you like, drizzle each cup lightly with honey for a glossy, sweet finish that truly elevates them to appetizer perfection. Serve them warm or let them come to room temperature—they’re delicious either way.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Garnishes
Dress up each bite with a final sprinkle of fresh herbs, a quick crack of black pepper, or even an extra crumble of nuts for a little more crunch and color. For a holiday touch, a few fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds around your serving platter look stunning.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups play well alongside a festive cheese board, fresh fruit, or crisp crudité. For something even more filling, serve them with lightly dressed greens or a winter salad with toasted nuts and apples for a contrast of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile these little beauties onto a rustic wooden board or elegant tiered stand to really show them off at your next party. For a playful twist, serve them alongside small spoons of fig or apricot preserves so guests can add extra sweetness as they like. They also make a whimsical (and practical) edible garnish on a big holiday charcuterie platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 2 days—though, full disclosure, they’re at their crispy best the day they’re made.
Freezing
While you can freeze assembled, unbaked phyllo cups on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag, keep in mind the texture may be slightly less crisp after baking from frozen. To reheat, bake straight from the freezer until hot and melty again.
Reheating
Bring leftover cups back to life by placing them on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven until warmed through, usually about 8–10 minutes. This method helps restore the crunch better than microwaving, and the brie will re-melt beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use something other than cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Fig jam or apricot preserves are wonderful alternatives, and you can even get creative with savory onion jam if you’re feeling adventurous. The key is to choose something with a touch of sweetness and texture.
Is there a way to make these nut-free?
Yes, simply skip the nuts! The Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are still delicious and satisfying without them, and you won’t lose any of the charm or flavor. In fact, their creamy and flaky contrast really shines through.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead?
You could, but they’re quite tart and firm unless cooked first. If you want to use fresh cranberries, consider simmering them with a bit of sugar and water to create your own quick cranberry compote instead of the jarred sauce.
How far ahead can I assemble these before baking?
You can assemble your phyllo cups with brie, cranberry sauce, herbs, and nuts a few hours before baking. Store, covered, in the fridge and then bake just before serving for maximum crispness and meltiness.
What’s the best way to keep them warm for a party?
To keep Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups warm throughout a party, set them on a low-temp warming tray or pop them back in the oven for a couple minutes as needed. If they cool down, they’re still delightful at room temp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn any gathering into a celebration, make a batch of Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups. Their perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors in a crispy, bite-sized package is always a conversation starter. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to bake them again and again!
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Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 15 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are the perfect holiday appetizer, featuring a delicious combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and aromatic herbs baked in crispy phyllo shells.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups:
- 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells
Brie Filling:
- 4 ounces brie cheese, cubed (rind removed if preferred)
Cranberry Topping:
- ⅓ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Additional:
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- honey for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
- Fill the shells: Add one cube of brie to each phyllo shell. Top each with cranberry sauce, rosemary or thyme, and nuts if using.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the brie is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey if desired.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry sauce for a different flavor.
- These can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- For extra crunch, toast the nuts before adding to the cups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
