These Brie Cranberry Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat! With a crispy shell, creamy Brie, and sweet-tart cranberry topping, they’re a perfect bite-sized snack.
They’re so easy to make that you’ll want to whip them up for every get-together. Trust me, your friends will be asking for seconds—or even thirds! 😄
When I serve these, I love to pair them with some sparkling juice. It makes the snacking even more fun! Plus, they look fancy without much effort. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star for the crunchy cups! If you can’t find it, puff pastry can work, but keep in mind it won’t have the same light, flaky texture. Just roll it out a bit before cutting the squares.
Brie Cheese: Brie melts beautifully, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, camembert is a good substitute. On a budget? Cream cheese can also work, though it won’t be quite as creamy.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try using a cranberry-raspberry sauce. For a homemade touch, cook fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal. If you don’t have fresh herbs, a pinch of dried herbs can do the trick, but add it carefully as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Work with Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Phyllo dough can dry quickly if exposed to air, making it tricky to handle. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- While working, keep the sheets you aren’t using covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Work in smaller sections; only take out a few sheets at a time to avoid drying.
- Brush each layer with melted butter to not only add flavor but also to help keep it moist.
With these techniques, you’ll keep your phyllo dough perfectly pliable and ready for crisping up in the oven!
Brie Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 sheets phyllo dough (about 9×14 inches), thawed if frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade preferred)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to bake, totaling approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for quick party prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a moment to lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the phyllo cups come out easily later on.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Grab one sheet of phyllo dough and lightly brush it with melted butter using a pastry brush. Place another sheet on top and brush it with butter as well. Repeat this process until you have three layers stacked on top of each other, all buttered and ready to go!
3. Cut and Fit the Phyllo:
Cut your stacked phyllo sheets into 12 equal squares. These squares should be large enough to fit into the muffin cups. Gently press each square into the muffin tin to create little cups with nicely crinkled edges.
4. Add the Brie Cheese:
Now it’s time for the cheesy goodness! Place about 1 teaspoon of Brie cheese into each phyllo cup, making sure it’s evenly distributed for that delicious melty effect.
5. Layer on the Cranberry Sauce:
Top each Brie-filled cup with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. This adds a lovely sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy Brie.
6. Bake the Cups:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the phyllo cups are golden brown and crisp, and the Brie is nice and melted.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool for a few minutes. Then, gently remove them from the tin. For a festive touch, garnish each cup with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious Brie Cranberry Phyllo Cups can be served warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect appetizer for any gathering, and trust me, they will disappear fast!
This recipe yields about 12 phyllo cups, making it ideal for parties or holiday gatherings. Enjoy every bite! 🎉
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe and saves you time. It’s convenient and will still deliver great flavor in the phyllo cups.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place any uneaten phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Make These Phyllo Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the phyllo cups and assemble them ahead of time, then keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in straight from the refrigerator.
What Other Cheese Can I Use?
If you’re looking to switch things up, camembert or goat cheese are fantastic alternatives! They both melt well and bring unique flavors to the dish.