Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are the party appetizer of your dreams: buttery, crisp shells filled with creamy brie, bright-tart cranberry sauce, and a sprinkling of rosemary and pecans for flair. These elegant bites steal the show at showers, holiday feasts, or simple girls’ nights in. Their flavor is so much bigger than their size, and they’re the definition of easy gourmet—impressive, effortless, and always gone in a flash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups is delightfully short, but each component brings something vital to the table. You don’t need a ton of items to wow your guests—just thoughtfully chosen flavors and textures that work together beautifully!
- Phyllo shells: Pre-made, crisp, and delicate, these little cups are the perfect edible vessels for gooey melted cheese and toppings.
- Brie cheese: Rich, buttery brie melts into luscious puddles and gives the bite its creamy heart; pre-cutting and removing the rind is a little trick for even smoother prep.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Jewel-bright and tangy-sweet, whole berry cranberry sauce perfectly balances the richness of the brie.
- Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans add a warm, nutty crunch for extra texture and a touch of earthy flavor.
- Fresh rosemary: Chopped rosemary brings a fresh, piney aroma that’s drop-dead festive (and a perfect fragrance hit when you pull these from the oven).
- Honey (optional): Drizzle for a bit of luxurious sweetness; it’s especially lovely if you enjoy the sweet-salty combo.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want that oven nice and hot so the brie melts to gooey perfection and the phyllo turns golden in just minutes.
Step 2: Arrange the Phyllo Shells
Take your frozen phyllo shells straight from the freezer and set them on a baking sheet, spacing them out so the airflow crisps every cup. No need to thaw—they’ll crisp up beautifully right from frozen.
Step 3: Fill with Brie
Nestle a cube of brie into each phyllo shell. There’s something so satisfying about this step—tiny gifts all in a row! If you pre-cut the cheese and remove the rind, it melts cleaner and mingles perfectly with the other flavors.
Step 4: Add Cranberry Sauce
Top the brie with a generous teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce. This is where the pop of color and sweet-tart flavor come in, making each bite bright and festive.
Step 5: Sprinkle Toppings
Sprinkle a few chopped pecans and a pinch of finely chopped fresh rosemary over the top. Pecans provide a subtle crunch, while the rosemary brings delightful aromatic notes that scream “holiday.”
Step 6: Bake
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch for the brie to bubble and the phyllo shells to turn golden and crisp—your kitchen will smell heavenly by this point!
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Once hot and bubbling, pull the Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups from the oven and let them cool slightly for a few minutes. If you like, now’s the time to drizzle with a little honey for extra indulgence. Serve them warm or at room temperature—both ways are irresistible.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Garnishes
For a truly stunning presentation, finish your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups with an extra sprinkle of fresh rosemary, a scattering of finely chopped pecans, and a swirl of golden honey. If you really want to wow, add a couple of fresh cranberries or a little orange zest for color contrast on the platter.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with crisp, vibrant veggie trays, tangy marinated olives, or a simple fennel and arugula salad. They also make a fantastic star on an appetizer board alongside roasted nuts, grapes, and some savory crackers.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups arranged on a rustic wood board, tucked in between sprigs of evergreen or rosemary for a festive look. Or, pile them high in a pretty footed dish to create edible “centerpiece” energy. For cocktail parties, nestle each cup into a mini cupcake liner for easy grabbing (and less mess!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare event!), tuck them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two days. They’ll lose a little crispness, but the flavors stay spot-on and they’re still tasty chilled or reheated.
Freezing
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups freeze surprisingly well. After baking and cooling, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Once frozen, you can stack them with parchment in between. When you’re ready, they’ll reheat in just minutes for an almost-instant treat.
Reheating
To re-crisp and refresh, pop your leftover or frozen cups onto a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes, until the cheese softens and the phyllo shell regains its crunch. They taste just as fresh as the day you made them!
FAQs
Can I make these Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the cups and keep them covered in the fridge for several hours before baking. If baking ahead, just rewarm briefly in the oven to revive their crunch and gooeyness.
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
Yes! Camembert is an excellent substitute, or try a soft goat cheese for a little tang. The creamy texture is key, so stick with soft, meltable cheeses for the best results.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
If you’re not a cranberry fan, swap in raspberry preserves or fig jam for a fun twist—both are sweet-tart and pair delightfully with brie.
Do I need to thaw the phyllo shells first?
Nope, you can use them straight from frozen! They crisp up beautifully in the oven and handle fillings without getting soggy.
Are Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups vegetarian?
They absolutely are. All the ingredients used here are vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for a wide range of guests.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups, they’ll land right at the top of your appetizer rotation. They’re festive, fuss-free, and always greeted with excitement. Give them a whirl at your next get-together and watch them disappear—your only regret will be not making a double batch!
Print
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 phyllo cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a delightful appetizer for any occasion. The buttery phyllo shells are filled with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a hint of rosemary, creating a flavorful bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Phyllo Shells:
- 24 frozen phyllo shells
Brie Filling:
- 6 oz brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes
Cranberry Topping:
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Additional:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the phyllo cups: Arrange the phyllo shells on a baking sheet. Place one cube of brie into each phyllo shell.
- Add toppings: Spoon cranberry sauce over the brie. Top with chopped pecans and rosemary.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shells are golden.
- Drizzle with honey: Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry preserves for a different flavor.
- Use pre-cut brie without the rind for easier preparation.
- Best served the same day but can be briefly reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 phyllo cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
