These Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat! Crisp phyllo pastry is filled with melty brie cheese and topped with sweet cranberry sauce. Perfect for parties!
They’re so easy to make, you might find yourself snacking on them all night. Just pop them in the oven and enjoy the cheesy goodness. Who can resist? 😋
I love serving these at gatherings—they disappear fast! Plus, they look fancy but are super simple to whip up, which makes me feel like a kitchen superstar!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This flaky pastry gives the cups their crispy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use crescent roll dough or puff pastry as an alternative, although the texture will differ slightly.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts beautifully in the oven. If you can’t find it, Camembert or a creamy goat cheese could work well as a substitute for a different flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: I love using homemade cranberry sauce for freshness, but store-bought works just fine. If you want less sweetness, use a cranberry relish, which is often less sweet and has a nice tang.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a lovely touch, but if you don’t have fresh herbs, dried versions can also work—just use less since they pack a stronger flavor.
How Do I Properly Handle Phyllo Dough?
Working with phyllo can be tricky since it dries out quickly. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Always keep unused phyllo covered with a damp towel while you work. This prevents it from drying out.
- Brush each layer with melted butter. This adds flavor and helps create that crispy texture!
- Don’t worry if some sheets tear—they’ll still taste great! Just layer the torn pieces together.
Using these tips, you’ll make delightful phyllo cups that everyone will love! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo)
For the Filling:
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (can be homemade or store-bought)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 30 minutes, making it a quick and delicious choice for an appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, you want to get that oven warming up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Also, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
On a clean surface, lay down one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with melted butter. Now, place another sheet on top, and brush it with more butter. Repeat this for all 6 sheets—this stacking will help create that flaky texture we love!
3. Cut and Shape the Cups:
Now, cut your phyllo stack into 12 squares, each about 4×4 inches. Gently press each square into the muffin tin cups, shaping it to allow the edges to flare out beautifully.
4. Add the Brie:
Cut the brie cheese into small pieces that will fit comfortably in each phyllo cup. Place one piece of brie in each cup, making sure it’s ready to melt to its creamy goodness!
5. Bake the Cups:
Time to bake! Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy, and the brie is melted to perfection.
6. Finish with Cranberry Sauce:
Once baked, carefully remove the cups from the oven. Top each cup with a spoonful of cranberry sauce—just the right amount to add a sweet-tart kick!
7. Add a Garnish:
If you like, garnish the cups with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a touch of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These little delights are best served warm. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this festive appetizer together!
These crispy, cheesy phyllo cups with sweet tart cranberry topping make a perfect festive appetizer or party snack! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Phyllo Dough?
Yes, you can use frozen phyllo dough! Just make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before using. Keep it covered with a damp towel while you work to prevent it from drying out.
What if I Don’t Have Mini Muffin Tins?
No problem! You can use a regular muffin tin or even a tart pan. Just remember to adjust the baking time since larger cups may take a bit longer to cook through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups in advance and store them unfilled in the fridge for up to a day. Just add the brie and cranberry sauce before baking when you’re ready to serve. This will keep them nice and crispy!
