Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups

Sparkling Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are a party lifesaver for last minute gatherings and holiday celebrations With barely any prep and just a short bake they become the star appetizer at any table with their crispy exterior gooey cheese center and bright cranberry touch I have whipped up several trays in under half an hour for friends dropping by or even as a pre dinner treat at Thanksgiving

Every time I bring these to a party the tray is emptied within minutes Last Christmas my niece wanted to assemble them with me which made for a sweet and messy afternoon

Ingredients

• Mini phyllo shells: Store bought varieties bake up extra crisp and save you time Choose ones with no cracks for best presentation
• Brie cheese: Creamy and rich with a subtle nuttiness Remove the rind for the smoothest melt Look for triple cream if you want a luxurious bite
• Cranberry sauce: Tart and slightly sweet for balance Whole berry canned or homemade both work Whole berries add nice texture
• Chopped pecans: Offer perfect crunch and a buttery note Toast lightly for deeper flavor If allergic substitute with roasted pumpkin seeds
• Fresh rosemary: Optional but gorgeous for color and festive aroma Use fresh sprigs and mince just before using
• Cooking spray or melted butter: Ensures the phyllo cups turn golden and do not dry out Butter gives a more classic flavor but spray is convenient

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety Celsius so it heats evenly as you prepare the cups

Prep the Phyllo Shells:

Arrange phyllo shells on a baking sheet in a single layer so air can circulate Lightly spray or gently brush the insides of each with cooking spray or melted butter for golden crispness

Fill with Brie:

Slice the Brie into twenty four cubes Remove any rind for optimum melting Place one cube in each phyllo shell nestling it so it sits flat

Add Cranberry Topping:

Using a small spoon drop about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the Brie making sure some berries are included for color

Sprinkle Pecans:

Add a pinch of chopped pecans to every cup Aim for even coverage so each bite is crunchy

Optional Rosemary Garnish:

Snip fresh rosemary and scatter a small amount on top for a festive finish and extra aroma

Bake to Perfection:

Transfer the tray to the middle oven rack and bake for eight to ten minutes The Brie should look shiny and very soft edges of the shells turning golden brown

Cool Slightly:

Let the cups sit for about two minutes so the melting cheese firms up a little This makes them easier to move to a platter

Serve Warm:

Use a spatula or tongs to gently lift phyllo cups onto your favorite party plate Serve right away while still warm for best flavor and texture

Pin

The cranberry sauce is what truly sets this recipe apart for me I remember when a friend dropped off homemade cranberry preserves and I used it in these cups Our family still talks about those extraspecial bites

Storage Tips

After baking let the phyllo cups cool to room temperature before storing Place in a single layer in an airtight container They stay crisp for up to four hours uncovered or you can loosely tent with foil Avoid sealing tightly if still warm to keep the shells from getting soggy Rewarm briefly in a hot oven not the microwave for that right from the oven texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Go nut free by skipping pecans and adding toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds For a sweeter flavor drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup Try Camembert in place of Brie for a funkier bite or swap in fig or cherry preserves for the cranberry sauce

Serving Suggestions

These look beautiful on a big platter nestled with extra fresh rosemary sprigs You can also offer a drizzle of balsamic glaze for grown up flair Pair with sparkling wine or cider for holiday toasts and celebrations

Pin

Letting little hands help makes these cups double as a fun family activity It is the ideal starter for budding cooks

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

While Brie offers a creamy texture that melts beautifully, Camembert is a good alternative. Softer cheeses like goat cheese can also work, though the flavor will change slightly.

→ Are the phyllo cups best served hot or cold?

They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, as this ensures the Brie is melted and the phyllo is crisp.

→ Can I prepare the cups in advance?

You can assemble the phyllo cups up to two hours ahead and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for optimal texture.

→ What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds are good substitutes. For a nut-free version, try toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead.

→ How do I prevent phyllo cups from getting soggy?

Brush or spray the shells lightly before filling, avoid overfilling with sauce, and bake until the edges are crisp and golden.