Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are little bites of joy! Crispy phyllo pastry surrounds creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce, creating a tasty treat that’s perfect for parties.
These cups are super easy to make and look fancy, so you can impress your friends without a lot of fuss. I love serving them warm right out of the oven—everyone goes crazy for them! 🧀🍇
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This flaky pastry is the star of the dish. If you can’t find phyllo, puff pastry is a good alternative, but it won’t be as crispy. Make sure to thaw phyllo in the fridge overnight for best results!
Brie Cheese: Classic choice for its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try camembert. If you want a lactose-free choice, there are lactose-free cheese alternatives available that can work well too.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought works great for convenience! If you want to make your own, simply simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice. You can also substitute with other fruit preserves, like raspberry or apricot.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme adds a nice touch, but you could use dried herbs if that’s what you have. I’d suggest using only half the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated.
How Do I Work with Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Phyllo can be tricky as it dries out quickly! Here are some tips to keep it moist while you work:
- Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel as you assemble the cups. Only expose one sheet at a time to the air.
- Use plenty of melted butter between layers. This not only keeps them moist but also helps achieve that delicious crispy texture once baked.
- Don’t worry if a few sheets tear—they still taste amazing!
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
- Extra cranberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe should take about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for prep, including assembling the phyllo cups and another 12-15 minutes baking time. Get ready for some delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or a little extra melted butter.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of thawed phyllo dough and brush it lightly with melted butter. Then, layer another sheet on top and brush that one too. Keep going until you have a stack of 3 sheets. It adds up to the delicious crispiness!
3. Cut and Form the Cups:
Now that you have your stacked phyllo, cut the stack into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into the greased mini muffin tin, forming little cup shapes that will hold all that cheesy goodness!
4. Repeat the Process:
Continue stacking, cutting, and pressing the remaining phyllo dough sheets until you have a total of 24 phyllo cups in the muffin tin. You’re doing great!
5. Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce:
Take a small piece of brie cheese and place it at the bottom of each phyllo cup. Then, top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. The combination will be so tasty!
6. Bake the Cups:
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You want the phyllo to turn golden brown and the brie to melt into that creamy goodness.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once the cups are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes—if you can wait! Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme leaves and an extra cranberry if you like. Looks beautiful!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in while they are still warm and enjoy every bite of these delicious cranberry brie phyllo cups!
Can I Use Frozen Phyllo Dough?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using. It’s best to thaw phyllo dough in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours, to prevent it from tearing or drying out.
How Do I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain some crispiness!
Can I Make These Cups in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with brie and cranberry sauce, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Other great options include using goat cheese, different fruit preserves like fig or apricot, or adding nuts like walnuts for extra crunch. The sky’s the limit!