Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat that combines crunchy phyllo pastry with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. They’re perfect for any gathering!
These little bites are so easy to make, and I love how they impress guests! Just pop them in the oven and watch them disappear in seconds—it’s always a hit! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the base of your cups. It creates that delightful crispiness. If you can’t find phyllo, puff pastry can be used, though the texture will be different and flaky rather than crispy.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds creaminess and rich flavor. If you prefer something stronger, camembert works well, or for a firmer texture, try goat cheese. Just remember it will change the dish’s overall taste.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. If you want to switch it up, a raspberry or cherry sauce can also work. For a twist, try adding a bit of orange zest for extra flavor!
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary or thyme makes for a great garnish, adding a fresh touch. If you don’t have them, consider using parsley or leaving them off entirely if herbs aren’t your thing.
How Do I Handle Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Handling phyllo dough requires a bit of care, as it can dry out quickly. The key is to keep it covered while you work. Here’s how:
- Keep a damp towel over the phyllo sheets while you work with them to maintain moisture.
- Brush each layer with melted butter before stacking; this helps them stick together and adds flavor.
- Don’t rush! Gently press the dough into the cups to avoid tearing.
Following these tips will ensure you get beautifully flaky and crispy cups to hold all that delicious filling!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or prepared)
For the Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes to create these delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your phyllo cups will bake evenly and get nice and crispy. Don’t forget to lightly grease a mini muffin tin or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
On a clean surface, lay out one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with melted butter. Layer a second sheet on top, brushing it with butter once more. This will help create those delicious crispy layers. Repeat this process if you want a sturdier cup!
3. Cut and Shape the Cups:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the stacked phyllo sheets into six equal squares. Gently press each square into the cups of your muffin tin, ensuring the edges flare out to form small cups.
4. Add the Brie Cheese:
Take small pieces of brie cheese (around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) and place them into each phyllo cup. This will melt beautifully when baked, creating a creamy filling.
5. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the phyllo to turn golden brown and crispy while the brie melts nicely.
6. Add Cranberry Sauce:
Once baked, carefully remove the phyllo cups from the oven. Immediately add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each melted brie piece. The warmth from the cups will slightly warm the sauce, enhancing its flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish each cup with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme. This adds a lovely aroma and a pop of color. Serve these little beauties warm or at room temperature and watch them disappear!
These Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are not just tasty but also make for an eye-catching appetizer. Enjoy the creamy, sweet, and tangy goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional for this recipe, you can try other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the size of the cheese pieces accordingly.
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups in advance! Assemble the cups and fill them with brie, then cover and refrigerate for a day. Bake them fresh just before serving for maximum crispiness!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispness of the phyllo.
Can I Use Store-bought Cranberry Sauce?
Definitely! Using store-bought cranberry sauce saves time and makes this recipe super easy. If you’d like, you can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice to your sauce!
