Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat that combines creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce in crispy phyllo pastry. They’re perfect for parties or simple snacking!
Making these little bites is a fun way to impress your friends! I love how the crunchy cups contrast with the gooey cheese inside—it’s a delightful combo that’s hard to resist! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star of the show! You can find it in the freezer section. If you don’t have phyllo dough, try using puff pastry instead. Just roll it out and cut to size for the cups.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy richness. If you’re not a fan, camembert or even a soft goat cheese can work well for a different flavor profile.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought works great, but homemade gives a personal touch. You can use other fruit jams, like raspberry or apricot, for a fun twist!
Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary adds a nice earthiness. If you don’t have it, try thyme or even mint for a refreshing change.
Honey: This is optional but can enhance sweetness. For a vegan alternative, consider agave or maple syrup.
How Do I Properly Handle Phyllo Dough?
Phyllo dough can be tricky since it dries out quickly. Make sure you keep it covered while you work. Here are a few tips:
- Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then leave it covered with a damp cloth while you use it.
- Brush butter between sheets to create flakiness. Don’t skimp on the butter—it keeps the layers separate and crisp.
- Work quickly to prevent the dough from drying out. You can always re-cover with a damp cloth if you need to pause.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp on My Phyllo Cups?
Aiming for golden and crispy phyllo cups? Here’s how:
- Don’t skip preheating the oven; it’s vital for crispness.
- Bake until golden brown, and keep an eye on them as baking times can vary.
- Let them cool slightly after baking before adding fillings—this helps maintain that crunch!
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 sheets phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo)
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, to mix with cranberry for extra sweetness)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus about 10 minutes for baking. While the cups are cooling, you can finish prepping the toppings. Altogether, you’ll spend around 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your mini muffin tin and give it a light greasing to prevent the phyllo cups from sticking.
2. Make the Phyllo Cups:
Lay a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Layer three to four sheets on top of each other, making sure to brush every layer with butter. Once you’ve stacked them, cut the layered phyllo into squares that are about 3×3 inches.
3. Shape the Cups:
Gently press each phyllo square into the mini muffin tin to form little cups. Take your time to shape them neatly and make sure they fit well.
4. Bake until Golden:
Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the phyllo cups for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Once baked, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brie pieces, finely chopped fresh rosemary, and a sprinkle of black pepper. If you like it sweet, mix in the honey with the cranberry sauce for a tasty touch.
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon a bit of the brie mixture into each cooled phyllo cup. Top them off with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish these off with some small sprigs of rosemary or a few bits of chopped rosemary on top. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy these delightful cranberry brie phyllo cups with family and friends!
These little bites are sure to impress at any gathering, offering a wonderful mix of creamy, sweet, and crispy textures. Enjoy the compliments!
Can I Use a Different Cheese Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! If you’re not keen on brie, camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese can work well. Just remember that each cheese will impart its own unique flavor to the cups.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re best consumed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven briefly to regain some crispness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the phyllo cups in advance! Bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. Add the brie and cranberry filling just before serving to maintain the crispy texture!
Is There a Way to Make These Vegan?
Yes! Use vegan phyllo dough and a plant-based cheese alternative for a vegan version. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a sweet touch without using animal products.
