These Brie Cranberry Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat! They have a crispy exterior with smooth cheese and tangy cranberry filling that makes every bite a delight.
Perfect for parties, they are easy to pop in your mouth! 🥳 I love how simple they are to prepare—just fill, bake, and enjoy. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the base of your cups, creating that crunchy texture. If you can’t find phyllo, try puff pastry instead for a flakier option, but be sure to adjust baking times.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds creaminess and richness. If you prefer, Camembert or even a mild goat cheese works well. Just remember, goat cheese has a stronger flavor!
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought is quick and easy! For a homemade twist, simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice. If you like spiciness, add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Fresh Rosemary: This adds a lovely aroma. If fresh isn’t available, a sprinkle of dried rosemary works too. You can also garnish with chopped parsley for a different look!
How Do I Use Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, which makes working with it a bit tricky. Here are some tips to keep it fresh:
- Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel to maintain moisture while you work.
- Brush butter onto the sheets as you layer—it not only adds flavor but also helps seal them together.
- Work quickly! The less time phyllo is exposed to air, the better!
How to Make Brie Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare, with an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you can have these tasty treats on the table in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a standard muffin tin to ensure the cups release easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Using a brush, apply a light layer of melted butter over the first sheet. Place another sheet on top and repeat the brushing process. Do this until all six sheets are stacked together.
3. Cut and Shape the Phyllo Cups:
Now, take your stacked phyllo dough and cut it into 12 equal squares (about 4×4 inches each). Gently press each square into the muffin tin cups, forming little phyllo cups with edges that extend up above the tin.
4. Fill with Brie:
Place a piece of Brie cheese in the center of each phyllo cup. Make sure each cup gets some cheesy goodness!
5. Bake the Cups:
Put the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. The Brie should be beautifully melted at this point.
6. Add Cranberry Sauce:
As soon as you take the cups out of the oven, spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each melted Brie piece. This adds that sweet and tangy flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish each cup with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a pop of color. Serve these delicious phyllo cups warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your crispy, creamy, and tangy bites!
Can I Use Different Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional for its creamy texture, you can substitute with camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the melting characteristics may vary!
Can I Make These Phyllo Cups in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. Fill them with cheese and cranberry sauce just before baking for best results, but you can also bake them in advance and reheat before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover phyllo cups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Get creative with toppings! Aside from cranberry sauce, you could try fig jam, caramelized onions, or even a drizzle of honey. Each option adds its unique twist to the dish!
