These Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat perfect for gatherings! Flaky phyllo pastries hold creamy brie and sweet, tangy cranberry sauce. Yum!
They are so simple to make, and everyone loves them. I can’t help but munch on a few while waiting for guests to arrive. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is what gives the cups their flaky texture. If you don’t have phyllo, you could use puff pastry as an alternative, but the texture will be different.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and mild, perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cream cheese can work, though it won’t have the same rich flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. If fresh cranberries are in season, you could make a quick sauce by cooking them with a little sugar and water!
Herbs for Garnish: Fresh rosemary or thyme adds a lovely touch. If you don’t have these, consider using parsley or leave the garnish off for a simpler presentation.
How Do You Work with Phyllo Dough Without It Getting Stale?
Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so it’s essential to keep it covered while working. Here’s how to handle it:
- Unwrap the phyllo and keep it under a damp cloth as you work with each sheet.
- Brush each layer with melted butter to keep it moist. This helps the layers stick together and adds flavor.
- Don’t worry if it tears! Just patch it up and keep going; it’s all part of the charm!
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 1 (8 oz) package phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then an additional 10-12 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want about 5 minutes for cooling down before serving. Altogether, you can have these delicious appetizers ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, when your cups are ready, the oven is perfectly warmed up for baking.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Carefully unwrap the phyllo dough and keep it covered with a slightly damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Lay one sheet down on your workspace and brush it lightly with melted butter using a pastry brush. Repeat this process, layering 3 to 4 sheets while brushing each one with butter. This creates a nice, flaky texture for your cups.
3. Cut and Shape the Phyllo:
Now, cut the layered phyllo sheets into approximately 3×3 inch squares. Take each square and gently press it into the cups of a lightly greased mini muffin tin, forming little shells.
4. Fill the Cups:
Place a small piece of brie cheese into the bottom of each phyllo cup. Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s the star of the show! Then, spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup for that burst of flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Put the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy, and the brie is nice and melty!
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully take the muffin tin out of the oven. Let the cups cool slightly for about 5 minutes before gently removing them from the tin. If you like, garnish each cup with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are best served warm, so gather your friends and family, and enjoy these scrumptious bite-sized delights!
Can I Use Frozen Phyllo Dough?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. It’s important to keep it covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent it from drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If brie isn’t available, camembert or even goat cheese can make good alternatives. Both will give a rich texture and flavor but with a slightly different taste profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, which will help restore some crispiness to the phyllo.
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with brie and cranberry sauce, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if they’re cold from the fridge!
