Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are my go-to appetizer whenever I need something impressive, effortless, and unfailingly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering or just craving a little bite of something extra special, these cheesy, tangy, and crisp bites deliver elegance and crowd-pleasing flavor in just one poppable package. There’s something magical about the way creamy Brie, tart cranberry, and flaky phyllo come together — it’s a party on a platter, and everyone wants an invitation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups call for a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a specific role, adding unique flavor, texture, or color for that irresistible bite you’ll want to make again and again.

• Mini phyllo shells (24): These delicate, pre-made cups create a crisp and flaky base with zero effort — the perfect edible vessel for our warm, melty filling.
• Brie cheese (6 oz, rind removed, cut into small cubes): Brie melts beautifully with a creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor that balances the tart cranberry.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce (1/2 cup): For bright, sweet-tart flavor and gorgeous ruby color; homemade or store-bought both work great.
• Chopped pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Sprinkle over the top for a nutty crunch and extra richness — or leave them out for a nut-free appetizer.
• Chopped fresh rosemary (1 tsp, optional): A little rosemary adds herbaceous, holiday freshness that takes these to another level.
• Honey for drizzling (optional): This final touch adds a glossy drizzle of sweetness that makes each bite irresistible.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the mini phyllo shells in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spacing them evenly gives each cup room to crisp up perfectly and ensures even baking across the pan.

Step 2: Fill with Brie

Drop a small cube of Brie cheese into each phyllo cup. The cubes should fit snugly—enough for that glorious cheese pull, but not so much that they overflow. Brie’s rich, creamy texture is the backbone of these Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups.

Step 3: Add Cranberry Sauce

Spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie in each cup. This step brings vibrant flavor and color. Don’t worry about being too precise—each cup gets a perfect dollop!

Step 4: Sprinkle with Pecans and Rosemary

If you’re using them, sprinkle chopped pecans and a pinch of fresh rosemary over the top. Both add layers of flavor and that festive, just-for-the-holidays vibe. If allergies are a concern, feel free to skip the nuts.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet onto the center rack and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the phyllo shells turn a golden brown and the Brie is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing and the anticipation is real!

Step 6: Cool and Finish with Honey

Once out of the oven, let the Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups cool for a few minutes. If you like, drizzle with a bit of honey to create a luscious, sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the tangy cranberry and creamy cheese.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching display, sprinkle extra chopped rosemary or a few sprigs of fresh herbs on the serving platter. A final dusting of chopped pecans or a light honey drizzle right before serving adds sparkle and sophistication to your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups.

Side Dishes

These bites make a wonderful start to a dinner party and pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a classic cheese and charcuterie board. They also fit right in on a buffet, mingling deliciously with anything from spiced nuts to baked ham sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Stack your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups on tiered trays, nestle them among bunches of fresh grapes, or serve each one in a decorative paper liner for easy grabbing. They’re so pretty you’ll want to show them off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups left (a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or next-day treat.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled but unbaked Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding about 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time. Freezing after baking isn’t recommended, as the phyllo may lose its flakiness.

Reheating

To restore their warmth and delicate crunch, reheat leftover cups on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the phyllo soft instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer

Absolutely! While Brie is classic for this recipe, you can swap in Camembert or even a mild goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well and pairs nicely with cranberry sauce.

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

Feel free to try raspberry or fig jam in place of cranberry sauce. Both add wonderful sweetness and depth; fig jam especially brings a rich, sophisticated note to your phyllo cups.

Do I need to thaw the phyllo shells first?

Most store-bought mini phyllo shells come ready to use right out of the package. If they’re frozen, a few minutes at room temperature should be enough to bring them to the perfect handling temperature.

Are Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, provided your Brie cheese was made without animal rennet. Always check ingredient labels if this is important to you or your guests.

How do I prevent the cups from getting soggy?

To keep your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups crisp, avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce, and serve them soon after baking. Baking until deeply golden helps seal the phyllo, locking in that irresistible crunch.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned entertainer or a first-time host, Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are guaranteed to garner rave reviews every single time. Their elegance and simplicity make them a joy to create and share. Give them a try for your next gathering and prepare for a round of happy applause!

Print