These Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are tiny bites of joy! Crispy phyllo pastry cups hold creamy brie cheese and a tart cranberry filling, making them a tasty treat.
They’re perfect for any party or cozy get-together. I love popping a few in my mouth while catching up with friends, and honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star for creating those crispy cups. If you can’t find phyllo, puff pastry can be a great substitute, though the texture will be different. Just remember to adjust the baking time.
Brie Cheese: I love using creamy brie for its rich flavor. If brie is unavailable, cream cheese or camembert can work, giving a slightly different taste but still delicious.
Cranberry Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, this adds the perfect tang. You can also use other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot if you’re looking for a twist.
Fresh Rosemary: This is optional but adds a lovely aromatic touch. You could use thyme or parsley instead, depending on your preference.
How Do You Work with Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Working with phyllo requires a bit of TLC since it dries quickly. Here’s how to handle it:
- Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth while you work. This prevents them from drying out.
- Brush each layer lightly with melted butter for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Don’t rush—layering takes time, so enjoy the process!
With these tips and tricks, you’ll master your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups in no time! Enjoy serving them at your next gathering.
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo)
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 sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking time. So in just under 30 minutes, you can have these tasty treats ready to impress your family and friends!
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 turn crispy.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Cups:
On a clean surface, take 2 sheets of phyllo dough and layer them together. Use a brush to lightly apply melted butter on each sheet. Now cut the layered phyllo into 12 squares, each about 4 inches wide. This will help you create the perfect cups!
3. Shape the Cups:
Carefully press each phyllo square into the cups of a mini muffin tin. Make sure to mold them nicely so they can hold all that cheesy goodness.
4. Add the Brie:
Place a small piece of brie cheese into the bottom of each phyllo cup. The brie will melt beautifully, providing a creamy texture.
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Next, spoon about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce into each cup right on top of the brie. This adds a delicious tart flavor that perfectly balances the cheese.
6. Bake the Cups:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy and the brie has melted wonderfully.
7. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, remove the cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully take them out of the tin so that they don’t break.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add a small sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each cup for an extra touch of flavor and color. Serve these warm or at room temperature to enjoy their delightful taste!
These crispy, buttery phyllo cups filled with creamy brie and sweet yet tangy cranberry sauce are perfect for festive gatherings or snack time. Enjoy the compliments!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works great in this recipe. Just make sure to choose one you enjoy, as it will be the primary flavor component.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you can’t find brie, camembert is a great alternative as it has a similar creamy texture and flavor. Cream cheese can also work, though it’s less melty.
How Do You Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
Store any leftovers 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 a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with brie and cranberry sauce a few hours in advance, then bake right before serving for the best texture. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!