These Brie Cranberry Phyllo Cups are tiny, tasty bites filled with creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce. They’re super easy to make and are perfect for parties or snack time!
Honestly, who can resist that gooey cheese in a crispy cup? Whenever I serve these, they are gone in a flash! Perfect for sharing—if you can resist eating them all yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the base of your cups, giving them a delightful crispness. If you can’t find phyllo, you can substitute with wonton wrappers, but adjust baking time to achieve crispness.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts wonderfully, but if you can’t find it, Camembert is a great alternative. You can also try using cream cheese for a different taste and texture!
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a lovely sweetness. If you prefer, you can use homemade sauce or even swap it with a fruit preserve, like raspberry or cherry, for a twist.
Fresh Thyme: This adds a nice herbal touch! If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can work, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Handle Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Phyllo dough can be tricky because it dries out quickly. To keep it moist, work with one sheet at a time and cover the rest with a damp cloth while you’re assembling the cups. This will help prevent it from becoming brittle and cracking when you layer it.
- When layering, brush each sheet generously with melted butter before stacking the next layer.
- Press the phyllo squares gently but firmly into the muffin tin to form the cups for evenness.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly crispy phyllo cups ready to hold that delicious brie and cranberry filling!
Brie Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry works well)
For the Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 12 minutes to bake, making it perfect for a quick and tasty treat! You’ll enjoy these crispy, cheesy bites in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prepare for your phyllo cups.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it on a clean work surface. Using a brush, lightly coat the sheet with melted butter. Repeat this process with 2-3 more sheets, making sure to brush each layer with butter. This will create a nice, flaky texture!
3. Cut and Shape the Phyllo:
Once you have your layered phyllo, cut it into squares about 3×3 inches. Now, gently press each square into the muffin tin cups, shaping them into little cups ready to hold the delicious filling.
4. Add the Cheese:
Place a small piece of brie cheese in the bottom of each phyllo cup. This will melt beautifully while baking, creating a creamy center.
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Next, spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup. This adds a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
6. Bake the Cups:
Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden crispy, and the brie is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take the muffin tin out of the oven and allow the cups to cool for just a few minutes. Carefully remove them from the tin. Garnish each one with a small sprig of fresh thyme for a lovely touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these delicious Brie Cranberry Phyllo Cups warm, and watch them disappear in an instant! They’re a crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss!
Can I Make These Phyllo Cups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with brie and cranberry sauce a few hours in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in cold.
Can I Use Different Cheese?
Yes! While brie is delicious, you can substitute with other soft cheeses like Camembert or even goat cheese for a tangier flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the taste slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to crisp them back up for serving.
What’s the Best Way to Thaw Frozen Phyllo Dough?
The best way to thaw phyllo dough is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can leave it out at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. Just remember to keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while it thaws!