Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

These Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups are an easy, three-ingredient delight that combines the crispiness of phyllo, the creaminess of Brie, and the sweet tang of cranberries. These little bites are simple without sacrificing flavor, making them the perfect, easy appetizer for any occasion.

As a self-proclaimed cheese enthusiast, these cranberry brie phyllo cups hit all the right spots for me. I mean, who can resist the creamy goodness of Brie, especially when it teams up with the festive kick of cranberries? It’s like a flavor tag team that never disappoints. And let’s talk cranberry sauce – shoutout to the genius who made it a year-round thing by putting it in a can. Makes me feel grateful every time I whip up these phyllo cups, bringing that holiday vibe anytime I want without the fuss. It’s my go-to when I need an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients for the Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

• Baked phyllo shells – For the delicate and flaky foundation. Phyllo cups can be found in the freezer section at your local grocery store by the frozen pastry and desserts. This recipe used Athen’s phyllo shells, which come 15 in a box. If your phyllo cups come in a different quantity, adjust the recipe accordingly.
• Brie – Introduces a creamy and indulgent element, creating a satisfying contrast against the crisp phyllo texture.
• Cranberry sauce – Gives a sweet and tangy burst of festive flavor. To keep things easy, I use whole berry cranberry sauce from a can. However, homemade cranberry sauce works just as well.

Making the Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

1. Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Prepare the phyllo shells – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the phyllo shells on top.
3. Slice the brie – Cut the brie into approximately 1-inch slices, ensuring they are small enough to fit comfortably into the phyllo shells. There is no need to remove the rind.
4. Assemble with brie – Place one slice of brie into each phyllo dough cup, setting the stage for the creamy goodness.
5. Top with cranberry sauce – Add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each piece of brie, bringing in that sweet and tangy festive flavor.
6. Bake to perfection – Bake for 5-8 minutes or until the brie is beautifully melted, creating a delectable harmony of textures.
7. Cool and serve – Allow the bites to cool on the tray for 4-5 minutes before transferring them to a platter, ready to be served.

Variations and substitutions

Nutty crunch – This recipe pairs exceptionally well with nuts. Elevate the texture by sprinkling chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios on top for an added crunch. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts to customize the flavor profile.

Phyllo dough substitute – If you can’t find pre-baked phyllo cups, don’t fret. Opt for sheets of phyllo dough instead. Cut the phyllo sheets into 3-inch squares and gently press each square into a mini muffin pan cup. Proceed to fill the cups as usual, then bake for 9-12 minutes or until the dough turns golden and the cheese reaches that perfect state of melted deliciousness.

Fruit twist – Experiment with different fruit preserves or compotes instead of cranberry sauce. Apricot, fig, raspberry, or apricot jam, or orange marmalade can add unique and delightful flavors.

Herb infusion – Elevate the savory notes by adding a touch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to each phyllo cup before baking for extra flavor.

Spice it up – Give your Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups a bold kick by incorporating finely diced jalapeños into the cranberry sauce. The heat from the jalapeños adds a spicy dimension that beautifully contrasts with the creamy brie. Alternatively, for a sweet and spicy twist, swap out the cranberry sauce for red pepper jelly. Adjust the quantity of jalapeños or jelly to suit your spice preference and revel in the exciting fusion of flavors.

Cheese change – Mix up the cheese profile by combining or replacing the brie with other cheeses like goat or blue cheese for a more diverse flavor palette.

Tips for success

• Chilled phyllo cups – If using pre-baked phyllo cups, keep them chilled until ready to assemble. This helps maintain their crispness during the baking process. I typically leave the cups in my freezer until right before I make the bites.
• Room temperature brie – Allow the brie to come to room temperature before slicing. This ensures it melts evenly in the oven, creating a creamy and luscious texture.
• Cranberry sauce choice – Homemade or canned cranberry sauce works for this recipe. If using canned sauce, opt for the whole-berry kind for the best results.
• Watch the oven closely – Keep a close eye on the phyllo cups while baking to prevent overcooking. Aim for a golden-brown color on the phyllo without overbaking, as excessive cooking time may result in a firmer texture, compromising the desired creamy consistency of the melted brie inside.
• Make-ahead tips – If preparing ahead, slice the brie and place it in the phyllo shells, storing them in the refrigerator. Add the cranberry sauce just before baking to prevent the phyllo shells from becoming soggy. Keep the shells in their original plastic tray until ready to bake to protect them from breakage.

Storage

Store leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350-degree F oven for 4-5 minutes. I do not recommend reheating these in the microwave as the phyllo shells will become soggy.

I do not recommend freezing these cranberry brie bites.

Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups FAQs

Looking for more easy recipes for the holidays?

Check out these fun recipes.

• No-bake Cranberry Pie
• Easy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
• Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Love these 3-ingredient cranberry brie bites? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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