Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping party starter that’s as easy as it is irresistible, Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine buttery, crisp phyllo shells filled with gooey, melted Brie and topped with tart-sweet cranberry sauce—each bite is a burst of festive flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a holiday soirée or just want to elevate a casual get-together, these bite-sized wonders are guaranteed to have everyone crowding the appetizer table. Best of all, they come together in minutes and look like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the table, transforming simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleaser. The colors, flavors, and crunch all play off each other perfectly, making these cups a true sensory treat.
- Mini phyllo shells: These ready-to-use, crisp shells are a lifesaver and provide the perfect flaky base for the filling.
- Brie cheese: Creamy and rich, Brie melts beautifully and gives each cup a decadent texture.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Fresh rosemary (optional): A sprinkle of chopped rosemary adds earthy aroma and a pop of green.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For those who love a little crunch, nuts add texture and a subtle nuttiness.
- Honey for drizzling (optional): A light drizzle of honey brings sweetness and a glossy finish to each bite.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming, arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet. This simple step ensures your shells are ready to be filled and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2: Add the Brie
Cut your Brie into small cubes, making sure each piece fits snugly into a phyllo shell. Place one cube into each shell—don’t worry about being too precise! The cheese will melt and spread into a creamy layer as it bakes.
Step 3: Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce
Top each Brie-filled shell with about a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce. This is where Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe gets its signature festive flair and burst of flavor.
Step 4: Garnish with Rosemary and Nuts (Optional)
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little chopped fresh rosemary and a few chopped pecans or walnuts over each cup. These optional toppings add color, aroma, and a delightful crunch that make every bite memorable.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The Brie will melt into gooey perfection, and the phyllo edges will become gorgeously golden and crisp. Keep an eye out so they don’t overbrown!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the cups cool for just a minute or two. For a final touch, drizzle lightly with honey if desired. Serve them warm for maximum ooey-gooey deliciousness—your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh rosemary or a few pomegranate seeds can really make your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe pop on the platter. If you want to impress, a light dusting of orange zest over the top adds a hint of citrusy brightness.
Side Dishes
Pair these little bites with sparkling wine, a crisp salad, or a fresh fruit platter to balance their richness. They’re also lovely alongside other finger foods like marinated olives, roasted nuts, or a colorful charcuterie board.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a festive tray lined with fresh herbs. For a holiday touch, nestle them among sprigs of rosemary or holly, or serve them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing at a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to two days, though the phyllo may lose some crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked phyllo cups for up to a month. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To re-crisp and warm up the cups, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back the crunch and melts the cheese perfectly—almost as good as fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the cups up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving so they’re fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
If cranberry isn’t your thing, swap in raspberry preserves, fig jam, or even apricot jelly for a different twist on the flavor profile.
Can I use a different cheese?
While Brie is classic and melts beautifully, you can try Camembert or even a soft goat cheese for a tangier variation.
Are Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written! Just be sure to check your phyllo shells for any hidden ingredients if you have strict dietary needs.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Look for certified gluten-free phyllo shells, which are available at many specialty stores, to make this a gluten-free appetizer everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe, you’ll see just how easy and impressive this little bite can be. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a casual get-together, these cups always deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. I hope you’ll give them a try and watch your guests swoon with every melty, tangy, crunchy bite!
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Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: An Amazing Ultimate Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 15 appetizers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday parties or any festive occasion. These bite-sized treats combine creamy melted Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and crispy phyllo shells, enhanced with optional rosemary, nuts, and a drizzle of honey for an irresistible flavor combination.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 1 package (15-count) mini phyllo shells
Filling
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the phyllo cups evenly.
- Prepare Phyllo Shells: Arrange the mini phyllo shells evenly spaced on a baking sheet, making sure they sit upright and stable for filling.
- Add Brie Cheese: Place one small cube of Brie cheese into each phyllo shell, ensuring each cup has enough cheese to melt nicely.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce onto the Brie in each cup, distributing the sauce evenly for balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary and nuts over the filled cups if using. This adds an herby aroma and crunchy texture to complement the soft cheese and sweet sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the Brie has melted and the edges of the phyllo shells turn golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Drizzle: Remove from oven and allow the cups to cool slightly for a few minutes. Drizzle lightly with honey for a touch of extra sweetness if desired.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry Brie phyllo cups warm for the best combination of flavors and textures, making a beautiful and tasty appetizer.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or canned whole berry cranberry sauce depending on availability and preference.
- These phyllo cups are best served warm but can be prepared ahead and reheated just before serving.
- Ideal for holiday parties, festive gatherings, or as an elegant starter for any occasion.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts without affecting the core flavors.
- Be sure to watch the phyllo shells closely while baking, as they can brown quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 phyllo cup
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
