Crispy Brie And Cranberry Phyllo Cups Recipe

Festive Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups Recipe for Holiday Joy

Delicate, golden phyllo pastry cradles the rich, creamy brie and tangy cranberry filling in these irresistible appetizers that dance with flavor.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this brie and cranberry phyllo cups recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Crisp, buttery layers of phyllo complement the smooth, melted cheese and bright burst of cranberry sauce.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of sophistication and comfort.

Guests will be impressed by these bite-sized treats that look like they came straight from a gourmet kitchen.

The combination of warm, gooey brie and tart cranberries creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that feels both indulgent and light.

Serve these delectable morsels at your next gathering and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 110 kcal

Servings: 16

Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups Must-Haves

For The Base:
  • Phyllo Shells: Delicate, crispy pastry cups that provide a light and flaky foundation for the appetizer, choose pre-made shells for convenience and consistent texture.
  • Parchment Paper: Essential for easy cleanup and preventing sticking, ensures smooth removal of appetizers from the baking sheet.
For The Filling:
  • Brie Cheese: Creamy, luxurious French cheese that melts beautifully, select a soft, ripe wheel with a white rind for the best flavor and meltability.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Tangy-sweet condiment that adds a festive burst of flavor, opt for smooth homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce for optimal taste.
For Preparation:
  • Oven: Critical for transforming ingredients into a warm, gooey appetizer, ensure proper preheating for consistent cooking results.

Tools to Shape Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

  • Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for even baking.
  • Parchment paper: Non-stick surface to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing brie.
  • Sharp knife: Precise tool for cutting brie into small pieces.
  • Measuring spoon: Helps add exact amount of cranberry sauce.
  • Serving platter: Elegant plate to present the finished appetizer.

How to Bake Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups Perfectly

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up your oven to create the perfect toasty environment for these delightful bites.

  • Phyllo Shell Setup

Gently place delicate phyllo shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a beautiful canvas for your appetizer.

  • Cheese Placement

Slice soft brie into petite pieces that will nestle perfectly inside each crispy shell.

  • Cranberry Magic

Crown each cheese-filled shell with a graceful dollop of tangy cranberry sauce, adding a burst of festive color.

  • Baking Transformation

Slide the tray into the heated oven, letting the brie transform into a molten, creamy dream while the shells turn golden.

  • Cooling and Serving

Let these elegant bites rest briefly, allowing flavors to meld before presenting them as a stunning party starter that will impress your guests.

Flavor Variations for Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

  • Swap cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or caramelized onions for a unique flavor twist that transforms the classic appetizer.
  • Prepare the phyllo cups up to two weeks in advance by assembling and storing them in an airtight container in the freezer, then bake directly from frozen for quick entertaining.
  • Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves, or a drizzle of honey to add extra texture and depth to these elegant bite-sized appetizers.
  • Use dairy-free brie for a vegan version or select gluten-free phyllo shells to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising on taste.

Presentation Ideas for Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or rosemary on top to add a pop of color and herbal freshness that complements the creamy brie and tangy cranberry.
  • Create a Party Presentation: Arrange the phyllo cups on a rustic wooden board with additional whole cranberries, fresh herb sprigs, and small cheese knives for an elegant appetizer spread that looks stunning and invites guests to indulge.
  • Pair with Wine Companions: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the brie and enhances the sweet-tart cranberry notes, making this an impressive cocktail hour bite.
  • Add Nutty Crunch: Scatter toasted chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the warm cups to introduce a delightful textural contrast and nutty depth that elevates the overall flavor profile of these delectable appetizers.

Keeping Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups Ready to Serve

  • Plan Ahead for Tasty Treats: Prepare phyllo cups up to 24 hours before your event, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness.
  • Refrigerate Strategically: Leftover brie and cranberry cups can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain their delicate texture.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm the appetizers gently in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy phyllo shell and gooey brie center without drying out the delicate pastry.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Assemble unbaked cups and freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
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Crispy Brie And Cranberry Phyllo Cups Recipe

Crispy Brie And Cranberry Phyllo Cups Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Delightful Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups showcase creamy French cheese with tart seasonal berries in crisp pastry shells. Elegant appetizers promise quick preparation and impressive results for holiday gatherings and special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15 count) phyllo shells
  • 7 oz (198 grams) brie
  • ⅓ cup (79 mL) cranberry sauce

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal heat distribution and easy cleanup.
  2. Phyllo Shell Arrangement: Distribute phyllo shells evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring stable and uniform positioning for consistent baking.
  3. Cheese Preparation: Slice brie into precise, compact portions that will seamlessly fit within the delicate phyllo shells, maximizing flavor and presentation.
  4. Cheese Placement: Gently embed a brie slice into each phyllo cup, allowing the cheese to settle naturally and create a smooth, creamy foundation.
  5. Cranberry Topping: Carefully spoon cranberry sauce over the brie-filled shells, creating a vibrant and tangy layer that complements the rich cheese.
  6. Baking Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, monitoring until brie transforms into a molten, bubbling delicacy with golden edges.
  7. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and let the phyllo cups rest for 4-5 minutes, allowing the appetizers to stabilize and develop a perfect texture.
  8. Serving: Elegantly transfer the brie and cranberry phyllo cups to a serving platter, presenting a sophisticated and irresistible appetizer ready to delight guests.

Notes

  • Handle Phyllo Shells Gently: These delicate pastry shells break easily, so use a light touch when placing and filling them to maintain their elegant shape.
  • Slice Brie Precisely: Cut cheese into uniform pieces to ensure even melting and consistent flavor in each bite-sized appetizer.
  • Watch Baking Time Closely: Phyllo cups and brie can burn quickly, so monitor the oven carefully during the 5-8 minute baking window to achieve perfect golden-brown edges.
  • Cool Before Serving: Let appetizers rest briefly after baking to help cheese set and prevent burning mouths, creating a more enjoyable tasting experience.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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