Mini Phyllo Brie Cranberry Cups

$- Mini phyllo pastry cups - Brie cheese - Cranberry sauce - Walnuts - Fresh rosemary leaves - Honey Choosing the best Brie cheese is key. Look for a cheese that is creamy and fresh. A well-aged Brie has a rich flavor that pairs well with fruit. You can choose between homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Homemade sauce gives a personal touch, while store-bought saves time. Both options work well. For added texture, consider using finely chopped walnuts. They add a nice crunch to each bite. If you want more flavor, try adding a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce. This small change can elevate your dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cups bake just right. 2. Next, arrange the mini phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet. Space them out for even baking. 1. Start by adding a small cube of Brie cheese into each pastry cup. Aim for about 1-inch cubes. 2. Then, use a small spoon to add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie. Cover it well. 3. If you like, sprinkle chopped walnuts on the cranberry sauce. This adds a nice crunch! 1. Bake the cups in the oven for around 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them. 2. Look for the cheese to melt and bubble. The phyllo should turn golden brown. 3. After baking, take the baking sheet out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes the cups easier to handle. To ensure even melting of cheese, cut the Brie into small cubes. Each piece should be about 1 inch wide. This helps the cheese melt evenly in every cup. Spread the cubes well in the phyllo cups. To avoid soggy phyllo dough, make sure the cups are not overfilled. The cranberry sauce adds moisture, so use just a teaspoon in each cup. Also, bake them until the pastry turns golden brown. This gives a nice crunch. For a great presentation, arrange the cups on a decorative platter. Serve them warm for the best taste. You can also add a small sprig of rosemary on top. This adds color and aroma. Pair the cups with drinks like sparkling wine or a light beer. The tartness of the cranberry and the creamy Brie work well with these drinks. You can prepare the cups in advance. Assemble them, then keep them in the fridge for a few hours. Just bake them right before serving. For reheating, place the cups back in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake them for about 5-7 minutes. This helps them regain their crispness while warming the filling. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Brie: Allow your Brie cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before assembling. This ensures it melts beautifully in the oven. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different toppings like chopped pecans, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to customize the flavor profile of your cups. Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cups at the 10-minute mark to avoid over-baking. You want the cheese bubbly and the phyllo golden. Make Ahead: You can prepare the cups in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge. {{image_4}} You can make these cups even better with a few simple tweaks. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A sprinkle of black pepper can add a nice kick too. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil will give a new twist. They pair great with the creamy Brie and tart cranberry sauce. For fruit sauces, consider using raspberry or apricot. They add a sweet and fruity touch. You can even mix your favorite jams with the cranberry sauce for a unique blend. The options are endless, and you can make it your own! If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free phyllo pastry. Many brands offer this choice now. It will work just like regular phyllo, so you won’t lose any crunch. For a vegan version, swap out the Brie for a plant-based cheese. There are many tasty vegan cheeses on the market. You can also use a homemade cashew cheese for a creamy feel. Just blend soaked cashews with lemon juice and nutritional yeast. These cups can fit any season or holiday. For fall, try adding a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. You can even top them with roasted pumpkin seeds. In winter, add a few pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. For a holiday twist, use cranberry sauce mixed with orange zest. It gives a bright flavor and looks beautiful. Garnish with fresh mint leaves in spring for a light and fresh touch. The key is to have fun and let your creativity shine! To keep your Mini Phyllo Brie Cranberry Cups fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may lose their crunch and flavor. You can freeze these cups before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, arrange the filled cups on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. If you bake them first, allow them to cool and then freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To keep the cups crunchy, use the oven for reheating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. This method ensures the phyllo stays crispy. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. However, this may make the cups soggy. If using the microwave, heat them for just 30 seconds to 1 minute. Making Mini Phyllo Brie Cranberry Cups is quick and easy. You will need about 10 minutes to prep. During this time, you will gather your ingredients and assemble the cups. Then, bake them for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the pastry turns golden. In total, you can have these tasty bites ready in 30 minutes! Yes, you can! While Brie is rich and creamy, other cheeses work well too. Try using Camembert for a similar flavor. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist. Cream cheese can give a smooth texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! These cups shine on their own, but pairing can enhance your spread. Serve them with a fresh green salad for balance. Sparkling wine or white wine complements the flavors nicely. For a fun twist, try them with apple slices or crackers for added crunch. In this post, we explored making Mini Phyllo Brie Cranberry Cups. We discussed key ingredients, from the best Brie to homemade cranberry sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions to prep and bake these tasty bites. You also learned tips for perfecting your cups and how to serve them well. Finally, we covered ways to store leftovers and variations to try. Enjoy crafting these delightful appetizers for your next gathering! They’re sure to impress and satisfy your guests.$

Mini Phyllo Brie Cranberry Cups

Delightful mini phyllo pastry cups filled with creamy Brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy walnuts and fresh rosemary.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 15

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 package mini phyllo pastry cups (contains 15 cups)
8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small, approximately 1-inch cubes
0.5 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
0.25 cup walnuts, finely chopped (optional for texture)
to taste Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish (optional for aroma)
to taste Honey for drizzling (optional for sweetness)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cups bake evenly.
Arrange the mini phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each cup to allow for even baking.
Into each pastry cup, place a small cube of Brie cheese at the bottom. Make sure the cubes are well-distributed for uniform melting.
Using a small spoon, add approximately 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce atop the Brie in each cup, covering it nicely.
If you are adding walnuts, sprinkle the chopped pieces generously on top of the cranberry sauce. This will give each cup an enticing crunch and balance the flavors.
Bake the assembled phyllo cups in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and become bubbly, and for the phyllo pastry to turn a beautiful golden brown.
Once done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cups to cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle.
Drizzle a touch of honey over each cup for a delightful, sweet contrast to the savory Brie and tart cranberry sauce, if you choose to use it.
For a finishing touch, place a small rosemary leaf on top of each cup. This will not only beautify the presentation but also infuse a fresh aroma.

Notes

Arrange the cups on a decorative platter, and serve warm for a delightful appetizer that's sure to impress your guests!

Keyword appetizer, Brie, cranberry, phyllo