Get ready to impress your holiday guests with a delightful treat: Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups! These bite-sized wonders combine the creamy richness of brie with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped in flaky phyllo dough. Perfect for gatherings, they are easy to make and bursting with flavor. In this guide, I’ll share all the tasty details, from ingredients to tips, ensuring your holiday snacks shine. Let’s get cooking and celebrate together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These phyllo cups come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or parties.
- Elegant Presentation: The flaky, golden cups filled with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce look stunning on any platter.
- Versatile Filling: You can customize the filling with different cheeses or add-ins, such as nuts or herbs, to suit your taste.
- Always a Crowd-Pleaser: This combination of flavors is sure to impress guests and is a hit at any event!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
To make Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups, gather these simple ingredients:
- 12 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 cup brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup melted butter
These items create a tasty blend of flavors. The brie cheese adds creaminess, while the cranberry sauce brings sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap out some ingredients if needed:
- Use goat cheese instead of brie for a tangy twist.
- Try store-bought cranberry sauce if you don’t have time to make it.
- If you can’t find walnuts, pecans or almonds work well.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can replace parsley for a different taste.
These swaps keep the dish fun and flexible.
Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Quality brie melts beautifully, creating a rich texture. Homemade cranberry sauce can enhance the taste even more.
When you use fresh ingredients, your Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups will impress everyone. They will taste better and look more appealing. Choose wisely for a festive treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Phyllo Cups
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for crisp phyllo cups. Next, carefully unroll your phyllo dough on a clean surface. Place a damp cloth over the sheets. This keeps them moist and easy to work with.
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter. Lay a second sheet on top. Repeat this layering process for a total of four sheets. The layers give your cups a nice crunch.
Now, cut the layered phyllo into 3-inch squares. Gently press each square into a mini muffin tin. This forms the cup shape. Repeat this step until you use all the phyllo dough.
Making the Cranberry-Brie Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the brie cheese cubes and cranberry sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought sauce. Add the finely chopped parsley and walnuts if you want a nutty touch. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and black pepper.
Mix these ingredients gently until they blend well. This mixture creates a burst of flavor in each cup.
Baking Instructions and Timing
Place the prepared phyllo cups in your preheated oven. Bake them for about 10 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. After baking, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes.
Now, fill each baked phyllo cup with your cranberry-brie mixture. Be generous with the filling. Return the filled cups to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. You want the brie to melt and bubble slightly.
Once done, let them cool before serving. These cups are perfect for any holiday gathering. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Tricks
How to Handle Phyllo Dough
Working with phyllo dough can be fun but tricky. Keep your dough moist. Use a damp cloth over the sheets while you work. This helps prevent it from drying out and breaking. Layering is key. Use four sheets at a time for extra crunch. Brush each sheet with melted butter for that golden look.
Best Serving Practices
Serve your phyllo cups warm. They taste best fresh from the oven. Arrange them on a nice platter for a festive look. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for color. This small touch makes them even more appealing. Guests will love the warm, gooey cheese and tart cranberry mix.
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients
Want to spice things up? Add chopped nuts like walnuts for crunch. They give a nice texture. You can also try different cheeses. Goat cheese or cream cheese can work well. For a sweet twist, mix in a bit of honey or a dash of cinnamon. Each change makes your phyllo cups unique and exciting.
Pro Tips
- Keep Phyllo Dough Moist: To prevent the phyllo dough from drying out, always cover the unrolled sheets with a damp cloth while you work.
- Customize Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as caramelized onions or roasted red peppers, for a unique flavor twist.
- Serve Warm: These phyllo cups are best served warm, so consider baking them just before your guests arrive for the freshest taste.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can enhance the visual appeal of your dish.

Variations
Alternative Cheeses to Use
You can try different cheeses for fun flavors. Cream cheese offers a smooth texture. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist. A sharp cheddar can give a bold taste. Each cheese changes the cups’ flavor profile.
Different Sauces or Spreads
Swap out the cranberry sauce for other spreads. Fig jam brings sweetness and depth. A savory onion jam adds a rich taste. You can also use apple butter for a seasonal touch. Each spread can change how the cups taste.
Seasonal Variations
Change the fruit based on the season. In fall, use spiced apple slices. For winter, consider pomegranate seeds for color and crunch. In summer, fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries work well. Seasonal fruits can make these cups even more special.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
To keep your leftover Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups fresh, use an airtight container. Place a layer of paper towel at the bottom. This helps absorb moisture and keeps the cups crispy. Store the container in the fridge. They are best eaten within two days for optimal taste.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method warms them through and keeps them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the phyllo dough soggy.
Freezing Phyllo Cups
You can freeze the phyllo cups before baking. Assemble them as instructed, but do not bake. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. These cups can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the freezer. Bake from frozen for an extra 5 to 7 minutes. Enjoy the fresh, crispy taste even after freezing!
FAQs
Can I make these phyllo cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these phyllo cups in advance. Prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with the cranberry-brie mixture. Then, cover them and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you are ready to serve, just pop them in the oven to warm up. This saves time and helps with party prep.
What can I serve with Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups?
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups work well with many dishes. You can serve them with a fresh salad or a charcuterie board. Pair them with cheeses, meats, and fruits for a great mix. They also go well with a light wine or sparkling drink. These options round out the meal and make it festive.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is almost vegetarian as it uses brie cheese. To keep it fully vegetarian, ensure your brie does not contain animal rennet. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to the filling. This adds flavor and makes the dish more filling while keeping it meat-free.
This article gave you a clear guide to making Cranberry-Brie Phyllo Cups. We covered required ingredients and helpful substitutions. Fresh ingredients are key for great flavor. The step-by-step instructions ensure your cups turn out perfect every time. You also learned tips on handling phyllo dough and best serving practices. Enjoying variations allows for fun twists too. Lastly, proper storage will keep your leftovers tasty. With these insights, you can impress friends and family with your cooking skills. Enjoy your delicious creatio

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups
Ingredients
- 12 sheets phyllo dough
- 1 cup brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and lay it flat. Place a damp cloth over the sheets to keep them moist.
- Take one sheet of phyllo dough, brush it with melted butter, and layer a second sheet on top. Repeat this for a total of 4 layers.
- Cut the layered phyllo into 3-inch squares and carefully press each square into a mini muffin tin to form a cup shape. Repeat with the remaining phyllo dough.
- Bake the phyllo cups in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brie cheese cubes, cranberry sauce, chopped parsley, chopped walnuts (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
- Spoon the cranberry-brie mixture into each baked phyllo cup, filling them generously.
- Return the filled phyllo cups to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.


