Festive Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups Recipe for Gatherings

Delicate cranberry brie thyme phyllo cups dance with elegance on your holiday appetizer plate.

Crisp layers of flaky pastry cradle creamy cheese and vibrant berries.

Seasonal ingredients mingle in perfect harmony, creating a bite-sized sensation.

Thyme adds an earthy whisper to the rich, tangy brie.

Cranberries burst with bright, tart notes that complement the smooth cheese.

Quick to assemble and stunning to serve, these little cups will become your new go-to party starter.

Wow your guests with this simple yet sophisticated seasonal treat.

Phyllo Cups Stuffed with Brie, Cranberry, and Thyme Magic

• Effortlessly Elegant: Whip up a sophisticated appetizer that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Quick Party Pleaser: Prepare these delightful bites in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute entertaining.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine the creamy richness of Brie, the tangy sweetness of cranberries, and the aromatic touch of thyme for a mouthwatering taste experience that will wow your guests.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for holiday parties, cocktail events, or casual get-togethers, these phyllo cups adapt to any social occasion with ease.

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Ingredient List

• Phyllo Cups: Delicate and crispy pastry shells perfect for bite-sized appetizers.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy and rich French cheese that melts beautifully.
• Fresh Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berries that add a festive touch.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb with earthy and slightly minty flavor.

• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the tartness of cranberries.
• Balsamic Glaze: Optional tangy and sweet drizzle for added complexity.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
• Melted Butter: Helps create golden and crispy phyllo cups.
• Extra Thyme Leaves: Garnish for visual appeal and additional herbal note.

Baking Phyllo Cups with Cranberry, Brie, and Thyme for a Gathering

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F and grab a baking sheet. This sets the stage for your delicious appetizer adventure.

Step 2: Brush and Prep Phyllo Cups

Lay out the phyllo cups on the baking sheet. Gently paint each cup with melted butter using a pastry brush. This secret step ensures crispy, golden edges that’ll make everyone swoon.

Step 3: Create Cranberry Magic

• Fresh cranberries, finely chopped
• Honey
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks vibrant and well-blended.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Towers

Nestle a creamy Brie cube into each phyllo cup. Top generously with the cranberry-thyme mixture, making sure each cup is bursting with goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the Brie turns into a molten dream and the phyllo cups transform into golden, crispy vessels of deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Pull the cups from the oven. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top. Serve immediately and watch your guests’ eyes light up with joy.

Phyllo Cup Tips That Hold Cranberry Brie Flavor Just Right

• Prep Perfectly: Brush phyllo cups gently with melted butter to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that adds rich flavor and delightful crunch.
• Balance Flavors Wisely: Combine sweet honey with tart cranberries and earthy thyme to create a complex taste profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Cut Brie into uniform cubes to ensure even melting and consistent texture across each delectable bite.
• Baking Brilliance: Watch carefully during the 8-10 minute baking window to prevent burning, looking for golden phyllo and perfectly melted cheese.
• Serve with Style: Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to add a sophisticated touch and elevate the overall presentation of these elegant appetizers.

Chill Phyllo Cups with Cranberry and Brie for Serving Later

• Store leftover phyllo cups in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual cups in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange cups on baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and phyllo regains crispness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cups sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

Cranberry Brie Thyme Cups Match Ideas

• Pair with Sparkling Wine: Choose a crisp, light-bodied champagne or prosecco that complements the rich Brie and tangy cranberries, cutting through the creamy cheese while enhancing the appetizer's festive feel.
• Serve with Spiced Mulled Cider: Warm, aromatic apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise creates a cozy contrast to the crisp phyllo cups, matching the holiday flavor profile perfectly.
• Match with Nutty Charcuterie: Add a small plate of toasted almonds, pecans, and a light prosciutto to provide a savory, crunchy counterpoint that balances the sweet-tart cranberry and creamy Brie.
• Complement with Herb-Infused Cocktail: Mix a thyme-rosemary gin cocktail that echoes the herbal notes in the recipe, offering a sophisticated and refreshing drink that ties together the appetizer's complex flavors.

Cranberry Brie Thyme Cup Mixes

• Goat Cheese Swap: Replace Brie with tangy goat cheese for a sharper flavor profile, keeping the cranberry-thyme mix intact.
• Vegan Delight: Substitute dairy cheese with plant-based brie or cashew cheese, using olive oil instead of butter for phyllo brushing.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free phyllo cups or create mini tartlets with almond flour pastry for those avoiding wheat.
• Low-Sugar Variation: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or stevia, reducing overall sweetness while maintaining the recipe's essence.

FAQs

• Can I make these phyllo cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cups up to a day in advance. Assemble them just before baking to keep the phyllo crisp and prevent sogginess.

• Is it possible to use frozen cranberries?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work well. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

• What can I substitute for Brie cheese?

Camembert or goat cheese are excellent alternatives that provide a similar creamy texture and rich flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the phyllo cups from burning?

Watch closely during baking and ensure your oven temperature is accurate. If they brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the cheese to melt.

Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

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Description

Cranberry brie thyme phyllo cups delight party guests with festive flavors that dance between sweet and savory. Crisp phyllo pastry cradles warm, melted brie and tangy cranberry sauce, inviting you to savor each delectable, elegant bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
• 1 package phyllo dough cups (about 15 cups)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Carefully arrange phyllo cups on the sheet, delicately coating each with a thin layer of melted butter to ensure a crisp, golden exterior.
3. Create a vibrant filling by combining chopped cranberries with honey, freshly minced thyme, a whisper of salt, and a crack of black pepper, stirring until the ingredients meld together harmoniously.
4. Nestle a creamy Brie cube into each delicate phyllo cup, crowning it with a generous spoonful of the tangy cranberry-thyme mixture.
5. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the cups to transform for 8-10 minutes until the Brie becomes luxuriously molten and the phyllo achieves a stunning golden-brown crispness.
6. Extract the aromatic cups from the oven, optionally drizzling with a rich balsamic glaze and scattering additional thyme leaves as a final flourish before presenting these elegant bite-sized delicacies.

Notes

• Assemble these delightful bites up to 2 hours before baking, keeping them refrigerated to maintain crisp phyllo texture.
• Choose a soft, creamy Brie that melts beautifully, ensuring a luxurious, smooth filling in each cup.
• Swap Brie for dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate vegan or lactose-intolerant guests without compromising flavor.
• Chop cranberries and prepare thyme mixture in advance, streamlining party preparation and reducing last-minute stress.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg