Mini Cranberry Brie Phyllo Tarts Recipe

Crispy Mini Cranberry Brie Phyllo Tarts Recipe: Sweet & Savory Joy

Crispy phyllo pastry cradles a delightful mini cranberry brie tart that promises to steal the show at any gathering.

Delicate layers of flaky dough create a perfect vessel for creamy cheese and tart berries.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in a bite-sized wonder that feels both elegant and approachable.

Each morsel combines rich, melted brie with the bright pop of cranberry, offering a sophisticated flavor profile.

Guests will marvel at these little parcels of deliciousness that look far more complicated than they actually are.

Simple techniques transform basic ingredients into an impressive appetizer that seems like it came from a professional kitchen.

You can whip up these irresistible treats in less than thirty minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous entertaining or planned celebrations.

Prepare to become the star of your next social event with these absolutely addictive mini tarts.

Mini Tarts That Pair Brie and Cranberry for Festive Flavor

  • Whip Up Effortless Elegance: These mini tarts deliver gourmet-style appetizers without complex cooking skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress guests quickly.
  • Celebrate Versatile Entertaining: Ideal for holiday parties, cocktail gatherings, or spontaneous get-togethers, these bite-sized delights offer sophisticated flavor combinations that suit multiple occasions.
  • Embrace Quick Culinary Creativity: With minimal ingredients and simple preparation steps, anyone can create these delectable treats in just a few minutes, transforming basic components into stunning appetizers that look professionally crafted.
  • Enjoy Flavor Harmony: The recipe brilliantly balances sweet cranberry sauce, creamy Brie, aromatic rosemary, and subtle honey for a multi-layered taste experience that tantalizes different palate sensations.

Mini Brie Cranberry Tarts Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Phyllo Tart Shells: Delicate, crispy pastry base for the appetizer.
  • Brie Cheese: Creamy and rich soft cheese.
  • Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berry for sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cranberry sauce.
  • Water: Helps create the cranberry sauce consistency.
Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Rosemary, Orange Zest, Honey: Fresh herbs and sweet finishing touches for extra flavor.

Making Mini Cranberry and Brie Tarts with Phyllo Layers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tart Shells

Crank up the oven to 375°F. Spread out the mini phyllo tart shells on a baking sheet, getting them ready for their delicious transformation.

Step 2: Create Cranberry Sauce

Grab a saucepan and toss in:
  • Cranberries
  • Sugar
  • Water

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch as the cranberries burst and transform into a luscious, thick sauce. Let the sauce cool down and get ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Layers

Carefully place a small cube of creamy Brie into each delicate phyllo shell. Crown each shell with a generous teaspoon of the homemade cranberry sauce.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle chopped rosemary over the tarts, adding a fragrant herb touch. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye out for golden-brown phyllo shells and perfectly melted cheese.

Step 5: Add Final Flourishes

Pull the tarts out of the oven. Drizzle with a touch of honey and, if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with delicate orange zest.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the tarts cool slightly, then serve these bite-sized delights to eager guests or enjoy them all by yourself!

Mini Tart Tips That Make Cranberry Brie Pop

  • Perfectly Prep Shells: Arrange phyllo tart shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
  • Master Cranberry Sauce: Cook cranberries until they burst and thicken, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve the ideal consistency.
  • Cheese Placement Pro: Cut Brie into uniform small cubes for even melting and consistent flavor in each tart shell.
  • Fresh Herb Enhancement: Finely chop fresh rosemary to distribute evenly, releasing maximum aromatic oils and adding bright flavor to the tarts.
  • Quick Cooling Trick: Allow tarts to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to let cheese set and prevent burning your mouth while maintaining crisp phyllo texture.

Store Mini Brie Tarts and Warm Before Serving

  • Store leftover tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Warm tarts at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy phyllo and melted cheese texture. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Quickly zap tarts for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Note that phyllo might lose crispness but will still taste delicious.
  • Enjoy tarts within 2 hours of making for best flavor and texture. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving chilled leftovers.

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Tarts Side Matches

  • Pair with Sparkling Champagne: Pop open a crisp, bubbly champagne that cuts through the richness of the Brie and complements the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
  • Enhance with Spiced Pecans: Serve alongside toasted pecans sprinkled with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar, adding a crunchy texture and warm, nutty undertone that elevates the tarts.
  • Match with Herbal White Wine: Select a light, herbaceous white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which echoes the rosemary's fresh notes and provides a bright, crisp counterpoint to the creamy cheese.
  • Complement with Fig Jam: Offer a small dish of fig jam on the side, letting guests spread a thin layer for an extra dimension of sweetness that harmonizes with the cranberry and Brie.

Mini Cranberry Brie Tart Twists

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace phyllo shells with gluten-free pastry shells or almond flour-based tartlets for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Variation: Swap Brie for dairy-free soft cashew cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey. Choose plant-based cranberry sauce without gelatin.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute phyllo shells with crisp cucumber rounds or roasted bell pepper halves as base. Use monk fruit sweetener in cranberry sauce.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Skip rosemary and replace with fresh thyme. Use sunflower seed cheese for those with nut allergies, ensuring safe ingredient substitutions.

FAQs

  • What are phyllo tart shells?

Phyllo tart shells are delicate, pre-made pastry cups made from thin layers of phyllo dough, creating a crispy and light base for appetizers or desserts.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry sauce and assemble the tarts up to a few hours before baking. Keep them refrigerated and bake just before serving to maintain the crispy shells.

  • Is there a substitute for Brie cheese?

You can use other soft, melting cheeses like camembert or goat cheese if you prefer or don’t have Brie on hand.

  • How do I prevent the phyllo shells from getting soggy?

Bake the tarts immediately after adding the cheese and cranberry sauce, and make sure the cranberry sauce is not too wet to keep the shells crisp.

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Mini Cranberry Brie Phyllo Tarts Recipe

Mini Cranberry Brie Phyllo Tarts Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive mini cranberry brie phyllo tarts blend French elegance with holiday charm, creating irresistible bite-sized appetizers. Delicate layers of crisp phyllo cradle creamy brie and tangy cranberry, promising a perfect balance of flavors for your next gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 mini phyllo tart shells
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) Brie cheese, cut into small cubes

Sweeteners and Liquid:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
  • 1 tablespoon (30 milliliters) honey

Herbs and Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position mini phyllo tart shells on a clean baking sheet.
  2. Create a vibrant cranberry reduction by simmering cranberries with sugar and water in a saucepan, stirring intermittently until the berries burst and transform into a luscious, thick compote.
  3. Allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely, ensuring it reaches room temperature.
  4. Delicately nestle a petite cube of creamy Brie into each delicate phyllo shell.
  5. Generously crown each tart with a dollop of the prepared cranberry sauce, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Sprinkle finely chopped rosemary across the surface of the tarts, infusing them with an aromatic herbal essence.
  7. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for golden-brown phyllo shells and perfectly melted cheese.
  8. Once baked, carefully extract the tarts from the oven and embellish with a gentle drizzle of golden honey.
  9. For an optional burst of citrusy brightness, garnish with delicate orange zest shavings.
  10. Let the tarts rest and cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld and prevent burning.

Notes

  • Ensure phyllo shells are at room temperature to prevent cracking during baking.
  • Prepare cranberry sauce in advance and refrigerate for a quicker assembly process.
  • Substitute Brie with goat cheese for a tangy alternative that melts beautifully.
  • Use fresh cranberries for a more vibrant and intense flavor profile in the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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