Description
12 phyllo pastry cups
4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
½ cup fresh cranberries
1 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with honey and cinnamon.
Divide the Brie cubes evenly among the phyllo cups.
Top each with a few honey-roasted cranberries and chopped pecans, if using.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with extra honey. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 120 per serving Servings: 12 phyllo cups
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Bites every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut 4 oz of Brie cheese into small, uniform cubes. Roughly chop ¼ cup of pecans, if using. Pick fresh thyme leaves for garnish.
- Coat Cranberries: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of fresh cranberries with 1 tablespoon of honey and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss gently until the cranberries are evenly coated.
- Assemble Cups: Arrange 12 phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet. Place a few cubes of Brie into each cup. Top the Brie with the honey-cinnamon cranberries and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely—they are done when the Brie is completely melted and bubbly.
- Final Touches: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately drizzle the warm bites with a little extra honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant bites are versatile for any occasion. Serve them warm on a platter as the star appetizer at a holiday party or cocktail hour. For a beautiful presentation, garnish the serving tray with additional fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs. They pair wonderfully with a crisp sparkling wine, a dry rosé, or a light Pinot Noir. For a larger spread, serve alongside other finger foods like stuffed mushrooms or a simple charcuterie board.
How-to Summary
Create an easy, impressive appetizer in 15 minutes by filling store-bought phyllo cups with Brie cubes and fresh cranberries tossed in honey and cinnamon. Add pecans for crunch, bake until bubbly, and finish with a honey drizzle and thyme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but the result will be different. Dried cranberries are much sweeter and chewier. If using dried, skip the honey-cinnamon toss and simply place them on top of the Brie. The baking time remains the same.
Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
You can assemble the cups up to 2 hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Do not bake from cold; let the tray sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes first to ensure even melting.
My Brie didn’t melt completely. What happened?
This usually means the cheese cubes were too large. Ensure they are cut into small, ½-inch cubes. Also, check that your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Brie is ideal for its creamy melt, but Camembert is a direct substitute. A soft goat cheese will also work but will have a tangier flavor and a less fluid melt.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore texture. Microwaving will make the phyllo soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Cups: Adding too much Brie can cause it to overflow and burn on the baking sheet. Use a moderate amount.
- Using Frozen Phyllo Dough Sheets Incorrectly: This recipe calls for pre-formed phyllo cups for a reason. Attempting to make your own cups from sheets for this recipe adds significant time and complexity.
- Overbaking: Set a timer. Baking beyond 10-12 minutes can cause the delicate phyllo to burn and the cheese to become greasy.
- Skipping the Garnish: The fresh thyme and final honey drizzle are not just decorative. They add crucial fresh and sweet flavor notes that balance the rich cheese.
Conclusion
These Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Bites are the ultimate proof that minimal effort can yield maximum flavor and elegance. With a perfect balance of creamy, tart, sweet, and crunchy in every bite, they are guaranteed to impress your guests. By following this enhanced guide—especially the tips to avoid common pitfalls—you can confidently create a foolproof, crowd-pleasing appetizer that shines at any gathering. Enjoy the simplicity and the delicious results!