Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans & Cranberry Drizzle

These Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans & Cranberry Drizzle are a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. Perfect for the holidays, cocktail parties, or any time you want an easy yet elegant bite-sized treat. The flaky phyllo shells cradle warm, gooey Brie, while tart cranberry sauce and toasted pecans bring festive flavor and texture to every bite. A drizzle of honey ties everything together with a golden touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 12 mini phyllo cups
• 120 g (4.2 oz / ½ cup) Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• ¼ cup (30 g) pecans, toasted and chopped
• ¼ cup (60 g) cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the phyllo cups evenly to ensure they crisp up perfectly.
2. Fill the cups:
   Place a small piece of Brie cheese into each phyllo cup. Choose pieces that fit neatly so the cheese melts evenly without spilling over.
3. Bake until melted:
   Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and bubbling lightly. The phyllo shells should be crisp and golden brown.
4. Add the toppings:
   Carefully remove from the oven and immediately top each cup with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a mix of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.
5. Finish with honey:
   Drizzle a touch of honey over the top to add warmth and natural sweetness that complements the tangy cranberry and rich cheese.
6. Serve warm:
   Serve immediately while the Brie is still soft and gooey. These are best enjoyed straight out of the oven for maximum flavor and texture.

Variation

1. Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding a pinch of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme before baking. The herbs release their aroma as they warm, giving each bite a fragrant and savory note that balances the sweetness of the honey and cranberry.
2. Use Different Jams: Swap the cranberry sauce for fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apricot jam. Each option provides a unique twist fig jam offers earthy sweetness, raspberry adds a touch of tartness, and apricot brings a fruity brightness that pairs beautifully with Brie.
3. Experiment with Cheeses: Replace Brie with Camembert for a richer flavor or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Both melt beautifully and offer a new dimension to this simple appetizer.
4. Nutty Alternatives: Try toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a slightly different crunch and flavor. Each nut adds its own personality to the dish.

Cooking Notes

1. Cheese Melting Tip: Brie melts quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking. The ideal texture is soft and creamy, not oily or separated.
2. Toasting the Pecans: Toasting enhances their flavor and crunch. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
3. Phyllo Cups Crispiness: If using frozen phyllo cups, bake them empty for 3 minutes before filling. This keeps them crisp even after adding cheese.
4. Homemade Cranberry Sauce: If you prefer homemade, simmer cranberries with sugar and orange zest until thickened. The citrus brightens the dish and complements the Brie beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

1. Appetizer Platters: Arrange on a festive serving tray with sprigs of rosemary and a drizzle of extra honey for a holiday-ready look that’s perfect for gatherings.
2. Pair with Wine: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling rosé. The acidity cuts through the richness of the Brie while complementing the sweetness of the honey.
3. Add Variety: Offer a few variations on the same platter some with fig jam, others with cranberry to create visual appeal and flavor diversity for your guests.
4. For Brunch or Afternoon Tea: These little bites also pair well with herbal teas or coffee, making them a versatile treat for both savory and sweet spreads.

Tips

• Work Quickly with Phyllo: Keep phyllo cups covered with a cloth while prepping to prevent them from drying out. Once baked, serve promptly to maintain crispness.
• Room Temperature Brie: Let Brie sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps it melt more evenly and gives a smoother texture.
• Balancing Flavors: Don’t skip the honey its sweetness rounds out the tangy and salty elements perfectly. Adjust the drizzle amount based on your taste preference.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the cups (without baking) a few hours in advance. Just refrigerate and bake right before serving for fresh, gooey results.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 2 Cups)

Calories: 150
Protein: 4 g
Sodium: 160 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 6 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cups with Brie up to 4 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving, then top with cranberry, nuts, and honey.

2. What can I use instead of Brie?
Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese can work well each brings its own flavor and texture. Goat cheese adds a tangy note that pairs wonderfully with sweet toppings.

3. Can I freeze them?
It’s best not to freeze assembled cups, as the phyllo can become soggy. However, you can freeze empty phyllo shells and fill them fresh before baking.

4. What’s the best way to keep them crispy for parties?
Bake just before serving and avoid covering them while hot. If needed, keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) until serving time.

Conclusion

Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans & Cranberry Drizzle are proof that beautiful appetizers don’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of baking, you’ll have elegant little bites bursting with creamy, crunchy, and sweet-tart flavor. Perfect for entertaining, gifting, or simply treating yourself these phyllo cups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

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