These Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups are a tasty treat everyone will love! Soft brie cheese sits in crispy pastry cups, topped with sweet cranberry and crunchy pecans.
Perfect for parties, these bites are a crowd-pleaser. I like to serve them warm, and they disappear fast! Who can resist melty cheese wrapped in buttery goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is what makes the cups crispy! If you can’t find phyllo dough, puff pastry is a great alternative. Just remember to adjust the baking time as puff pastry may need a bit longer to cook through.
Brie Cheese: For a milder taste, you can use Camembert cheese instead of brie. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try using reduced-fat brie or goat cheese for a different flavor.
Dried Cranberries: You can substitute with raisins or dried cherries if cranberries aren’t available. Both will still add a nice sweetness.
Pecans: If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t have pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds would work too and keep the crunch.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey for a vegan-friendly version, while still keeping that sweet touch.
How Can I Get the Perfectly Crispy Phyllo Cups?
Crafting crispy phyllo cups requires attention, but it’s straightforward! Start by layering multiple sheets, which gives your cups strength and flakiness. It’s important to brush each layer with melted butter to ensure they crisp up nicely. Here’s how:
- Brush the first phyllo sheet with butter and keep layering—four sheets should do the trick.
- When cutting the squares for the muffin tin, make sure they’re slightly larger than the cups so you can mold them well.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; they bake quickly and can turn crispy brown fast. Aim for a golden hue!
With these tips, your pastry will be just right for holding that melty brie and sweet topping!
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package phyllo dough sheets (or frozen, thawed)
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Optional: fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time, making it a perfect quick treat to whip up for gatherings. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a muffin tin and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush with butter again. Repeat this process until you have 4 layers of phyllo dough for each cup. This will create a flaky and delicious shell!
3. Cut and Shape the Phyllo Cups:
Once your phyllo layers are ready, cut the stack into squares that are big enough to fit into the muffin tin cavities. Gently press each phyllo square into the cups, forming mini shells. Don’t worry if they look a little messy; they’ll crisp up beautifully!
4. Add the Brie:
Cut the brie cheese into small cubes. Place one or two cubes into each phyllo cup, depending on your cheese preference. The more cheese, the merrier!
5. Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and honey. This mix will add a wonderful sweetness and crunch to your brie cups.
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon the cranberry-pecan mixture generously over the brie in each phyllo cup, making sure to distribute the tasty topping evenly.
7. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the phyllo to turn golden and the brie to melt deliciously.
8. Cool and Serve:
After baking, remove the cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully take the cups out of the muffin tin and place them on a serving platter.
9. Add Finishing Touches:
For a beautiful presentation, drizzle a bit more honey on top of the cups and garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs if you’d like!
Enjoy these delightful crispy, melty, sweet and nutty baked brie cups as a perfect appetizer or festive snack!
Can I Use Store-Bought Phyllo Cups Instead of Phyllo Dough?
Absolutely! Using store-bought phyllo cups can save time. Just fill them with brie and the cranberry-pecan mixture and bake according to the package instructions, typically for a shorter time.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups and the filling ahead of time! Assemble the cups, but don’t bake them. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving for a fresh taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Use Different Nuts?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or even pumpkin seeds are great substitutes. Just chop them roughly and mix them with the cranberries!
