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To create your delicious Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups, gather these simple ingredients: - 12 sheets of phyllo dough - 1 cup brie cheese, cut into small cubes - 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Cooking spray or melted butter, for brushing These ingredients combine to form a rich and tasty bite. The phyllo dough gives a flaky crunch. The brie melts beautifully, while the cranberry sauce adds sweetness. Fresh thyme brings a nice herbal note. Honey adds a touch of warmth, and salt and pepper balance the flavors. Keep your ingredients fresh. This ensures your cups taste their best. You can use store-bought cranberry sauce if you're short on time. However, homemade sauce can add extra flavor. With these ingredients ready, you can start making your holiday treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat makes the phyllo cups crispy and golden. 2. Layering phyllo dough: Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter or spray it with cooking spray. Add another sheet on top and repeat this step. Do this until you have four layers. 3. Cutting phyllo into squares: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the stacked phyllo into 12 squares. Aim for a grid of 3x4 squares. 1. Pressing phyllo squares into muffin tin: Gently take each square and press it into the cups of a muffin tin. Don't worry about making the edges even; this helps create a lovely texture later. 2. Baking the cups: Bake the phyllo cups in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown color. Once done, take them out and let them cool a bit. 1. Mixing ingredients for the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brie cubes, cranberry sauce, chopped thyme, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. 2. Filling the baked cups: Spoon the cranberry-brie mixture generously into each of the baked phyllo cups. Fill them to the top for the best flavor. 1. Cooking time for melting brie: Place the filled cups back in the oven for 5-7 minutes. You'll know they’re ready when the brie is melted and bubbly. 2. Cooling and removing cups from tin: After baking, let the cups cool for a couple of minutes. Use a fork or small spatula to carefully lift them from the muffin tin. This prevents tearing the delicate cups. - Ensuring crispy phyllo: To get that perfect crunch, layer your phyllo dough with care. Brush each sheet with melted butter or spray it well with cooking spray. This adds flavor and helps it bake up crispy. Use at least four layers for the best texture. - Avoiding soggy bottoms: To prevent soggy cups, bake them empty first. This gives the phyllo a chance to crisp up. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown before adding the filling. - Additional herbs or spices: Want to spice things up? Try adding rosemary or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. These herbs pair well with brie and cranberry, adding depth to the flavors. - Alternative fillings: Not a fan of cranberry? Swap it for apple butter or fig jam. You can also use different cheeses like goat cheese or cheddar for a unique twist. - Plating suggestions: For a stunning display, use a pretty platter. Arrange your phyllo cups in a circle or in rows. This makes them easy to grab and adds visual appeal. - Garnishing ideas: Add a little flair by topping each cup with a sprig of thyme. A light drizzle of honey on top just before serving adds shine and extra sweetness. Pro Tips Layering Technique: Make sure to layer the phyllo dough sheets carefully; this will ensure your cups are flaky and crispy once baked. Thyme Substitutes: If you don't have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used as a substitute. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Cooling Time: Allow the phyllo cups to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin to prevent them from breaking apart. Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the filling before the final bake. {{image_4}} You can easily switch out the brie cheese for other soft cheeses. Cream cheese or goat cheese both work well. They bring their own flavors to the dish. If you want a stronger taste, try blue cheese. For sauces, cranberry sauce is classic but not your only choice. Try fig jam or a savory onion jam for a twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free phyllo dough. Many stores offer this now. For a vegan version, substitute the brie with a vegan cheese. You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. These swaps let everyone enjoy the treat! During the holidays, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. This gives your cups a festive flavor. In summer, try using fresh fruits like peaches or cherries. Pair them with a light cheese for a refreshing taste. Changing the flavors lets you enjoy these cups all year long! To keep your phyllo cups fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking. This simple step keeps the cups crispy and tasty. If you have leftover cups, refrigerate them for up to three days. However, they taste best when fresh. To reheat your phyllo cups, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps them regain their crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating. Just set it to 300°F (150°C) for about 4 minutes. This keeps the texture perfect. You can freeze phyllo cups before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, layer them with parchment paper. Store in an airtight container for up to a month. To bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool first. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven as mentioned. Enjoy your tasty treats anytime! Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out. If you want to freeze them, do so before baking. They can last up to a month in the freezer. When ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then bake them as directed. Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups ahead. Simply bake them until golden. After baking, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. Fill them with the cranberry-brie mixture just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You can also prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. These phyllo cups pair well with many appetizers. Try serving them with a light salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. You can also add a cheese platter with various cheeses. A selection of nuts or dried fruits makes a lovely addition too. These options create a well-rounded spread for your guests. One common mistake is overbaking the phyllo cups. Keep an eye on them while baking. They should be golden and crispy, not burnt. Another mistake is filling the cups too early. If you fill them and wait too long, the phyllo can get soggy. Be sure to serve them warm for the best taste and texture. Cranberry brie thyme phyllo cups are simple yet delightful. We covered the tasty ingredients and step-by-step making process. Don’t forget the baking tips for that perfect crunch. Feel free to adapt ingredients based on need and add your own twist. Proper storage and reheating keep them fresh and enjoyable. These cups are great for sharing at any event. I hope you feel confident to try this recipe and impress your guests!

Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups

Delicious phyllo cups filled with creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and fresh thyme, perfect for appetizers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 sheets phyllo dough
  • 1 cup brie cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • as needed spray or melted butter for brushing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  • On a clean, flat surface, place one sheet of phyllo dough. Gently brush the surface with melted butter or spray evenly with cooking spray. Lay a second sheet on top, repeating the process. Continue layering until you have a stack of four sheets.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully slice the stacked phyllo into a grid of 3x4 squares, yielding 12 equal pieces.
  • Take each square and gently press it into the cups of a muffin tin, forming little phyllo cups. Ensure the edges are not perfectly even; this will create a lovely texture once baked.
  • Bake the phyllo cups in the preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the brie cubes, cranberry sauce, chopped thyme, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is homogenous.
  • Generously spoon the cranberry-brie filling into each of the baked phyllo cups, filling them to the brim.
  • Place the filled cups back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbling with delight.
  • After the final baking, allow the cups to cool for a couple of minutes. Carefully remove them from the muffin tin, using a fork or small spatula to avoid tearing the delicate cups.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the phyllo cups on a decorative platter garnished with thyme sprigs. Drizzle a little extra honey over the tops just before serving for a beautiful finish!
Keyword appetizer, brie, cranberry, phyllo cups, thyme