These Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups are a tasty treat perfect for any gathering! Soft brie cheese meets sweet cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans, all baked in flaky pastry.
They look fancy but are super easy to make. I love serving these at parties—everyone can’t resist them. Just watch out, they disappear fast! 🍂🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This gives the cups their nice flaky texture. You can substitute with puff pastry, but it may be a bit heavier. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free phyllo dough alternatives.
Brie Cheese: The star of this dish! If brie isn’t available, you can use camembert cheese or even a creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure it’s soft enough to melt.
Dried Cranberries: They add sweetness to balance out the cheese. If you prefer, you could swap in other dried fruits like cherries or raisins. Fresh cranberries can work too but will need sweetening!
Pecans: These add a nice crunch! If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. Toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but it adds a nice warmth to the mixture. You can leave it out or swap it with nutmeg for a different spice profile.
How Do You Work with Phyllo Dough Without It Getting Stiff?
Phyllo dough can be a little tricky to handle, but here are some tips to keep it from drying out:
- Keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work. This helps it stay moist.
- Work with one sheet at a time. When you’re ready to use it, remove one from the stack and cover the rest again.
- Brush with melted butter quickly to keep the layers from sticking together while you form the cups.
By treating it gently, you’ll get that flaky goodness just right!
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or cranberry sauce if preferred)
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these delicious bites in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin so your cups won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it on a clean surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush it with melted butter. Lay another sheet on top and repeat the brushing process. Do this for a total of 6 layers, stacking them on top of each other.
3. Cut the Dough:
Once your layers are stacked and buttered, cut the dough into 12 squares (each about 4×4 inches). This will create your individual cups.
4. Shape the Cups:
Gently press each square into the mini muffin tin to form little cups. Make sure they fit snugly!
5. Add the Brie:
Place a cube of brie cheese inside each phyllo cup. This will be the creamy center of your cups!
6. Make the Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, brown sugar, and optional cinnamon together until well combined.
7. Fill the Cups:
Spoon the cranberry pecan mixture on top of the brie in each phyllo cup. Make sure to pack them lightly so they hold together.
8. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Cool & Serve:
Remove the cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully take them out of the muffin tin. They are delicate, so do this gently!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, add some fresh cranberries on top for a pop of color before serving. Enjoy these delightful, crunchy, sweet, and savory cranberry pecan baked brie cups at your next gathering!
These little delights are perfect for holiday parties or whenever you need a tasty appetizer. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce Instead of Dried Cranberries?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cranberry sauce is a great shortcut. Just be sure to spoon a small amount on top of the brie, as the sauce can be sweeter than dried cranberries. You may want to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the filling accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Brie Cups?
Leftover baked brie cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the pastry stays crisp.
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups and the filling in advance. Assemble them just before baking. If you’re prepping ahead, store the unbaked cups in the fridge for up to a day before popping them in the oven!
What Can I Use Instead of Phyllo Dough?
If you can’t find phyllo dough, you can substitute it with store-bought puff pastry. Just cut it into squares and follow the same instructions. Puff pastry provides a thicker, more buttery flavor.
