These Cranberry & Walnut Brie Phyllo Cups with Honey Drizzle are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Crispy phyllo dough cups are filled with creamy, melted Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy, toasted walnuts, all finished off with a drizzle of honey. The combination of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced into cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Cups
- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and lightly brush it with melted butter.
- Place another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have 6 layers. Cut the stacked phyllo dough into squares and gently press each square into the muffin tin to form cups. Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets.
- Bake the phyllo cups for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Allow them to cool slightly before filling.
Step 3: Fill the Cups
- Place a cube of Brie cheese into each phyllo cup.
- Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce on top of each Brie cube.
- Sprinkle with toasted walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Filled Cups
Return the filled phyllo cups to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the Brie is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Drizzle with Honey
Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle the tops of the cups with honey. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Cranberry & Walnut Brie Phyllo Cups warm and enjoy these festive, delicious bites!
Helpful Tips
1. Make Ahead
You can prepare the phyllo cups up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Simply fill and bake them before serving.
2. Phyllo Dough Handling
To prevent the phyllo dough from drying out, keep it covered with a damp towel while working with it.
3. Custom Fillings
Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as swapping the cranberry sauce for fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even caramelized onions for a savory twist.
4. Keep Brie Cold
For easier slicing, pop the Brie cheese in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into cubes. This will help prevent it from sticking to your knife.
Substitutions and Variations
1. Cheese Substitutions
- Swap out Brie for Goat Cheese or Camembert for a different creamy texture and flavor profile.
- For a milder flavor, cream cheese can also be used as a substitute for Brie.
2. Nut Variations
- Walnuts can be replaced with pecans, pistachios, or any other preferred nuts for a different crunch.
- For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch without the allergens.
3. Fruit Swaps
- Fig preserves or apricot jam can replace cranberry sauce for a sweeter, more tropical flavor.
- Try adding a touch of orange marmalade or apple butter for a fall-inspired twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these phyllo cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups and bake them a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just fill them with Brie and the cranberry-walnut mixture right before serving and reheat briefly if needed.
2. Can I use frozen phyllo dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen phyllo dough works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out while you work.
3. What can I substitute for Brie if I don’t like it?
If you’re not a fan of Brie, you can substitute it with Goat Cheese, Camembert, or even cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free phyllo dough or gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.
Conclusion
These Cranberry & Walnut Brie Phyllo Cups with honey drizzle are an elegant and flavorful appetizer perfect for the holiday season or any special gathering. The crispy phyllo, gooey Brie, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts create a memorable bite that will have your guests coming back for more. Feel free to customize with different cheeses, nuts, or fruit to make it your own!