Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans & Cranberry Drizzle
Description
These Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans & Cranberry Drizzle are elegant, bite-sized appetizers that balance creamy, nutty, and sweet-tart flavors beautifully. Crisp phyllo shells are filled with melty brie cheese, topped with toasted pecans, and finished with a glossy cranberry drizzle. Perfect for holiday parties, tea tables, potlucks, or festive gatherings, they look impressive but are surprisingly quick and easy to make.
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 22–25 minutes
Ingredients (Makes 15–18 mini cups)
15–18 mini phyllo cups (store-bought)
150 g Brie cheese, rind removed & cut into small cubes
½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
½ cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry works best)
1 tbsp orange juice or water (to thin sauce)
1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Cranberry Drizzle
In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and orange juice (or water).
Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth and pourable.
Add honey or maple syrup if desired.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Toast the Pecans
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
Add pecans and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring often until fragrant.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble the Phyllo Cups
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Arrange phyllo cups on a baking tray.
Place 1–2 small cubes of brie into each cup.
Sprinkle toasted pecans on top.
Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the brie is soft and just melted and cups are golden.
Finish & Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
Drizzle each cup with warm cranberry sauce.
Garnish with a tiny thyme leaf if desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
Extra crunch: Add a few breadcrumbs mixed with before baking.
Savory twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cracked black pepper or sea salt on brie.
No cranberry sauce? Use raspberry jam or pomegranate glaze.
Make-ahead: Bake cups and drizzle just before serving for best texture.
Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cups up to 6 hours ahead and reheat briefly at 160°C (325°F). Add cranberry drizzle just before serving.
Q2: Can I use another cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely. Camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese work well.
Q3: Are phyllo cups available frozen?
Yes, most stores sell them frozen. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
Q4: Can I make them without an oven?
Phyllo cups need baking to crisp and melt the cheese properly, so an oven or air fryer is recommended.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving.