Delicate, golden phyllo shells filled with gooey brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and aromatic thyme—these Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any festive occasion. Effortless to assemble and beautifully balanced in flavor, they bring elegance and warmth to any holiday spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These phyllo cups are everything you want in a holiday appetizer: they’re crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory in one delightful bite. The brie melts perfectly into the phyllo base, while the cranberry sauce adds brightness and tang. Finished with a hint of thyme and an optional drizzle of honey, they offer a refined twist on classic flavors with minimal effort. Ideal for entertaining, they’re simple to prepare and guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 15 mini phyllo pastry shells (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 wheel of brie cheese (about 8 oz), rind removed and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Optional: drizzle of honey

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet, ensuring they are stable and evenly spaced.
3. Place one small cube of brie into each phyllo shell.
4. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the phyllo shells are golden and crisp.
6. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
7. Optionally, drizzle a touch of honey over each cup before serving.
8. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 15 phyllo cups, serving approximately 5 people as an appetizer. Preparation and cooking time total about 20 minutes—5 minutes for prep and 10–12 minutes for baking.

Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added texture.
• Use fig or apricot jam: Swap out the cranberry sauce for fig preserves or apricot jam for a different fruit pairing.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cranberry sauce for a subtle heat.
• Savory option: Add a sliver of prosciutto on top of the brie before baking for a savory contrast.
• Herb swap: Try rosemary or sage in place of thyme for a different aromatic profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the phyllo.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the phyllo deteriorates after freezing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the cups a few hours in advance and refrigerate them unbaked. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.

Do I need to remove the brie rind?

It’s recommended for a smoother melt and cleaner flavor, but leaving the rind on is also acceptable if preferred.

Can I use frozen phyllo dough to make my own shells?

Yes, you can cut and layer phyllo dough in mini muffin tins to create homemade shells. Bake them until golden before filling.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

Whole berry cranberry sauce is ideal for texture and flavor, but smooth sauce or homemade versions also work well.

How do I keep the phyllo from getting soggy?

Bake and serve them soon after assembly. Avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce to prevent excess moisture.

Can I substitute the brie?

Yes, Camembert or triple-cream cheeses are good alternatives, though they may have slightly different melting properties.

Are these served hot or cold?

They are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, when the brie is still soft and melty.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Fresh thyme is recommended for flavor and appearance, but a small pinch of dried thyme can be used in a pinch.

How can I make this recipe more festive?

Add a sprinkle of orange zest or use a cranberry-orange sauce to enhance the holiday feel.

Are these vegetarian?

Yes, as long as the cheese and cranberry sauce contain no animal-derived additives, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups with Fresh Thyme are the epitome of elegant entertaining—simple, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. Their combination of textures and sweet-savory balance makes them an ideal appetizer for holidays, dinner parties, or any special gathering. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, they deliver maximum impact with little effort. Serve warm and enjoy every indulgent bite.

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups with Fresh Thyme

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 15 appetizers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicate phyllo pastry cups filled with creamy melted brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and fresh thyme—these bite-sized holiday appetizers are both elegant and irresistibly delicious.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 mini phyllo pastry shells (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 wheel of brie cheese (about 8 oz), rind removed and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Optional: drizzle of honey

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
3. Place a cube of brie into each phyllo shell.
4. Top with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the phyllo is golden and crisp.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
7. Drizzle with honey if desired. Serve warm.

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Notes

• Use whole berry cranberry sauce for better texture and presentation.
• These can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
• Fresh thyme adds a savory note that balances the sweetness of the cranberry and honey.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 phyllo cup
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg