These Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups are a fun and tasty treat! Creamy brie cheese is paired with sweet cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in flaky pastry.
They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I love serving them warm, so everyone can enjoy that melty cheese goodness! It’s hard to eat just one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is essential for creating a crispy base. If you can’t find phyllo, you can use puff pastry instead, though it will give a slightly different texture.
Brie Cheese: The star of the dish! If you’re not a fan of brie, Camembert is a great alternative, or even cream cheese for a different texture, though it won’t melt the same way.
Pecan Halves: They add a lovely crunch! If you prefer, walnuts or almonds can be used instead, giving a different flavor that works nicely with cranberry.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought. For a twist, consider using a fruit preserve like cherry or raspberry!
How Do You Work with Phyllo Dough Without It Breaking?
Phyllo dough can be tricky to handle, but with a little care, it can become your best friend! Here’s how to keep it in shape:
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel as you work. This prevents it from drying out.
- Brush each layer generously with butter for flavor and better browning.
- Be gentle while layering and shaping into the muffin tin. Press lightly to avoid tearing.
With these tips, you’ll create beautiful, flaky cups bursting with wonderful flavors! Enjoy making your cranberry pecan baked brie cups! 🎉
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling:
- 8 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or prepared)
- Optional: fresh rosemary for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful appetizer that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your cups bake evenly and become golden delicious!
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Take a muffin tin and lightly grease it or use a non-stick spray. This will help the cups come out easily after baking.
3. Layer the Phyllo Dough:
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush it again. Repeat this step until you have stacked 6 layers of phyllo dough. This creates a flaky and delicious base!
4. Cut and Shape the Cups:
Now, cut the layered phyllo into squares that are about 4×4 inches. Carefully press each square into the muffin tin cups, letting the edges stick up a bit for that lovely crispy look.
5. Add the Brie:
Divide the brie pieces evenly among the phyllo cups, placing them at the bottom. The heat will melt the cheese and make it gooey!
6. Top with Pecans and Cranberry Sauce:
Next, add several pecan halves on top of the brie in each cup. Then, spoon a little cranberry sauce over each one. This sweet and savory combo is simply delightful!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and the brie cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the cups from the muffin tin and transfer them to a serving platter. If you’d like, garnish with some fresh rosemary for an extra touch of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce is a great time-saver and will work perfectly in this recipe. Choose one you love for the best flavor!
How Can I Make These Cups Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups, you can substitute the phyllo dough with gluten-free puff pastry. Just ensure to check the packaging for any additional adjustments needed for baking.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with brie, pecans, and cranberry sauce ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for that freshly baked taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
