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To make the perfect Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups, gather these key ingredients: - 12 sheets of phyllo dough - 1 cup brie cheese, cut into small cubes - 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: crushed walnuts for garnish These ingredients come together to create a blend of sweet and savory flavors. The phyllo dough gives each cup a light, crispy texture. The brie cheese melts beautifully, adding richness to the dish. Cranberry sauce brings a burst of tartness, while thyme adds a fresh herbal note. Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level in the recipe, letting the other flavors shine. Honey adds a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and pepper finishes each cup perfectly. Feel free to explore optional toppings like crushed walnuts for an extra crunch. This combination makes these phyllo cups a delightful appetizer for any gathering. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps the phyllo cups get nice and crispy. 2. Preparing the muffin tin: Grab your muffin tin and brush the cups with melted butter. This will keep the phyllo from sticking. 3. Layering the phyllo dough: Take two sheets of phyllo dough and lay them flat. Brush melted butter on each sheet. Then, cut the stacked dough into four squares. 4. Forming the cups: Press each square into the muffin tin, letting the edges fold over. You should repeat this until you use all the dough. 1. Adding brie cheese: Place a small cube of brie cheese at the bottom of each phyllo cup. The brie will melt and add creaminess. 2. Topping with cranberry sauce: On top of the brie, spoon a bit of cranberry sauce. This adds sweetness and a pop of color. 3. Adding thyme and honey: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top. Drizzle a little honey to enhance the flavor. 1. Oven baking time: Bake the cups in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the phyllo to become golden brown and crispy. 2. Checking for doneness: Keep an eye on the cups. They should be golden and smell amazing when done. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you wish, add some crushed walnuts on top for crunch. Enjoy your tasty treat! - How to handle phyllo dough Phyllo dough is thin and delicate. Work quickly to avoid tearing it. Always keep the unused sheets covered with a damp cloth. This helps keep them moist. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough. Layer two sheets at a time for strength. Brush each layer with melted butter to get a nice golden color. - Keeping phyllo from drying out To prevent drying, cover the phyllo with a damp cloth. If it starts to dry, you might find it hard to work with. You can also use plastic wrap to keep it moist. When you layer the dough, always brush with butter. This not only adds flavor but helps seal the layers together. - Suggestions for additional spices You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can really boost the taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to make each bite special. - Pairing with other toppings Try adding sliced apples or pears for a sweet crunch. A dollop of fig jam can add a rich layer of flavor. You can also use different nuts, like pecans or almonds, for added texture. These toppings can transform your phyllo cups into something truly unique. Pro Tips Use Thawed Phyllo Dough: Make sure your phyllo dough is completely thawed before use to avoid tearing and ensure crispiness. Experiment with Cheese: While brie is delicious, feel free to try other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for different flavor profiles. Homemade Cranberry Sauce: For a fresher taste, consider making your own cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of orange juice. Serve Warm: These cups are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, so serve them immediately for maximum flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can swap brie for other cheeses. Creamy cheeses work well in this dish. For a sharper taste, try goat cheese or aged cheddar. If you prefer something milder, use mozzarella or ricotta. Each cheese brings a unique flavor, making it fun to experiment. You can mix up the flavors too. Instead of cranberry sauce, consider using raspberry or fig jam. These options add sweetness and a bit of tang. Fresh herbs also change the taste. Try basil or rosemary for a different twist. Mixing fruit and herbs allows you to create your signature phyllo cup. You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free phyllo dough. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste just as good. For vegan options, swap brie with a plant-based cheese. Use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey. These choices keep the recipe tasty while meeting dietary needs. To keep your Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups fresh, store them properly. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to three days. This helps maintain their taste and texture. If you want to store them longer, freezing is an option. Wrap each cup in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. To enjoy your phyllo cups again, reheating is key. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes or until warm. This keeps the phyllo crispy. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too. But be careful, as it may make the phyllo soft. For the best taste, stick with the oven. Enjoy your tasty appetizer again! Your phyllo cups are done when they turn a golden brown color. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The edges should be crispy, and the cheese should be slightly melted. Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups ahead of time. Assemble them but do not bake them yet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake them as directed. To make these cups gluten-free, use gluten-free phyllo dough. For a vegan option, swap brie with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a plant-based sweetener. Always check labels for other ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe. It saves time and still tastes great. Just choose a sauce that you enjoy, as it will add flavor to your phyllo cups. If you want, you can also make your own for a fresher taste. Making Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups is simple and fun. We covered all the steps: from gathering ingredients like phyllo dough and brie to baking them to perfection. You learned tips to handle phyllo, flavor ideas, and even how to store and reheat your cups. Embrace your creativity with this dish. Whether you try different cheeses or tweaks for diets, these cups are sure to impress. Enjoy making these delicious treats!

Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups

Delicious phyllo cups filled with brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and fresh thyme.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 sheets phyllo dough
  • 1 cup brie cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional crushed walnuts for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare a muffin tin by brushing the cups generously with melted butter.
  • Layer two sheets of phyllo dough on a clean surface, brushing each with melted butter in between. Cut the stacked dough into four squares.
  • Press each square into the muffin tin to form a cup, allowing the edges to fold over. Repeat this process until all dough is used.
  • In each phyllo cup, place a small cube of brie cheese at the bottom.
  • Top the brie with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, and drizzle a little honey on top.
  • Season each cup lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle crushed walnuts on top for an added crunch before serving.

Notes

Optional: sprinkle crushed walnuts on top for added crunch.
Keyword appetizer, brie, cranberry, phyllo cups, thyme