Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle are the kind of appetizer that disappears almost instantly at any gathering. With their flaky shells, creamy Brie, toasted pecans, and sweet-tart cranberry glaze, these golden bites look elegant yet take less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Every holiday season, I crave something warm, creamy, and just a little indulgent, which is exactly why these cups have become a family favorite. I first made them on a snowy December evening when friends gathered around the fire. The moment the tray came out of the oven, the room filled with chatter, and everyone reached for these bite-sized treats.
The blend of crisp pastry, melty Brie, nutty crunch, and fruity drizzle felt festive and comforting. It reminded me of Baked Brie in Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce and Thyme, but in a playful, handheld form. Each little cup feels like a wrapped gift of flavor, much like the charm of Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry and Pecans.
Why This Recipe is Special
What sets these Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle apart is how effortlessly they blend elegance with ease. Many appetizers demand long prep times, but these little bites are ready in under 20 minutes. Despite their simplicity, they look and taste like something you’d find in a gourmet bakery.
The melted Brie brings creamy richness, the toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch, and the cranberry-honey drizzle ties it all together with bright, festive flavor. Each bite is perfectly balanced — not too heavy, not too sweet, just indulgent enough to make every occasion feel special.
Another reason this recipe stands out is versatility. These phyllo cups work beautifully for a holiday party, but they’re equally at home at book clubs, Thanksgiving dinners, or a cozy night with a glass of wine. They’re impressive enough for guests yet simple enough to whip up while the conversation flows. Once you serve them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
Ingredients & Preparation
Ingredient Breakdown
One of the best parts about these Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle is how few ingredients you need. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect bite.
Here’s a quick look at what goes into this recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini phyllo cups | 12 | Pre-made shells save time and bake up crisp and golden. |
| Brie cheese | 120 g (½ cup) | Cut into small pieces so each cup gets a creamy center. |
| Pecans | ¼ cup, chopped | Toasted for extra depth and nutty crunch. |
| Cranberry sauce | ¼ cup | Homemade or store-bought — both work beautifully. |
| Honey | 1 tsp | Balances the tartness of cranberries with natural sweetness. |
| Fresh thyme | As garnish | Adds a fragrant herbal note to finish. |
What I love most about these ingredients is their simplicity. Much like the effortless charm of Honey Glazed Acorn Squash with Brie and Cranberry Drizzle, they come together in a way that feels festive without being fussy.
Tools and Substitutions
You don’t need fancy equipment for this recipe. A parchment-lined baking sheet, a sharp knife for cutting the Brie, and a small saucepan for the cranberry-honey drizzle are all that’s required.
If you can’t find mini phyllo cups, puff pastry squares cut into small portions make a great substitute. For a different nutty crunch, walnuts or almonds can stand in for pecans. And if thyme isn’t your favorite, try fresh rosemary for a slightly bolder flavor.
These swaps allow you to tailor the recipe to what you have on hand, making it as versatile as Spinach Ricotta Bites, another crowd-pleasing appetizer that works with endless variations.
Cooking Instructions & Tips
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
These Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle come together quickly, which makes them one of my favorite last-minute appetizers. Here’s how to prepare them with ease:
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Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the Brie melts evenly and the phyllo cups crisp beautifully. -
Fill the cups
Place the phyllo cups on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drop a piece of Brie into each cup, letting it nestle snugly inside the flaky shell. -
Add the crunch
Sprinkle the toasted, chopped pecans over the Brie. The nuts will toast further as the cups bake, adding an earthy aroma. -
Bake until bubbly
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the Brie turns soft and bubbly. Watch closely — they cook fast. -
Make the drizzle
While the cups bake, warm cranberry sauce with honey in a small saucepan until smooth and glossy. This sweet-tart sauce will pull all the flavors together. -
Finish with flair
Remove the cups from the oven, drizzle the warm cranberry-honey sauce over each one, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately while warm.
Much like Flaky Puff Pastry Mushroom Bites, these come out looking as good as they taste — golden, glossy, and irresistible.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect It
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Cut the Brie small so it melts quickly and doesn’t overflow.
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Toast the pecans first for richer flavor — don’t skip this step.
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Serve immediately since the phyllo cups lose their crispness if they sit too long.
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Keep extras warm in a low oven (200°F) until guests arrive.
For a playful variation, try swapping the cranberry drizzle for a hot-honey glaze, similar to the finishing touch in Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle.
Serving, Storing & Pairing
What to Serve With It
The beauty of Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle is how versatile they are when it comes to pairing. These little bites fit seamlessly on a holiday appetizer spread or alongside a wine and cheese board. Their balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors makes them a natural partner to crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling Prosecco.
For a full party platter, I love setting them next to other baked cheese delights, such as Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic. The two together create an irresistible mix of creamy, melty indulgence in elegant little packages.
And while these phyllo cups are often enjoyed during the holidays, they also shine at casual gatherings. Place them on a dessert table beside mini-sized treats like Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe for a spread that balances savory richness with sweet seasonal comfort. Guests will find themselves going back and forth between the two.
How to Store and Reheat
These cups are best served fresh from the oven while the phyllo is crisp and the Brie is soft and melty. However, if you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave, which tends to make the phyllo soggy.
If you’d like to make them ahead, you can prepare the phyllo cups with Brie and pecans earlier in the day, refrigerate them unbaked, and then simply pop them into the oven before serving. The drizzle can also be made in advance and gently reheated before topping the cups.
FAQ About Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle
1. Can I make these phyllo cups ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cups with Brie and pecans a few hours before serving, then refrigerate. Bake them just before guests arrive, and drizzle with cranberry-honey sauce once warm.
2. What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work beautifully. If you prefer a nut-free version, try pumpkin seeds for crunch without allergens.
3. Do I need to use homemade cranberry sauce?
Not at all. Store-bought cranberry sauce is perfectly fine. If you’d like to add a homemade touch, stir in a splash of orange juice or zest for brightness.
4. Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, but use the oven instead of the microwave to keep the phyllo crisp. Bake at 325°F for 5–7 minutes until warm.
5. Are these cups good for parties beyond the holidays?
Absolutely. Their bite-sized charm makes them perfect for wine nights, showers, or even spring brunches.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about serving food that feels both effortless and indulgent. These Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle strike that perfect balance. With their flaky shells, creamy centers, crunchy toppings, and glossy drizzle, they’re a recipe that never fails to delight.
I’ve found that they’re not just for the holidays — they’ve become my go-to whenever I want to serve something quick, elegant, and sure to impress. Much like Rustic Roasted Vegetable Bake with Cannellini Beans or Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie, these cups bring seasonal ingredients together in a way that feels special every time.
If you love the idea of Brie appetizers, you might also enjoy browsing this Brie Cups recipe on AllRecipes for another delicious take.
I can promise you, once you make them, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your appetizer rotation.
Print
Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle
- Total Time: 17
- Yield: 12 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Phyllo Cups with Brie, Pecans and Cranberry Drizzle are the perfect bite-sized holiday appetizer. With flaky shells, creamy Brie, crunchy pecans, and a sweet-tart cranberry honey glaze, these little cups are ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
• 12 mini phyllo cups
• 120 g (4.2 oz / ½ cup) Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• ¼ cup (30 g) pecans, toasted and chopped
• ¼ cup (60 g) cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place mini phyllo cups on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Add a piece of Brie cheese into each phyllo cup.
4. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of the Brie.
5. Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and bubbly.
6. Warm cranberry sauce with honey in a small saucepan until smooth.
7. Drizzle cranberry-honey sauce over the baked cups.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve warm.
Notes
– Make ahead: Assemble with Brie and pecans, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
– Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans.
– Use rosemary instead of thyme for a bolder flavor.
– Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
– Best eaten warm; avoid microwaving leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 7
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American