Name: Cranberry Brie Bites in Phyllo Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb (680 g) ground chicken; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small shallot, finely minced; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon red curry paste; ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free for GF version); 1 tablespoon chopped Thai basil; 1 medium egg; 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (avocado or coconut); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 tablespoons red curry paste; 14 oz (400 ml) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk; ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar; ½ medium lime, juiced; 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced; 1 medium red bell pepper, very thinly sliced; 3 cups baby spinach; ¼ cup Thai basil leaves, plus more for garnish

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Buttery, crisp phyllo pastry shells cradle creamy, melted brie, tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and fresh rosemary for a festive bite-sized appetizer. Elegant yet effortless, these little delights are perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or any occasion where you want to impress without stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry Brie Bites strike the perfect balance between creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory. The crisp phyllo cups provide the ideal contrast to the melty brie, while the cranberry sauce adds a burst of tartness. A sprinkle of pecans and fresh rosemary not only enhances the flavor but also gives a beautiful holiday presentation. They’re incredibly quick to prepare, making them a go-to appetizer when you need something that looks and tastes special with minimal effort.

Cranberry Brie Bites in Phyllo Cups

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces brie cheese, chilled for firmness and rind removed
2 boxes mini phyllo pastry shells (30 total, such as Athens brand, found in the frozen section)
½ cup homemade cranberry sauce (or canned cranberry sauce)
¼ cup chopped pecans
Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Flaky sea salt, for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut brie into small, teaspoon-sized cubes and place one cube into each mini phyllo shell. Arrange the filled shells on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden and the brie is melted.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the melted brie in each shell.
Sprinkle with chopped pecans, top with a small rosemary sprig, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 15
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 438 kcal per serving

Variations

Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam, apricot preserves, or pomegranate jelly.
Add a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
Use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios instead of pecans.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist.

Storage/Reheating

These bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp the pastry again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the phyllo soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the phyllo shells with brie up to 1 day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving, then add toppings.

Do I need to thaw frozen phyllo shells first?

Yes, follow the package instructions—most brands recommend thawing at room temperature before filling and baking.

Can I use triple cream brie?

Yes, triple cream brie will be even creamier, but it may melt a bit faster, so keep an eye on it in the oven.

What type of cranberry sauce works best?

Either homemade or canned whole-berry cranberry sauce works well, depending on your preference for texture.

How do I keep the brie from oozing out?

Cut the brie into small cubes that fit neatly inside the shell to minimize overflow.

Can I serve them cold?

They can be served at room temperature, but they’re best slightly warm so the brie is soft and creamy.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, simply scale the ingredients up and bake in batches if needed.

Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo shells?

Yes, but you’ll need to cut and shape puff pastry squares, then bake until golden before adding the toppings.

What can I substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, pistachios, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can be used for crunch.

How do I transport these for a party?

Bake them at home, then transport in a covered container. Warm in the host’s oven for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Bites in Phyllo Cups are the ultimate holiday appetizer—simple to prepare, stunning to present, and bursting with festive flavors. With crisp pastry, creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry, and a touch of crunch, they’re a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast. Keep the ingredients on hand during the holiday season, and you’ll always have a show-stopping snack ready in minutes.