Some holiday recipes become trends. Others become traditions.
Cranberry Brie phyllo cups fall firmly into the second category. They are festive, elegant, and wonderfully easy to make, which is perhaps why they continue to appear on holiday tables year after year.
Creamy Brie melts into crisp, flaky pastry while tart cranberry sauce adds that unmistakable Christmas flavour. A scattering of pecans brings texture, and fresh rosemary lends both fragrance and seasonal charm.
The result is a bite-sized appetizer that feels special enough for holiday entertaining yet simple enough for a relaxed evening with friends and family.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Serves
8
Ingredients
For the Phyllo Cups
- 24 frozen mini phyllo shells
For the Filling
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary leaves
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
Step 2
Place a cube of Brie into each phyllo shell.
Step 3
Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Step 4
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and the pastry is lightly golden.
Step 5
Allow the phyllo cups to cool for several minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.
Step 6
Finish with fresh rosemary and thyme before serving.
Beauty Benefits
One of my favourite things about holiday ingredients is that many of them have long histories in both the kitchen and beauty traditions.
Cranberries are rich in naturally occurring antioxidants and their vibrant ruby colour is one of the signatures of the season.
Pecans contain healthy fats and vitamin E, nutrients often associated with supporting healthy-looking skin.
Rosemary has been cherished for centuries, not only for its fragrance but also for the antioxidant compounds it naturally contains.
It’s a lovely reminder that some of the ingredients that make our holiday tables beautiful can also support overall wellness.
Substitutions
- Brie → Camembert
- Pecans → walnuts
- Cranberry sauce → cranberry-orange compote
- Rosemary → thyme
- Phyllo shells → toasted baguette slices
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through.
These are best enjoyed fresh, as the phyllo pastry will gradually soften over time.
Face by Stace Entertaining Tip
Arrange the phyllo cups on a simple white platter and tuck small sprigs of rosemary between each one. Add a handful of fresh cranberries around the base for a look that feels festive, timeless, and effortlessly elegant.
A Beautiful Holiday Detail
There is something particularly charming about the combination of cranberry and Brie at Christmas. Perhaps it’s the contrast of colours or the balance of sweet and savoury flavours. Whatever the reason, it never seems to go out of style.
And honestly, neither does a tray of warm appetizers shared amongst friends while holiday music plays softly in the background.
