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- Phyllo pastry sheets - Fresh cranberries - Sugar - Water - Orange zest - Brie cheese - Fresh rosemary - Egg (for egg wash) - Salt and pepper - Optional honey Gather these fresh ingredients to make your phyllo bites shine. Phyllo pastry sheets are light and flaky. They create a crisp texture that pairs well with creamy Brie. Fresh cranberries give a tart kick to balance the rich cheese. Sugar and water are key to making a sweet cranberry sauce. Orange zest adds a bright flavor that complements the dish. Cut your Brie cheese into small cubes. This makes it easy to fit inside the phyllo cups. Fresh rosemary adds a nice herbal touch. It brings a fragrant aroma to the bites. You will need one egg for an egg wash. This will help the pastry get a golden color. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors. If you like a hint of sweetness, honey is a great option. It adds a lovely drizzle on top. With these ingredients, you can create a delightful treat. Enjoy the process of making these tasty bites! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Place them in a medium saucepan. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally as the cranberries burst. You want the mixture to thicken nicely. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool. This sweet-tart sauce is the star of your bites. Now, let’s work on the phyllo pastry. Unroll the sheets on a clean surface. It’s key to keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to stop them from drying out. Take one sheet and brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Layer a second sheet on top. Repeat this step until you have 3-4 sheets stacked. This layering gives your bites a crispy texture. Next, we will cut and shape the pastry. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the layered phyllo into squares, about 3 inches by 3 inches. Gently press each square into a muffin tin cup. This creates little cups for your filling. Make sure to press them in well to hold the shape. Before baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, let’s fill those phyllo cups! Place a small cube of Brie cheese at the bottom of each cup. Add a spoonful of your cooled cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and season lightly with salt and pepper. Brush the edges of the phyllo cups with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden color. Bake them for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden brown and crispy when done. Enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen! To make your cranberry sauce just right, you might want to adjust the sweetness. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. For a twist, try adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon. These options can bring out new tastes in your sauce. When you have leftover phyllo sheets, store them well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. If you don't, they can dry out and become hard to work with. A common mistake is not using enough layers. Phyllo needs layers to stay crispy when baked. Aim for three to four sheets for each cup to get that nice crunch. Pair these phyllo bites with a refreshing salad or a glass of bubbly drink. The sweet and savory mix shines next to a light dish. For a festive touch, arrange the bites on a colorful platter. You can add herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful look. Drizzling honey on top adds a sweet finish and makes them shine. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh cranberries over canned sauce. They provide a tartness that balances beautifully with the creamy Brie. Keep Phyllo Covered: Always keep your phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle. Experiment with Cheese: While Brie is classic, feel free to experiment with other soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese for a unique twist on flavor. Perfect Portioning: Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the cranberry sauce for each phyllo cup, ensuring each bite has the perfect amount of filling. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavors in these bites easily. Adding different cheeses makes a big difference. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist or sharp cheddar for a rich taste. You can also mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth. Each choice gives a new layer of flavor to enjoy. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free phyllo dough. Many brands now offer this. It allows everyone to enjoy these bites. For vegan alternatives, swap the Brie cheese with cashew cheese or a creamy vegan spread. Use a plant-based egg wash made from almond milk and flour for the same golden finish. These small changes keep your guests happy and satisfied. To keep your phyllo bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. Make sure they cool completely before placing them inside. This helps prevent moisture from making them soggy. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may lose some of their crispness. To reheat your phyllo bites, the oven works best. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use an air fryer for the same time and temperature. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the phyllo soft and chewy. You can prepare the phyllo bites a few hours in advance. Just follow the recipe until you fill the phyllo cups. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, brush them with egg wash and bake them. Yes, you can freeze these bites. After assembling them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can use various sauces. Try fig jam, apple butter, or even a sweet chili sauce. Each will add a unique twist. Experiment to find your favorite flavor pairing with the Brie cheese. Fresh cranberries give the best taste and texture. However, you can use canned cranberry sauce in a pinch. Just adjust the sugar since canned versions may already be sweetened. To keep phyllo crispy, avoid letting it sit too long after baking. Serve them right away. Also, make sure to brush the phyllo with oil or butter. This helps create a nice, crispy layer. These Holiday Cranberry Brie Phyllo Bites blend sweet and savory flavors. You learned about each ingredient, the steps to prepare them, and tips for success. Remember to adjust sweetness in the cranberry sauce and store phyllo correctly. Whether you try a flavor twist or prepare them in advance, these bites will impress. Enjoy sharing them at your next gathering.

Holiday Cranberry Brie Phyllo Bites

Delicious phyllo pastry cups filled with cranberry sauce and Brie cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package phyllo pastry sheets (approximately 16oz)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional Honey, for drizzling

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Layer Phyllo Pastry: On a clean surface, unroll the phyllo pastry sheets and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. Take one sheet, brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil, and layer a second sheet on top. Repeat until you have stacked 3-4 sheets.
  • Cut and Shape: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered phyllo into squares (about 3 inches by 3 inches). Gently press each square into a muffin tin cup, creating a little cup shape.
  • Fill Phyllo Cups: Place a small cube of Brie cheese at the bottom of each phyllo cup. Top with a spoonful of the cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with chopped rosemary. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
  • Brush and Bake: Brush the edges of the phyllo cups with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
  • Drizzle and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with honey if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

Drizzle with honey for added sweetness if desired.
Keyword appetizer, Brie, cranberry, holiday, phyllo