Brie Phyllo Cups with Cranberries, Walnuts & Maple Syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
   Phyllo dough can be delicate, so handle it carefully. Unroll the phyllo sheets and cover them with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out. Take 3-4 sheets of phyllo dough and lay them on top of each other. Brush each sheet with a thin layer of melted butter before adding another sheet on top.
3. Cut Phyllo Dough into Squares:
   Once you’ve layered 3-4 sheets of dough, cut them into squares that are large enough to fit into a mini muffin tin. Each square should be roughly 3 inches by 3 inches. You will need about 12-15 squares, depending on the number of cups you want to make.
4. Shape the Phyllo Cups:
   Gently press each square of phyllo dough into the wells of a mini muffin tin, allowing the edges to form little cups. Make sure the layers of dough are not overly compressed, so they remain flaky when baked.
5. Assemble the Filling:
   Place a small cube of brie cheese into the center of each phyllo cup. Add a sprinkle of chopped cranberries and walnuts on top of the cheese. Drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the filling, about 1/4 teaspoon per cup. The maple syrup will infuse the cheese with sweetness as it melts, balancing the tangy cranberries and earthy walnuts.
6. Bake the Cups:
   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the phyllo cups are golden brown and crispy, and the brie has melted and is bubbling. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as phyllo dough can brown quickly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Once the cups are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. If desired, drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top for added sweetness. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and an herbal note that complements the richness of the brie.

Tips for Success

• Phyllo Dough Handling: Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so be sure to work with it quickly and keep it covered with a damp towel as you assemble the cups.
• Brie Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of brie, you can use other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese, though brie is the best choice for this recipe due to its creamy, mild flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with the brie, cranberries, walnuts, and maple syrup ahead of time. Just cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Bake them just before serving for fresh, warm appetizers.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for the Holidays

• Crowd-Pleasing: With their perfect balance of sweet and savory, these phyllo cups are sure to be a hit at any holiday party or gathering. The bite-sized portions make them easy to eat without needing utensils.
• Elegant but Easy: These little appetizers have the elegance of a restaurant-quality dish but are simple enough for any home cook to tackle. The delicate phyllo dough and creamy brie give them a sophisticated air, while the maple syrup and cranberries add a festive touch.
• Customizable: You can easily customize these cups to your liking. Add a few slices of prosciutto for a savory twist, or experiment with different nuts and fruits. The recipe is flexible and forgiving, so feel free to get creative!

In Conclusion

Brie Phyllo Cups with Cranberries, Walnuts, and Maple Syrup are the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, these appetizers are sure to leave a lasting impression. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re a delightful way to start any meal. Enjoy!