Cranberry Pecan Brie Tartlets in Crispy Phyllo

Step 2: Prepare the Tartlet Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries and brown sugar (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop and soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the honey and a pinch of salt, then remove from heat. This mixture should be thick and jammy—set it aside to cool.

Meanwhile, roughly chop the pecans and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This step will bring out their natural oils and intensify their flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Tartlets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

To assemble the tartlets, take one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place a second sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush that with butter as well. Repeat this process for about 4-5 layers of phyllo dough. This will create a sturdy base for the tartlets.

Once you have your layers ready, carefully cut the phyllo dough into squares large enough to fit into the muffin tin. Gently press each square into the tin to form little cups. Be gentle, as the dough is fragile.

Step 4: Fill the Tartlets

Place a small piece of brie cheese at the bottom of each phyllo cup. Top the cheese with a spoonful of the cranberry mixture. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top of the cranberries.

For an extra pop of flavor, you can sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves into each tartlet.

Step 5: Bake the Tartlets

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the phyllo from burning, as it can cook quickly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the tartlets are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. For a festive touch, you can lightly dust the tartlets with powdered sugar just before serving. The contrast of the sweetness from the cranberries and honey with the richness of the brie, the crunch of the pecans, and the crispy phyllo makes for an irresistible bite.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Pecan Brie Tartlets:

1. Perfect Combination of Flavors: The creamy brie, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and sweet honey create a balanced combination that will delight your taste buds with every bite.
2. Elegant and Festive: These tartlets are as beautiful as they are delicious. They make a stunning addition to any holiday spread or dinner party, and guests will be impressed by the intricate flavors and textures.
3. Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare the cranberry mixture and toast the pecans in advance, saving time on the day of your event. Assembling and baking the tartlets only takes about 20 minutes, making them an easy yet impressive option for entertaining.
4. Crispy, Flaky Phyllo Dough: The light, crispy phyllo dough provides the perfect contrast to the creamy brie and sweet-tart filling, creating a delicious textural experience.
5. Customizable: While this recipe calls for brie, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like goat cheese or camembert if you prefer. You can also swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you have a different nut preference.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Pecan Brie Tartlets:

• Work Quickly with Phyllo: Phyllo dough dries out fast, so always keep it covered with a damp towel when not in use. If you find the dough tearing or breaking, just layer it more to create a sturdier base.
• Get Creative with Toppings: You can add a variety of toppings to the tartlets, like a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crumbled feta, for a different flavor twist.
• Serve Warm: These tartlets are best served warm, right after baking, so the cheese is oozy and delicious. However, they can also be served at room temperature if needed.
• Make Them Mini: If you want to make smaller versions for appetizers or finger foods, you can use a mini muffin tin for even more bite-sized servings.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Pecan Brie Tartlets in Crispy Phyllo are the perfect combination of elegant and easy-to-make, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort. These tartlets bring together the best flavors of the holiday season in one delightful package that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, preparing a special appetizer for a dinner gathering, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, these tartlets are a guaranteed winner. With their combination of savory cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crispy phyllo, each bite is an unforgettable flavor sensation!