Cranberry, Brie & Pecan Phyllo Cups: The Best Christmas Appetizers You’ll Love!

If you’re on the hunt for show-stopping christmas appetizers that earn you bragging rights at the next holiday gathering…? Yep, I’m eyeing you, hostess with the mostest. These Cranberry, Brie & Pecan Phyllo Cups blend tangy cranberries, melty brie, and crunchy pecans inside a flaky phyllo shell. Trust me, these little gems are the MVP of my christmas appetizers lineup. They scream holiday coziness and make any gathering feel like a gourmet affair—all without turning your kitchen upside down. I’m talking about Holiday Party Appetizers done right. Whether you’re brainstorming Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties or planning the ultimate Christmas Charcuterie Board, these cups tick every box. And, IMO, they’re way better than debating which chips to serve 🙂 When I first tried them at a family Christmas, I nearly got kicked out for hoarding the platter—no regrets. They suit Christmas Eve Appetizers as much as they shine as Christmas Dinner Appetizers, and I’ve seen them disappear faster than Santa’s cookies. Ever wondered why mini bites steal the show? It’s the perfect combo of sweet, savory, and crunchy in one bite. Even your pickiest friend—yes, the one who snubs everything but cheese—will devour these. Plus, they make the best Christmas Party Food Appetizers when you’re running on zero-watt brainpower. Seriously, I remember the first time I whipped these up at a last-minute office potluck; jaws hit the floor when the phyllo tray appeared. These also double as perfect Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods for grazing tables. Stick around for my no-fail tips, clever variations, and storage hacks so you can deliver the best Xmas Appetizers on the block. Ready to upgrade your Holiday Appetizers Easy game? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Before we get our hands buttery and cheesy, let’s cover why each ingredient matters. High-quality phyllo dough bakes to a delicate crisp that holds up under rich fillings. Fresh cranberries add a seasonal pop of tang, while creamy brie melts into a luscious center. Pecans provide that satisfying crunch, and a hint of honey ties everything together in a warm, festive hug—perfect for your Xmas Appetizers spread.

• 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed and cut into 3-inch squares
• 4 tbsp melted butter (or melted coconut oil for a subtle twist)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
• 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

These instructions break the process into three stress-free phases: prepping those phyllo shells, layering your toppings, and baking to golden perfection. Whether you’re whipping up Holiday Appetizers Easy or top-notch Christmas Dinner Appetizers, this roadmap has you covered.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   

   Having a hot oven upfront ensures the phyllo crisps quickly, giving you that irresistible crunch.

   
   
2. Grease your mini muffin tin lightly with non-stick spray or brush some butter.
   

   This little step saves you from chasing stuck cups later—trust me on this.

   
   
3. Layer the phyllo squares one at a time in each cup, brushing each layer with melted butter.
   

   Be gentle here to prevent tearing; two to three sheets give a sturdy, flaky shell.

   
   
4. Add your fillings: place a cube of brie in each phyllo cup, then top with chopped cranberries and pecans.
   

   Season with a pinch of salt and crack of pepper to balance the sweetness.

   
   
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the phyllo turns golden and the cheese just starts to ooze.
   

   Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.

   
   
6. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs right out of the oven.
   

   The residual heat helps the honey soak in without making the shells soggy.

   
   
7. Serve warm for peak flavor and texture.
   

   These taste best straight out of the oven, but you can cool them and then reheat—350°F for 5 minutes—to refresh that crispy bite.

   
   

Variations

If you crave a twist beyond the classic combo, experiment with these fun swaps. They transform your cups into a new delight every time—ideal for mixing up your Christmas Snacks For Party lineup.

• Fig jam layer: Spread a thin layer of fig or apricot jam in each cup before adding brie. It amps up that fruity sweetness.
• Cheese swap: Replace brie with creamy goat cheese or tangy blue cheese for a bolder bite.
• Sweet spin: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top just before baking to create dessert-style phyllo cups.

Serving & Tips

Serve these blissed-out cups on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary and extra pecans to make any table feel merry. Pair them with a crisp Prosecco or your go-to mulled wine to cover both Holiday Party Appetizers and sips. FYI, you can assemble the cups up to 4 hours ahead—just hold off on the honey drizzle until right before serving to keep them crisp. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they stay surprisingly good for a day or two. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Hosting a buffet or stocking a potluck table? Line your phyllo cups on a tiered stand to add vertical interest to your spread. They pair beautifully with other finger favorites like mini meatballs or stuffed mushrooms—no drama, all delicious. And don’t be shy about labeling them; guests love knowing that those bright red berries and gooey brie are there for their snacking pleasure!

Want to extend the vibe? Place a few cups beside your Christmas Charcuterie Board or nestle them under fairy lights alongside Christmas Eve Appetizers. Trust me, they’ll steal the show. Plus, they double as conversation starters—because who doesn’t ask, “Where did you get these?” at every party?

Final Thoughts

I love how these phyllo cups bring a mix of textures and flavors—sweet cranberries, creamy brie, and nutty pecans wrapped in a flaky shell. They remind me of chaotic holiday dinners where one dish always steals the show. If you try them at your next gathering, let me know if they inspired any record-breaking plate-clearings 🙂

Also, feel free to tag me in your party pics—I love seeing these cups steal the show at your gatherings. Remember, a party without bite-sized magic is just a meeting!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought mini tart shells instead of making phyllo cups?

Absolutely! Store-bought mini tart shells save time and still taste great. Just fill them with brie, cranberries, and pecans, then follow the same bake time to melt the cheese and warm the filling. They work beautifully alongside other Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties.

How far in advance can I assemble these for a holiday party?

You can prep them up to 4 hours ahead. Keep the assembled cups covered in the fridge and wait to drizzle the honey and add rosemary until just before serving to maintain that flaky crisp. It’s a lifesaver when you host a big Christmas Party Food Appetizers spread.

Can I freeze leftover phyllo cups?

Freezing isn’t ideal, as the phyllo can get soggy when thawed. Instead, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat in a hot oven to crisp them back up. That way, they stay on point with your Holiday Party Appetizers standards.

What drinks pair well with these phyllo cups?

These little bites love sparkling wines like Prosecco or a light white such as Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try spiced apple cider or set up a festive hot chocolate bar next to your Xmas Appetizers. Guests will thank you!

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