Cranberry, Brie & Pecan Phyllo Cups: Irresistible Christmas Appetizers for Your Festive Spread

Looking for the ultimate christmas appetizers that’ll steal the show at your next gathering? I’ve got you covered with these Cranberry, Brie & Pecan Phyllo Cups. Whether you call them Xmas Appetizers, Holiday Party Appetizers, or just good ol’ Christmas Party Food Appetizers, they pack a flavor punch in every single bite. Ever wondered why these little cups have taken over Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties lists everywhere? Spoiler alert: it’s all about the balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. 😏

I first whipped these up when I needed a quick snack for my annual cookie exchange—FYI, this recipe always gets me more compliments than my cookies! The flaky phyllo shells cradle melty brie, tart cranberry compote, and toasted pecans. Add a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got a showstopper that belongs on a Christmas Charcuterie Board or as part of your Christmas Dinner Appetizers. IMO, these are the easiest Holiday Appetizers Easy enough for beginners yet fancy enough for your in-laws.

Ready to dive into the details? Let’s turn your holiday spread into a feast of flavors and have your guests begging for the recipe. These little cups prove that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to serve gourmet-level bites. So grab your apron and get ready—your new go-to Christmas Eve Appetizers are just a few steps away!

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) box of store-bought phyllo cups (about 24 cups)
• 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo)
• 1/2 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional garnish)
• Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Tip: Bring your brie to room temperature before cutting—it melts more evenly.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the phyllo cups. Arrange the phyllo cups on the baking sheet. Brush each cup lightly with melted butter to encourage crispiness. Pro tip: work quickly so the butter doesn’t soak through.
3. Assemble the brie layer. Place one cube of brie into the bottom of each buttered cup. The brie adds that creamy, gooey factor guests rave about.
4. Make the cranberry topping. In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with brown sugar and honey until they glisten. The sugar mellows the tartness for a perfect balance.
5. Spoon the cranberries. Divide the cranberry mixture evenly among cups, layering it right on top of the brie cubes.
6. Add the pecans. Sprinkle chopped pecans over each cup for that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
7. Season lightly. Add a tiny pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper to each cup. Salt is your secret weapon for flavor amplification.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them: you want the brie melted and the phyllo golden—not burnt. Adjust time by a minute or two if your oven runs hot.
9. Garnish and finish. Once out of the oven, let them cool for 2 minutes. Drizzle with a touch more honey and top with fresh thyme leaves for a festive pop of color.
10. Serve warm. These cups taste best straight from the oven, but you can assemble them ahead and bake just before your guests arrive.

Variations

Spice things up or tailor these Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods to your taste with these easy tweaks:

• Goat Cheese Swap: Replace brie with creamy goat cheese for a tangier bite.
• Zested Citrus: Add orange or lemon zest to the cranberry mix for a bright, zesty note.
• Nutty Twist: Swap pecans for walnuts or pistachios if you’re feeling adventurous.

Serving & Tips

Serving Ideas: Arrange these on a large platter surrounded by evergreen sprigs or rosemary sprigs for a holiday vibe. Pair with warm mulled wine or a crisp Prosecco for a contrast of flavors.

Storage Tips: Make the cranberry topping up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble cups, cover, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. After baking, store leftovers in a sealed container for 1–2 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5 minutes to keep the phyllo crisp.

Seasonal Touch: Garnish with pomegranate arils or a sprig of fresh rosemary to double as decor. Trust me, guests will think you slaved away all day.

Final Thoughts

Isn’t it amazing how a few simple ingredients can transform into show-stopping holiday bites? These Cranberry, Brie & Pecan Phyllo Cups merge the classic flavors of the season with minimal fuss—perfect for any host who wants to shine without stress. I still remember the first time I served these at my family’s Christmas Eve gathering: my uncle went back for seconds, and my picky cousin even admitted he liked them (big win!). These little cups have since become my signature Holiday Appetizers Easy recipe.

So next time you’re brainstorming Christmas Snacks For Party night, give these a whirl. Your friends will think you spent hours prepping, but only you will know the secret: it really couldn’t be simpler 🙂

FAQs

Can I assemble the cups the night before?

Absolutely. You can prep the phyllo cups, brie, cranberry mixture, and pecans separately. Store everything in the fridge and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work great—just thaw and drain them first. You can also use a high-quality cranberry sauce, but adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free brie and vegan butter, and swap honey for maple syrup. The result is still creamy, sweet, and totally crowd-pleasing.

How long do leftovers stay crisp?

Phyllo cups lose crispness after a day. To refresh, pop them back in a 325°F oven for 3–4 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up.

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