When the holiday season arrives, we all crave recipes that are both simple and unforgettable. That’s where Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups come in. These golden bites are crisp, creamy, and tangy all at once—the perfect mix of textures and flavors in a single mouthful.
Made with buttery phyllo cups, rich cubes of Camembert cheese, and a spoonful of tart cranberry sauce, they deliver both elegance and comfort. Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant finishing touch, while optional crushed nuts bring a satisfying crunch.
If you’re searching for a quick festive appetizer that looks impressive on the table but takes less than 30 minutes to make, these phyllo cups will become your go-to. Check out other party-ready recipes like Tropical Passionfruit Bliss Tarts for more inspiration.
Table of Contents
Why Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups Are a Holiday Favorite
A Festive Blend of Flavors
The magic of this recipe lies in its balance. Camembert, with its soft and buttery texture, melts beautifully into the crisp phyllo shell. Meanwhile, cranberry sauce cuts through the richness with a burst of tangy sweetness. A sprinkle of fresh rosemary ties everything together, evoking the warmth of the season.
Bite-Sized Elegance for Parties
These phyllo cups are more than just delicious—they’re practical. Each portion is already perfectly sized, which means no knives or forks are needed. Guests can simply pick one up and enjoy. They fit seamlessly into a holiday spread, from cocktail parties to family dinners.
Ingredients for Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry or fridge.
Phyllo Shells
You can use 12 mini phyllo cups, either store-bought for convenience or homemade if you love baking from scratch. Brush them lightly with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to bring out that golden, crispy finish.
Creamy Camembert and Tangy Cranberry
Cut about 4 ounces (115 g) of Camembert cheese into small cubes, making sure each fits neatly into a phyllo cup. Pair it with ½ cup of cranberry sauce—whole berry sauce works best as it adds both texture and vibrant flavor.
Fragrant Touch of Rosemary
A little freshness goes a long way. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of finely chopped rosemary over the bites before baking. It adds an aromatic layer that instantly makes these phyllo cups feel festive.
Optional Crunch
If you enjoy a little texture, add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans on top before baking. The nuttiness pairs perfectly with the creamy Camembert and sweet cranberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups is quick and effortless. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a festive appetizer ready in no time.
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the mini phyllo cups on the tray so they are ready to fill.
Assemble the Filling
Place one small cube of Camembert cheese in each phyllo cup. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. Make sure not to overfill, as the cheese will melt and bubble as it bakes.
Add an Optional Crunch
For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle a few crushed walnuts or pecans over the cranberry topping. This gives a nutty balance to the creamy and tangy flavors.
Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the phyllo cups are golden and crisp.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for just a minute. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary for a fragrant, festive finish. Serve the cups warm for the best taste and texture.
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Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 phyllo cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy phyllo cups filled with creamy Camembert, tangy cranberry sauce, and a touch of rosemary. A festive holiday appetizer that bakes in minutes.
Ingredients
12 mini phyllo cups (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
4 oz (115 g) Camembert cheese, cut into small cubes
½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Crushed walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place phyllo cups on a lined baking tray.
2. Brush phyllo cups lightly with melted butter.
3. Add one cube of Camembert cheese into each phyllo cup.
4. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
5. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts or pecans if using.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and cups are golden.
7. Remove from oven, garnish with rosemary, and serve warm.
Notes
Serve these bites straight from the oven for best texture.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to one day before baking.
Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave, to keep pastry crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday, Party Food
Tips for Perfect Phyllo Cups
Even though this recipe is simple, a few clever tips can make the difference between good and unforgettable phyllo bites.
Keep the Pastry Crisp
Phyllo pastry is famously delicate. To keep your cups from getting soggy, avoid overfilling them with cranberry sauce. A small spoonful is enough to add flavor without overwhelming the pastry. You can also pre-bake the empty cups for 3–4 minutes before adding the filling for extra crunch.
Make-Ahead Convenience
If you’re preparing for a party, you can assemble the phyllo cups a few hours in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just pop them in the oven when guests arrive, and you’ll have warm, gooey appetizers ready in minutes.
Serve Warm
Phyllo cups taste best when served fresh from the oven while the cheese is still melted and creamy. If they cool too much, reheat them briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the pastry instead of crisping it.
Serving Suggestions
Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups are versatile little bites that fit into almost any festive menu. Here are some delicious ways to serve them.
Pair with Wine and Cocktails
The creamy richness of Camembert pairs beautifully with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. If you prefer red, try a light Pinot Noir to balance the cranberry’s tartness. For cocktails, a sparkling Prosecco or a cranberry gin fizz makes a festive match.
Add to a Holiday Spread
Arrange the phyllo cups on a platter with other finger foods like cheese cubes, cured meats, olives, and grapes. They look especially elegant as part of a charcuterie board or appetizer buffet.
Creative Garnish Ideas
For a decorative touch, finish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, a twist of orange zest, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds. These little accents not only make the cups look stunning but also enhance their festive flavor.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about phyllo cups is how adaptable they are. With just a few swaps, you can create new flavor combinations to suit different occasions.
Swap the Cheese
If you don’t have Camembert on hand, try Brie for a similar creamy texture, or use goat cheese for a tangier flavor. Blue cheese lovers can even go bold with a touch of Gorgonzola.
Experiment with Different Preserves
Cranberry is a holiday classic, but these phyllo cups are just as delicious with fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry compote. Each fruit pairing brings a new twist to the recipe.
Add Savory or Nut-Free Options
For guests with nut allergies, skip the walnuts or pecans and top with crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs instead. You can also make a more savory version by replacing cranberry sauce with caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the reasons people love Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups is that they are both elegant and practical. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen right before guests arrive—you can prepare them in advance and store them until you’re ready to serve.
Refrigerating Before Baking
You can assemble the phyllo cups with cheese and cranberry sauce up to a day in advance. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving. This way, your Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups come out of the oven warm, gooey, and perfectly crisp.
Freezing for Later
If you want to get even further ahead, these bites also freeze well. Place the assembled but unbaked phyllo cups on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Leftovers
Already baked Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the phyllo pastry lose its crispness.
Nutritional Information
Even though Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups taste indulgent, they are actually quite light compared to many holiday appetizers. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one phyllo cup, based on a recipe that makes 12 servings.
Calories per Bite
Each cup has about 70–90 calories, depending on whether you add nuts as a topping. This makes them a smart choice for guests who want to enjoy festive flavors without going overboard.
Macronutrients
- Protein: Around 3 grams per cup, coming mainly from the Camembert cheese.
- Fat: Approximately 5–6 grams, which includes healthy fats if you add walnuts or pecans.
- Carbohydrates: About 4–5 grams per serving, mainly from the cranberry sauce and phyllo pastry.
A Balanced Treat
Because these cups are bite-sized, they’re easy to enjoy in moderation. Pair them with fresh fruit or a salad on your appetizer table to round out the spread. Guests will love that Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups feel festive without being overly heavy.
Conclusion
The holidays are all about sharing good food with the people you love, and few recipes capture that spirit better than Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups. With their crisp golden shells, creamy melted cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry topping, these little bites bring elegance and comfort to any festive table.
They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you serve them as part of a cocktail party spread, a family dinner starter, or even a snack alongside a glass of wine, these phyllo cups are always a hit.
If you’re looking for more festive appetizer ideas, don’t miss Goat Cheese and Fig Tarts that pair beautifully with these savory-sweet bites. Bring Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups to your next gathering and watch them disappear within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook phyllo pastry cups?
For store-bought phyllo shells filled with cheese and preserves, baking at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes is usually perfect. The cheese should be melted and the edges golden brown. This timing works especially well for Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups, ensuring a crisp bite and a warm, gooey filling.
Should cranberry brie bites be refrigerated?
Yes, unbaked bites can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, they should also be refrigerated if you have leftovers. Store cooked Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat them in the oven before serving.
Do phyllo cups need to be thawed before baking?
If you’re using frozen phyllo cups, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before filling. This prevents cracks and helps them bake evenly. For Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups, thawing the cups slightly makes it easier to add cheese and cranberry sauce without breaking the delicate shells.
How to keep phyllo cups from getting soggy?
The key is not to overfill the cups with wet ingredients. Use just enough cranberry sauce to cover the Camembert, and avoid letting them sit too long after baking. For extra crunch, you can pre-bake the empty cups for 3–4 minutes before filling. When baked properly, Camembert & Cranberry Phyllo Cups stay crisp and flaky until the very last bite.
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