Cranberry & Walnut Brie Phyllo Cups with Honey Drizzle

Imagine this: it’s a crisp autumn evening, your guests are just arriving for your annual holiday gathering, the candles are flickering, and the aroma of something warm and delightful wafts from the oven. What better way to welcome loved ones than with Cranberry & Walnut Brie Phyllo Cups, drizzled with golden honey and topped with a hint of fresh thyme?

This recipe is inspired by my first Friendsgiving — a celebration full of laughter, mismatched chairs, and the joyful chaos of chosen family. We needed something elegant yet effortless, festive yet finger-food friendly. These bite-sized brie cups were born from that need, and they’ve been a staple ever since.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, putting together a romantic date night board, or bringing a dish to a potluck, these phyllo cups are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy — ready in just 20 minutes.

📋 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make 15 delicious mini Brie bites:

1 package (15-count) mini phyllo cups
6 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
3 tablespoons honey
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

🔪 Quick & Easy Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Assemble the Cups

Place a cube of Brie cheese into each phyllo cup. Add a pinch of chopped cranberries and walnuts on top of each.

3. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the Brie has melted and begins to bubble slightly.

4. Finish with a Honey Drizzle

Remove the cups from the oven. While still hot, drizzle honey over each one. Add a sprig of fresh thyme for a gourmet touch.

5. Serve Warm

Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is perfectly gooey.

⏱️ Quick Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 15 phyllo cups
Calories: ~90 kcal per cup

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Fast & Foolproof

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is virtually fail-proof. Pre-made phyllo cups eliminate the fuss, and the ingredient ratios are easy to eyeball.

✔️ Elegant Yet Effortless

They look like something you’d get at a fancy wine bar, but you can whip them up in your pajamas. Your guests will never know how simple they are to make!

✔️ Versatile Flavor

The creamy, mild Brie perfectly balances the tart cranberries and earthy walnuts. A touch of sweet honey brings everything together in a symphony of flavors.

✔️ Perfect for Any Season

While these bites shine during the holidays, they’re equally delicious in spring and summer. Swap the cranberries for fresh berries or the walnuts for pistachios to suit the season.

🧀 All About Brie: A Cheese Worth Celebrating

Brie is a soft cow’s milk cheese from France, known for its creamy interior and edible white rind. When melted, it becomes luxuriously gooey, making it the ideal cheese for appetizers.

Pro Tip:

You don’t need to remove the rind before baking. It melts seamlessly and adds a subtle earthy depth that enhances the overall flavor.

🌰 Let’s Talk Texture: Why Phyllo Cups Work So Well

Phyllo dough is famously flaky and delicate — but also notoriously fussy to work with. That’s why pre-made mini phyllo cups are a game-changer. They’re:

Crisp & buttery, with no extra effort
Perfectly portioned for single-bite appetizers
Shelf-stable or frozen, so you can stock up for future events

🍯 Upgrade with Flavored Honey

Want to take things to the next level? Flavored honey can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Flavor Suggestions:

Orange blossom honey – adds a citrusy twist
Rosemary-infused honey – adds an herby, savory edge
Hot honey – adds a little kick for adventurous eaters

Drizzle just a teaspoon per cup — a little goes a long way!

🌿 Garnish Ideas to Impress

Though optional, garnishes make a difference when it comes to presentation. Here are a few topping ideas that go beyond thyme:

Microgreens – for a pop of color
Pomegranate arils – festive and juicy
Edible flowers – for spring or summer events
Cracked black pepper – for a bit of spice

🥂 Ideal Pairings: Drinks & More

These brie bites pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and side dishes:

Wine:

Chardonnay – its buttery notes complement the Brie
Pinot Noir – a light red that enhances the cranberries
Sparkling rosé – adds elegance and a touch of sweetness

Other Drinks:

Mulled wine or spiced cider for holiday parties
Champagne for New Year’s Eve
Non-alcoholic sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice

🧺 Hosting Tips: Make-Ahead & Reheating

Can You Make These Ahead?

Yes! Assemble the phyllo cups up to 6 hours in advance and refrigerate them (unbaked). Pop them in the oven right before guests arrive.

Reheating:

If you need to reheat leftovers, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the phyllo soggy.

🔄 Variations to Try

This recipe is highly customizable. Try some of these creative twists:

🍎 Apple & Pecan Brie Cups

Replace cranberries with diced apples
Use chopped pecans instead of walnuts
Add a pinch of cinnamon before baking

🫐 Blueberry Basil Brie Cups

Swap cranberries for blueberries
Garnish with fresh basil
Use lemon-infused honey

🌶️ Spicy Brie Cups

Add a thin slice of jalapeño
Use hot honey
Top with crispy bacon bits

📦 Storing Leftovers

While these are best fresh, you can store them if needed.

Refrigerate: In an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat: In the oven at 300°F to restore crispiness
Do Not Freeze: The texture of the Brie and phyllo won’t hold up

📣 Share & Impress: This Recipe Is Made to Be Shared!

These Cranberry & Walnut Brie Phyllo Cups are just asking to be photographed and shared. Snap a pic and tag your post with #BrieBitesDelight — perfect for Instagram, Pinterest, or your next party invite.

Want to wow your friends at the next get-together? Bring these along with a bottle of wine, and watch them disappear in minutes.

🧾 Printable Recipe Card

Here’s a handy version you can save or print for easy reference: