If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as elegant as it is easy, I’ve got you covered with my Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Cups Recipe. This delightful little bite perfectly balances creamy brie, sweet blackberry jam, and the flaky crunch of phyllo shells – trust me, it’s a winner every time I make it for friends. Stick with me, and by the end, you’ll have all the tips and tricks to whip these up like a pro for your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity Meets Elegance: These phyllo cups take just minutes to prep, yet look like you slaved over them for hours.
- Flavor Harmony: The creamy brie, tart blackberries, and sweet honey jam create the most irresistible bite.
- Perfect Party Pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to cheese lovers will ask you for the recipe.
- Customizable and Quick: Swap ingredients easily to make this fit your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference. I love how these flavors come together—the flaky phyllo shells are the perfect canvas for the rich brie and sweet-tart blackberries, and that little drizzle of honey seals the deal. Here’s what I use every time:

- Mini phyllo shells: Look for ready-made mini shells—Athens brand is my go-to because they’re sturdy and crisp up beautifully.
- Blackberry jam: Use a high-quality jam for the best flavor punch; homemade works wonders if you have it on hand.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey adds a floral sweetness that perfectly balances the cheese and berries.
- Brie cheese: I like using a standard brie with the rind removed—freezing it for a few minutes makes slicing easier.
- Fresh blackberries: Always rinse and dry them carefully so they don’t make your cups soggy.
- Fresh thyme: Just a few leaves as garnish add a subtle herbal note and make your appetizer look extra special.
Variations
I love that this Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Cups Recipe invites you to get creative. I often switch things up based on what’s in season or what my pantry has. Don’t be afraid to tweak—the key is balancing sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements.
- Add Crunch: I sometimes sprinkle finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans inside the cups for an extra texture boost—my family goes crazy for that nutty crunch.
- Berry Swap: If blackberries aren’t your thing or out of season, raspberries or blueberries make fantastic alternatives.
- Flavor Switch: Swap the honey for maple syrup for a richer sweetness, especially delicious in fall or winter.
- Festive Twist: Around the holidays, I love filling the cups with leftover cranberry sauce instead of jam—it adds that classic tart flavor that still pairs beautifully with brie.
How to Make Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shells and Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 325°F. While it’s warming up, arrange your mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet. This step is quick, but important to get your oven ready and your cups in place before we add the fillings.
Step 2: Layer the Goodness
Next, add a small dab of blackberry jam followed by a little honey inside each phyllo shell—about a teaspoon total. Then, gently place a cube of brie over the sticky sweets. I recommend removing the rind first; freezing the brie for a few minutes makes this super easy. Don’t worry about perfect cubes—these soon melt, so rustic cuts are totally fine.
Step 3: Bake and Garnish
Bake the filled shells for 6 to 8 minutes or until the brie is bubbly and slightly melted, and the phyllo edges turn a lovely light golden color. Right after pulling them out, transfer the cups to a wire rack—the airflow keeps those delicate shells nice and crisp. Then, gently top each cup with a fresh blackberry and sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves over them. A final drizzle of honey ties it all together.
Pro Tips for Making Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Cups Recipe
- Keep Phyllo Crispy: Always transfer baked cups to a wire rack immediately to avoid sogginess from steam.
- Cutting Brie Made Easy: Freeze brie for 10 minutes to firm it up for clean cubes without struggling.
- Jam and Honey Ratio: Stick to a small dab to avoid making the shells soggy—less is more with these sweet components.
- Watch Your Oven: Phyllo shells toast quickly, so keep an eye during baking to prevent burning or drying out.
How to Serve Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Cups Recipe

Garnishes
I always add fresh thyme leaves on top because that vibrant herbal aroma brightens the rich brie and fruity blackberries. Sometimes, I throw on a small mint leaf or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts for texture and eye appeal. Don’t be shy with a gentle drizzle of honey too—it adds a pretty glossy finish that guests love.
Side Dishes
For the perfect spread, I like serving these phyllo cups alongside a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens balance the rich cheese. A crusty baguette or crisp white wine rounds out the meal beautifully, turning your appetizer into a memorable starter.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or holiday events, I’ve laid out the phyllo cups on a large wooden board sprinkled with fresh thyme sprigs and berry clusters—it turns the platter into a feast for the eyes. Another fun idea is arranging them inside colorful mini cupcake liners or on pretty decorative platters for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can prep the phyllo cups ahead by filling them with the jam, honey, and brie, then refrigerate for up to 2–3 hours before baking. After baking, if you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day, but know they’ll lose some crispness.
Freezing
I haven’t had great results freezing these once baked because the shells soften and lose their crunch. However, you can freeze the unbaked filled phyllo cups on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven on a wire rack for about 5–7 minutes to revive some crispness and warm the cheese again. Microwave will melt the brie but make the phyllo soggy, so I avoid that method.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought phyllo shells, or should I make my own?
Store-bought mini phyllo shells work perfectly here and save a ton of time. They’re already shaped and baked just enough to crisp up nicely. Making your own phyllo cups from scratch is possible but much more labor-intensive, so I recommend the ready-made ones unless you’re feeling adventurous.
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What type of brie cheese works best for this recipe?
I use standard brie with the rind removed—freezing it a bit helps cut neat cubes. Alternatively, you can try “cream of brie,” which is creamier and easier to scoop. Just avoid including the rind inside the cups to keep flavors smooth and textures pleasing.
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Can I substitute blackberries with other fruits?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even small pieces of figs work wonderfully. Just make sure the fruit isn’t too watery to avoid making the phyllo shells soggy.
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How long can I make these ahead of time?
You can fill the shells a few hours in advance (up to 3 hours) and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Baking right before serving ensures the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Cups Recipe comes together—it’s elegant, quick, and always a hit whether it’s a fancy party or a casual get-together. Honestly, the first time I made these, I was floored by how simple ingredients could create such a delicious and beautiful appetizer. So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you’ll enjoy the compliments as much as the flavors.
Print
Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 mini phyllo cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brie Phyllo Cups with Blackberry and Thyme are elegant bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky phyllo shells filled with melted creamy brie, sweet blackberry jam, honey, and fresh blackberries, garnished with fragrant thyme. Perfect for parties or sophisticated snacks, they combine a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a crisp texture that’s easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 15 mini phyllo shells (such as Athens brand)
Filling
- 2 tablespoons blackberry jam
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 ounces brie, rind removed and cut into ½-inch cubes
Garnish
- 15 blackberries, rinsed and dried
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese.
- Arrange Phyllo Shells: Place the 15 mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet in a single layer, ready for filling.
- Fill Each Shell: Place a small spoonful of blackberry jam and a small drizzle of honey inside each phyllo shell, then top with a cube of skinless brie cheese.
- Bake: Bake the filled shells in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, just until the brie starts to melt and the phyllo shells turn a very light golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Immediately remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer each phyllo cup to a wire rack to keep them crisp. Top each cup with a fresh blackberry and sprinkle with a few fresh thyme leaves. Optionally drizzle with additional honey for added sweetness. Serve warm right away.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare the filled phyllo shells (with jam, honey, and brie) and refrigerate for 2-3 hours before baking to save time when ready to serve.
- Brie selection: Use standard brie but remove the rind before cutting into cubes. Freezing the brie briefly helps with easier rind removal and cutting.
- Keep shells crisp: Transfer the baked cups immediately to a wire rack after baking to prevent sogginess by promoting air circulation.
- Variations: Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans for texture. Substitute blackberries with other berries or swap jam and honey for cranberry sauce and maple syrup for different flavor profiles. Reduce or omit honey for a tart taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini phyllo cup
- Calories: seventy five
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg


