These Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups are little bites of happiness! Crispy phyllo pastry holds creamy Brie cheese and crispy bacon, making every bite super tasty.
They’re perfect for parties or just when you want to treat yourself. I love whipping these up in no time and watching everyone smile as they take their first bite! 🧀🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This flaky pastry is key for that crispy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use puff pastry, but the texture will be different—still delicious, just not as delicate.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy richness. If you can’t find Brie, consider Camembert or a creamy goat cheese. Both will give you a tangy flavor but stay creamy when melted.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute with sautéed mushrooms or crispy roasted chickpeas for a nice crunch.
Fig Jam or Caramelized Onions: These add a touch of sweetness. If you don’t have either, a bit of honey or a dollop of apple butter works just as well.
How Can I Get the Phyllo Dough Just Right?
Working with phyllo dough can be tricky, but with some care, you’ll achieve the perfect crispiness! Here’s how:
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent it from drying out.
- When layering, ensure you brush each sheet with melted butter for added flavor and crispness.
- Don’t worry if it tears! You can patch it up as you press it into the muffin tin.
Remember, the goal is to create a nice little shell that can hold the cheese and bacon. Enjoy the process, and don’t stress about making it perfect!
Brie And Bacon Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 6 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fig jam or caramelized onions (optional, for topping)
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of baking. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have delicious Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your phyllo cups will bake evenly and become perfectly crispy. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or use silicone mini muffin cups so that the cups won’t stick. This will make your life a lot easier when it’s time to remove them!
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Now it’s time to work with the phyllo dough! Lay one sheet on a clean work surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Then, layer another sheet on top and butter that one as well. Repeat this process until you have a stack of four sheets. This layering makes the cups flaky and delicious!
3. Cut and Shape the Cups:
Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked phyllo sheets into squares that are approximately 3×3 inches. Now take each square and gently press it into the muffin tin to create a small cup shape, allowing the edges to poke up a little. This will hold all that tasty filling!
4. Add the Filling:
Next, place a small cube of Brie cheese into each phyllo cup. The creamy cheese is what makes these bites so indulgent! Then, sprinkle a little bit of chopped bacon on top of the Brie. It’s going to be irresistible!
5. Season and Bake:
Season each cup lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Now it’s time for the oven! Bake the cups in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the phyllo is golden brown and the Brie is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cups from the oven and immediately top each one with a small dollop of fig jam or caramelized onions if you’re using them. These add a delightful touch of sweetness! Finally, garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Let them cool for a few minutes, then carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Serve warm and get ready for everyone to rave about these crispy, cheesy, savory delights!
Enjoy these delightful Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups at your next gathering or just for a special treat—you deserve it!
Can I Use Store-Bought Phyllo Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought phyllo dough is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s thawed properly before use, ideally in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. This will help it handle better when you layer it.
Can These Phyllo Cups Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups in advance! Assemble them up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge and bake until golden and warm.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until crisp and heated through.
How Can I Make These Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach, which both add wonderful flavor. Feel free to get creative with other vegetables like roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added taste!
