Brie and Fig Phyllo Cups are a bite-sized treat that will impress everyone! These little crispy cups are filled with creamy brie cheese and sweet fig preserves, making a perfect combo.
They’re super easy to whip up, making them a great snack for parties or just a cozy night in. I love how they look fancy but are simple to prepare—perfect for when guests drop by unexpectedly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star of the show, giving a delightful crunch. If you don’t have phyllo dough, you can use puff pastry instead. Just cut it into small squares, though it may have a different texture.
Brie Cheese: The creaminess of brie is unbeatable, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, goat cheese can be a great alternative. Feta works too for a tangier flavor!
Fig Preserves: Fig preserves are perfect for sweetness. If figs aren’t your thing, consider using honey or apricot preserves instead, adding your unique twist.
Walnuts: I love adding nuts for crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work nicely as substitutes. You could also skip the nuts altogether!
How Can I Master Working with Phyllo Dough?
Phyllo dough can be tricky to handle since it dries out quickly. Here are a few tips:
- Thaw the dough in the fridge overnight. Don’t rush it; frozen dough is a pain to work with!
- Keep a damp towel over the sheets while you work to prevent them from drying out.
- Brush each sheet with melted butter. This adds flavor and helps them crisp up beautifully.
- Stack 3-4 sheets for a sturdier cup—it’s totally worth the extra layers for texture!
How to Make Brie And Fig Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced into small rounds
- 1/3 cup fig preserves or fig jam
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for topping)
- Fresh thyme or oregano leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Honey (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 30 minutes in total. You will spend about 10-15 minutes preparing and assembling the ingredients, and another 10-15 minutes baking. It’s a quick and delightful treat that’s perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your phyllo cups will bake perfectly and turn out golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Cups:
Lay out 6 sheets of phyllo dough on your countertop, making sure to cover the remaining sheets with a damp towel to keep them from drying out. Using a brush, lightly coat each sheet with melted butter before stacking them on top of each other.
3. Cut and Shape the Phyllo:
Once your sheets are stacked, cut the phyllo into 3×3 inch squares. Now, gently press 3-4 squares into each cup of a mini muffin tin to form little cups that will hold your filling.
4. Bake the Phyllo Cups:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake the phyllo cups for about 8-10 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Once they are done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Add the Brie Cheese:
Place a small round slice of brie cheese inside each phyllo cup. This will be the creamy filling that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fig.
6. Top with Fig Preserves:
Next, add about a teaspoon of fig preserves or jam on top of the brie in each cup. This will add a lovely sweetness to your bite-sized treats!
7. Add Optional Toppings:
If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts over the fig preserves. This step is entirely optional, but it adds nice texture.
8. Bake Again:
Return the filled phyllo cups to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, just until the brie starts to soften and melt. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook!
9. Final Touches:
Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven. If you’d like, drizzle a little honey over the top of each cup for added sweetness, and garnish with fresh thyme or oregano leaves.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your warm Brie and Fig Phyllo Cups right away and enjoy these delightful, elegant bites. They’re sure to impress your guests!
Can I Use Regular Cheese Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While brie gives a rich, creamy texture, you can substitute with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the melting properties will vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness of the phyllo.
Can I Make These Cups in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups ahead of time and freeze them before adding the filling. When you’re ready to serve, bake the cups from frozen, then top with brie and fig preserves and bake again as instructed.
What Can I Substitute for Fig Preserves?
If figs aren’t your thing, you can use other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or even a mixture of honey and chopped dried fruits. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness to your taste!