Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups are a fancy yet fun snack! Crispy phyllo pastry holds melted brie cheese and crispy bacon that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
These little bites are great for parties or just a cozy night in. I love how easy they are to make, and they always disappear fast—everyone wants to grab one more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: Phyllo is a flaky pastry that’s perfect for making crispy cups. If you can’t find it, try using puff pastry, but note that the texture will be a bit different, being less delicate but still tasty.
Bacon: Crisp, salty bacon adds a wonderful contrast. Turkey bacon is a lighter option. You could also use cooked pancetta or even leave it out for a vegetarian version and add mushrooms instead.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts beautifully. If you’re looking for something different, Camembert works as a great substitute. You could also use soft goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
Caramelized Onions: These add sweetness and depth. If you don’t have time to caramelize onions, store-bought onion jam or even a dollop of fig jam can work in a pinch!
How Do You Make Flaky Phyllo Cups?
Mastering phyllo dough takes a little practice, but it’s worth the effort for those crispy cups! Here’s a simple way to get it right.
- Thaw phyllo dough in the fridge overnight, then unroll it gently. Work quickly to prevent it from drying.
- Use melted butter for brushing between each layer. This keeps the phyllo crispy and adds flavor.
- Layer 4 sheets together. This gives you a sturdy cup that holds all the delicious filling.
- Press the layered phyllo squares into the muffin tin with the edges standing up to form the cups.
The end result will be golden, flaky cups that hold all your yummy ingredients beautifully!
Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Filling:
- 6 slices bacon
- 6 oz brie cheese, cut into 6 pieces
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions or onion jam
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. Just enough time to create a delicious treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, you can get your muffin tin ready by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they’re nice and crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain the grease. Once it cools a bit, finely chop it up.
3. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take each sheet of phyllo dough and lay it on a clean surface. Brush the top lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process by layering another sheet of phyllo on top, brushing again with butter, and doing this two more times for a total of 4 buttered layers.
4. Cut and Shape the Phyllo Cups:
Now that you have your stacked layers, cut them into 12 squares. Gently press each square into the muffin cups, creating little cups with edges that stand up high.
5. Fill the Cups:
Place a small piece of brie into the center of each phyllo cup. On top of the brie, add about a teaspoon of caramelized onions or onion jam to give it a sweet touch. Finally, sprinkle some of the chopped crispy bacon over the top.
6. Bake and Finish Up:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You want the phyllo to be a lovely golden color and the brie to be beautifully melted. Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the oven!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Let the phyllo cups cool for a moment, and then garnish each one with a small sprig of fresh thyme. Serve these warm, and watch as everyone enjoys these crispy, cheesy bites!
This recipe yields about 12 appetizer-sized phyllo cups, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying at home. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Bacon Bits Instead of Slices?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought bacon bits can save you some prep work. Just sprinkle them generously over the brie and onions, and bake as directed. They may not be as crispy, but they’ll still add lovely flavor!
Can I Prepare These Phyllo Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the phyllo cups with the brie and toppings ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up before serving again.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If brie isn’t your thing, you can use Camembert cheese, which has a similar texture and flavor. Soft goat cheese or cream cheese also work well, offering a different but delightful taste!
