These Brie and Fig Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat! Crispy phyllo pastry holds creamy brie and sweet figs, making them perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in.
Let’s be real, these little cups are hard to resist. I love making a bunch and sharing with friends, but I usually keep a few for myself—who can blame me? 😄
They’re super easy to whip up, just layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for impressing guests or snacking while binge-watching your favorite show.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This adds a fantastic crunch! If you’re short on phyllo, you could use pre-made puff pastry. Just roll it out and cut it into squares.
Brie Cheese: Creamy brie is a must! If you want something lighter, you can substitute with camembert. Both will melt beautifully.
Fig Preserves: Fig preserves offer a sweet kick, but fruit jams like apricot or raspberry work well too. Just pick one that you enjoy!
Walnuts: Chopped toasted walnuts add a great crunch. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are nice alternatives.
Fresh Rosemary: This is optional but adds a nice aroma. Thyme can be an easy swap if you have it on hand or prefer a different herb.
How Do I Get Perfectly Layered Phyllo Cups?
Layering phyllo right is key for crispy cups! It may seem tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it.
- Start with one sheet of phyllo, brush lightly with melted butter. Remember, don’t soak it!
- Add another sheet on top and repeat until you have about 4-5 layers. Each layer adds strength and that delightful flakiness.
- Cut the layered phyllo into squares and place them in the muffin tin, gently pressing down to form cups.
These steps prevent your cups from tearing and help hold in the delicious filling. Enjoy making them!
Brie and Fig Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package phyllo dough (about 8-10 sheets), thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fig preserves or fig jam
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking time, for a total of around 30 minutes to prepare these delightful appetizers. They come together quickly and are sure to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure that everything bakes evenly, resulting in those perfect, crispy phyllo cups.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it flat on a clean surface. Using a brush, lightly coat it with the melted butter. Then, place another sheet on top and brush it again. Repeat this layering process for about 4-5 sheets, ensuring each layer is buttered to create a flaky and delicious cup.
3. Cut the Phyllo:
Once you have your layers, cut the stacked phyllo sheets into 3×3 inch squares. This will give you the perfect size to fit into your mini muffin tin.
4. Form the Cups:
Gently press each square into the cups of your greased mini muffin tin, pushing down slightly to form little cups. Make sure they fit snugly!
5. Add the Brie:
Now it’s time to fill each phyllo cup! Place a small piece of brie cheese (about 1 tablespoon) into each cup. This will melt beautifully as it bakes.
6. Bake the Cups:
Put the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy, and the brie is soft and gooey.
7. Add Fig Preserves:
When the cups are done, remove them from the oven and use a spoon to add about 1/2 teaspoon of fig preserves on top of each melted brie piece. The sweetness of the fig pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese!
8. Top with Walnuts:
Sprinkle the toasted chopped walnuts on top of the fig preserves for that delightful crunch.
9. Garnish:
If you’d like, you can add a small sprig of fresh rosemary on each cup for a lovely touch and extra flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These phyllo cups are best served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy these crispy, creamy, sweet, and nutty bites with family and friends!
Can I Use Store-Bought Fig Jam?
Absolutely! Store-bought fig jam is a great time-saver and still adds that delicious sweet flavor. Feel free to use any fruit preserves you enjoy—apricot or raspberry would also work well!
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the phyllo cups and keep them in the muffin tin in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add the brie and fig preserves right before baking to ensure they stay fresh and tasty.
What if I Don’t Have Walnuts?
No problem! If you’re out of walnuts or have allergies, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even leave them out altogether. Sunflower seeds are another nut-free option that adds crunch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness before serving.