These Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups are a match made in heaven! Crunchy phyllo pastry filled with creamy Brie and crispy bacon will make everyone smile.
They’re so easy to pop in the oven, and the whole house will smell amazing! I love serving these at parties—they disappear faster than I can make them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star of your cups! Look for it in the frozen section of your grocery store. If you don’t have phyllo, you could try using wonton wrappers, but the texture will be different.
Brie Cheese: Brie gives a creamy texture. If you’re not a fan, Camembert makes a great substitute. Or, for a lighter option, softened cream cheese can work too with added herbs for flavor.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. You can swap it out for pancetta or turkey bacon if you want a healthier option. For a vegetarian twist, consider using sautéed mushrooms instead.
Caramelized Onions: They add sweetness and depth to the dish. If time is tight, store-bought onion jam can be a quick fix. You could also use chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Phyllo Cups?
The key to crispy phyllo cups is to properly layer and butter the dough. Make sure to keep your phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while you work to prevent them from drying out.
- Start by stacking and buttering the phyllo sheets. Four layers will give you the right thickness and crunch.
- When cutting the squares, don’t worry about perfection—it’s okay if they’re a bit jagged. This adds to the rustic look!
- Press the squares gently into the muffin tin, allowing some edges to cup up for that fantastic flaky finish.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; every oven is different, and you want them a golden brown without burning.
Now you’re all set to make these wonderful appetizers that everyone will love!
Brie And Bacon Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 sheets phyllo dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions or onion marmalade
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
- Optional: black pepper or a drizzle of honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep, including cooking the bacon, and about 15 minutes for baking in the oven. Plus, they’re best served warm right out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your phyllo cups bake evenly and come out perfectly crispy.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, place it on paper towels to drain the grease, then chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Set this aside for later.
3. 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, place a second sheet on top and brush it again. Keep repeating this process until you have a stack of four sheets, all buttered up!
4. Form the Cups:
Cut the stacked phyllo into 12 squares, about 4×4 inches each. Gently press each square into a muffin tin cup, making sure the edges flare outward to create a little cup shape. Don’t worry if they’re a little uneven; it gives them character!
5. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Take your Brie cheese pieces and place about 1 teaspoon into each phyllo cup. On top of the Brie, sprinkle a little bit of the chopped bacon. This is where the magic happens!
6. Bake:
Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the phyllo is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Top with Onions:
As soon as they come out of the oven, carefully add a spoonful of caramelized onions or onion marmalade on top of each cup. This little sweet touch really pairs nicely with the salty bacon and creamy cheese!
8. Garnish:
Finish by garnishing each cup with a small sprig of fresh thyme. If you like, add a crack of black pepper or a drizzle of honey for an extra pop of flavor.
9. Serve:
These delightful phyllo cups are best served warm or at room temperature. Watch them disappear at your next gathering—they’re simply irresistible!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and sweet-savory Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups! Perfect for any occasion. 🎉
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramelized Onions?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramelized onions or onion jam can save you time and still add great flavor to your phyllo cups. Just be sure to check the ingredients for any unwanted additives!
How Do I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They can lose some crunch, but you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Phyllo Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups in advance by following the steps up to baking. Assemble the cups, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just bake them right before serving for the best results!
What Should I Serve with These Phyllo Cups?
These phyllo cups are perfect as appetizers, but they pair well with a light salad or some fresh fruit on the side for a more substantial meal. You could also serve them with a dipping sauce like a balsamic reduction for extra flavor!
