These Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups are little bites of heaven! They combine creamy Brie cheese with crispy bacon in a flaky phyllo shell. Perfect for parties or a snack!
Honestly, who can resist the combo of cheese and bacon? I love making these for game nights—everyone goes crazy for them! Just pop them in the oven, and watch them disappear! 🥓🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This delicate dough creates a light, crispy shell. If you can’t find phyllo, try using puff pastry instead, but keep in mind the texture will be a bit different.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds creaminess and richness. If you’re not a fan, Camembert or a nice cream cheese can work, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Bacon: You can use regular bacon for that smoky taste, but turkey bacon or pancetta can be good alternatives if you’re looking for something leaner.
Caramelized Onions: They add sweetness. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought onion jam or even a sweet chutney in a pinch.
How Do I Handle Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Handling phyllo can be tricky since it dries out quickly. Here are some tips to keep it manageable:
- Always keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel while you’re working.
- Brush each layer gently with melted butter to keep it moist and add flavor.
- Work on a clean, dry surface to prevent sticking.
Taking your time with the layers pays off for that perfect crispy texture!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Bacon for These Cups?
Cooking bacon until it’s crispy gives the best texture and flavor in your cups. Here’s a simple way:
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Let it cool on paper towels to absorb excess grease, and then chop it finely.
- This ensures that the bacon stays crunchy in the phyllo cups.
Trust me, the crispiness is key to balancing the creamy Brie! 🎉
Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions or onion jam
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- Baby greens or arugula (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 18 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have delicious phyllo cups ready in about 40 minutes total! Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. This will help your phyllo cups come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Layer the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it flat on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Then, layer a second sheet on top and brush it again with butter. You want it to be nice and buttery for that crispy texture!
3. Cut and Shape the Phyllo:
Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut the layered phyllo into 12 squares, making sure they’re big enough to fit into each muffin cup and have some edges sticking out. Gently press each square into a muffin cup, forming a little cup shape. Repeat until all cups are ready!
4. Fill the Cups:
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Place about 1 tablespoon of Brie cheese into each phyllo cup. Follow that with a sprinkle of the crispy chopped bacon on top. Then, add about 1 teaspoon of caramelized onions or onion jam over the cheese and bacon.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You want the phyllo to be golden and crisp, and the Brie cheese should be nice and soft. It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove the phyllo cups from the muffin tin and let them cool for just a moment. If you’re using fresh thyme, place a sprig on each cup for a touch of flavor and presentation.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your beautiful Brie and Bacon Phyllo Cups on a serving platter with some fresh baby greens or arugula for extra flair. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear in no time!
These phyllo cups are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, sweet, and smoky goodness. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Cheeses Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Brie, you can substitute it with Camembert for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, cream cheese or goat cheese can work well too, though the flavor will vary a bit.
Can I Make These Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with the ingredients in advance. Just cover them and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Bake them just before serving for the best texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramelized Onions?
Definitely! Store-bought caramelized onions or onion jam can save you time and still provide a great flavor in your phyllo cups. Just make sure to choose a good quality product for the best taste!
