There’s something magical about serving a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes. Brie phyllo cups with blackberry and thyme are that kind of appetizer. They’re easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and add a touch of elegance to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a simple yet impressive dish, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love Brie Phyllo Cups with Blackberry and Thyme
Brie phyllo cups are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crisp phyllo shells, creamy melted brie, sweet blackberry jam, and earthy thyme come together to create a bite that’s as satisfying as it is memorable. They’re also quick to make, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create these irresistible brie phyllo cups:
Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
Mini Phyllo Shells | 15 | No preparation needed |
Blackberry Jam | 2 Tbsp | No preparation needed |
Honey | 2 Tbsp | Plus extra for drizzling |
Brie | 3 oz | Rind removed, cut into small cubes |
Fresh Blackberries | 15 | One for each phyllo cup |
Fresh Thyme | 2-3 sprigs | Leaves removed |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Value |
Calories | 65 |
Protein | 1g |
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Fat | 4g |
Sodium | 70mg |
Fiber | 0.5g |
How to Make Brie Phyllo Cups with Blackberry and Thyme
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet for easy assembly.
2. Add the Sweet Base
- Place a small amount of blackberry jam and honey into the bottom of each phyllo shell. This layer will melt slightly during baking, creating a flavorful base for the brie.
3. Add the Brie
- Place a cube of brie into each shell on top of the jam and honey mixture.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake the phyllo cups for 6-8 minutes, or until the brie has melted and the shells are lightly browned. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Top each phyllo cup with a fresh blackberry and a few thyme leaves.
- Drizzle extra honey over the finished bites for added sweetness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Brie Phyllo Cups
- Use High-Quality Brie: The creaminess of the brie is key, so choose a high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the phyllo cups in advance and bake them just before serving.
- Serve Warm: These bites are best enjoyed warm, while the brie is still melted and gooey.
- Customize the Toppings: Swap the blackberry for raspberries, figs, or even candied nuts for a different flavor profile.
- Avoid Overfilling: Use small amounts of jam and honey to prevent the filling from overflowing during baking.
Creative Variations for Brie Phyllo Cups with Blackberry and Thyme
Raspberry Almond Brie Cups
Replace the blackberry jam with raspberry preserves and top with sliced almonds instead of thyme.
Spicy Honey Brie Cups
Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the honey for a subtle spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
Savory Herb Brie Cups
Skip the fruit and honey altogether. Use caramelized onions and fresh rosemary for a savory option.
Serving Suggestions for Brie Phyllo Cups
These versatile bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes and drinks:
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red like Pinot Noir.
- Cheese Board: Add these bites to a cheese board alongside crackers, nuts, and fruits for an impressive spread.
- Holiday Appetizer: Their festive appearance makes them perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
- Cocktail Party: These finger-friendly bites are ideal for mingling with a drink in hand.
How to Store and Reheat Brie Phyllo Cups
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.
- Avoid Freezing: Phyllo pastry tends to lose its crispness when frozen and reheated.
FAQs About Brie Phyllo Cups with Blackberry and Thyme
1. Can I use frozen phyllo shells?
Yes, just ensure they’re fully thawed before assembling and baking.
2. What other fruits can I use?
Raspberries, figs, or even diced pears work wonderfully as alternatives to blackberries.
3. Can I make these dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese alternative like vegan brie or cream cheese.
4. Can I prepare these in advance?
You can assemble the cups a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
5. What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
You can use dried thyme or swap it for other herbs like rosemary or mint.
6. Are these cups gluten-free?
Unfortunately, most store-bought phyllo shells contain gluten. Look for gluten-free phyllo options if needed.
Why Brie Phyllo Cups Are a Perfect Appetizer
Brie phyllo cups with blackberry and thyme are more than just appetizers—they’re a conversation starter. The combination of crispy shells, melted cheese, sweet and tangy jam, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor experience that’s hard to forget.
Conclusion: Impress Your Guests with Brie Phyllo Cups
Ready to wow your friends and family with a simple yet elegant appetizer? Brie phyllo cups with blackberry and thyme are the answer. They’re quick to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious.
So grab your ingredients and bake a batch today—your guests will be raving about them for days!
PrintBrie Phyllo Cups with Blackberry and Thyme: An Elegant and Delicious Appetizer
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 15 cups
Description
Brie phyllo cups with blackberry and thyme are the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory. These bite-sized delights combine golden phyllo shells, melted brie cheese, sweet blackberry jam, and fresh thyme for an appetizer that’s as stunning as it is flavorful. Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual dinner party, these cups are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Mini phyllo shells (15, store-bought)
- Blackberry jam (2 tablespoons)
- Honey (2 tablespoons, plus extra for drizzling)
- Brie cheese (3 ounces, rind removed and cut into small cubes)
- Fresh blackberries (15, one for each phyllo shell)
- Fresh thyme leaves (2–3 sprigs)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet for easy assembly.
2. Add the Sweet Base:
- Place a small amount of blackberry jam and honey in the bottom of each phyllo shell. This creates a sweet, flavorful foundation.
3. Add the Brie:
- Place a cube of brie on top of the jam and honey mixture in each shell.
4. Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the phyllo cups in the preheated oven for 6–8 minutes, or until the brie has melted and the phyllo shells are lightly browned.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Top each phyllo cup with a fresh blackberry and a few thyme leaves.
- Drizzle additional honey over the finished bites for added sweetness.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality brie for the creamiest, most flavorful results.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the phyllo cups in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Customizable: Swap out the blackberries and jam for other fruits and preserves like raspberries, figs, or apricots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American