Impress your guests with this elegant and delicious Brie, apple, and almond phyllo cups recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a special treat, this appetizer is sure to be a hit.
These Brie, Apple & Almond Phyllo Cups are so simple to make. If you have the premade cups they take literally NO TIME to make. Imagine your most critical family member or neighbor drops by unexpectedly and you whip up a batch of these to serve. I bet they would be surprised!! They have such elegant stage presence for such a quick and easy recipe.
What Are Almonds?
Almonds are the edible seeds of the almond tree. They are prized for their delicate flavor and satisfying crunch. They’re not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients. Almonds are packed with vitamin E, healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Including almonds in your recipes adds both taste and a nutritional boost, making them a favorite in both sweet and savory dishes.
Almonds are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Sliced, slivered, or chopped, they add texture to salads, baked goods, and appetizers. Toasting them brings out their rich flavor. Toasted almonds make a perfect addition to cheese boards or granola. They’re also a crunchy topping for your favorite dishes. Finally, their mild taste complements both sweet and savory ingredients.
What Is Brie?
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese from France with a buttery texture and a mild, earthy flavor. Its edible rind adds a slight tang, while the interior melts beautifully—perfect for baking or pairing with fruits and nuts. Brie’s gentle taste makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs especially well with apples and almonds in appetizers like these phyllo cups.
Different Types of Brie
There are several types of brie cheese to choose from. Each one offers its own unique flavor and texture. Traditional French brie, like Brie de Meaux or Brie de Melun, is known for its earthy aroma and rich, velvety interior. Both of these brie cheeses are stronger and have a more earthy flavor. Double or triple cream brie varieties are extra creamy and decadent due to their butterfat content.
American brie often has a milder taste and a slightly firmer texture. They’re also usually pasteurized. There’s a goats milk cheese that has a tangier flavor. I have a grey brie in my fridge which I believe is a milder version of brie noir or black brie. This type of brie is aged and has a dark rind and stronger flavor. Whether you prefer a classic, tangy French brie or a buttery, ultra-creamy version, there’s a brie cheese perfectly suited for your palate for this apple and almond recipe.
Picking the Best Apples
For this recipe, choose apples that are crisp and slightly tart. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are great varieties because they hold their shape when baked. They offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy brie and buttery almonds. Make sure to pick apples that are firm and free from bruises for the best results.
Combining Brie, Apples, and Almonds
What makes this appetizer special is the way these ingredients play off each other. The creamy brie melts into the phyllo cup. The apple adds a sweet, crisp bite. Finally the toasted almonds bring a nutty crunch that ties everything together. This is one balanced and irresistible bite in every cup.
Ingredients Needed for this Appetizer Recipe
Pantry ingredients – almond slivers, honey
Refrigerator ingredients – phyllo dough, butter, brie, apples
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat at 30 second intervals until it melts. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on your work surface and brush with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush with butter. Continue until all 6 sheets are stacked and brushed with butter. Cut the dough with a sharp knife until 12 equal pieces.
Carefully press each of the 12 pieces into a muffin tin. Bake at 350 for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
While the phyllo cups are cooling, chop the apples and brie. Place a few pieces of apple into each shell. Top with brie and sprinkle with almonds. Place the shells back into the oven and bake at 350 for an additional 6-8 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and the brie is melted. Drizzle with honey before serving.
Variations to Try
Swap out apples for pears or figs for a different fruit flavor and texture. Try adding a small spoonful of cranberry sauce for a festive twist during the holidays. Swap out the nuts for pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor. Finally, try changing out the honey for balsamic glaze or a flavored balsamic vinegar.
Pairing Suggestions
These Brie, apple, and almond phyllo cups pair beautifully with sparkling wine, a crisp Chardonnay, or a light-bodied Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling apple cider or a citrusy herbal iced tea.
These cups are great for dessert, but they’re also perfect as an appetizer. Try serving them alongside a charcuterie board to round out your appetizer spread. The salty rich meats pair well with the light and crunchy flavor of these brie cups.
Impress your guests with these elegant and delicious phyllo cups by serving these with a nice crisp green salad for a light lunch or dinner. They’re also perfect as nibbles for a brunch served alongside some egg bites or muffins. If you’re hosting a party, this is a scalable recipe that’s easy to prep ahead of time.
What do these Brie, Apple & Almond Phyllo Cups taste like?
The crispy phyllo, the sweet apples, and the creamy brie are amazing together. Then you top it with some crunchy almonds and it’s a flavor party in your mouth. Seriously. I don’t think I could make these fast enough. The hubs and I were just nibbling away on them as they came out of the oven.
Just look at how creamy, crunchy delicious these cups are! I love phyllo dough and I love brie, so this recipe was a no brainer for me. Especially since I found extra creamy brie at the grocery store. It’s not the typical President I get. It was something new and different. And, well, I had to try it! Because it’s brie! And my second favorite cheese. Muenster is my hands down fave, if you were asking.
Brie, Apple & Almond Phyllo Cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Bite-sized Brie, apple, and almond phyllo cups are your new go-to for gatherings or a simple snack. Each cup offers a delicious balance of creamy, crisp, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
For the phyllo cups
6 sheets phyllo dough
1/4 cup melted butter
For the brie bites
6 ounces brie, diced
1/2 cup finely diced apple
2 to 3 tablespoons toasted almond slivers
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Place one sheet of phyllo dough on your work surface and brush with butter. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush with butter. Continue until all 6 sheets are stacked and brushed with butter.
Cut the dough with a sharp knife until 12 equal pieces.
Carefully press each of the 12 pieces into a muffin tin. Bake at 350 for 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool slightly before placing a few pieces of apple into each shell. Top with brie and sprinkle with almonds.
Place the shells back into the oven and bake at 350 for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and the brie is melted.
Learn how to make easy honey almond granola with oats, almonds, honey, and cinnamon. This crunchy, customizable granola is perfect for breakfast or snacking.
