Sweet & Festive Christmas Brie and Pear Phyllo Cups Recipe

Crispy phyllo cups filled with sweet pear and creamy christmas brie offer a delightful holiday appetizer that promises to impress.

Delicate pastry shells cradle a luscious combination of soft cheese and fruity notes.

Seasonal gatherings call for something special that sparks conversation and delights guests.

Quick to assemble and stunning in presentation, these bite-sized treats blend elegant flavors effortlessly.

Guests will marvel at the sophisticated yet simple approach to entertaining.

Prepare to wow everyone with this irresistible party starter that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.

Brie and Pear Bites Wrapped in Festive Phyllo Cups

• Effortless Elegance: Impress guests with minimal kitchen skills, creating a sophisticated appetizer that looks professionally prepared.
• Quick Party Pleaser: Whip up these delightful bites in under 20 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute holiday entertaining.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet pears, creamy brie, and crunchy nuts for a mouthwatering blend of textures and seasonal tastes that dance on your palate.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components in advance, allowing stress-free assembly and serving during busy holiday celebrations.

Cheesesteak Breadsticks Ingredient List

• Brie Cheese: Creamy French cheese that melts beautifully.
• Pear: Sweet and soft fruit for the filling.
• Phyllo Cups: Delicate and crispy pastry base.

• Honey: Adds sweetness to the pear mixture.
• Nuts: Provides a crunchy texture to the appetizer.
• Fresh Thyme, Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic herb garnish for extra flavor.

• Thyme, Rosemary: Adds a fragrant herbal touch to the appetizer.

Assembling Christmas Brie and Pear Phyllo Cups

Step 1: Warm the Pears

Grab a small skillet and heat it over medium flame. Toss in diced pears and gently cook them until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Drizzle honey over the pears and let them simmer for another minute, creating a sweet and soft mixture. Remove the pan from heat and set the pear mixture aside.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Surface

Position a baking sheet on your kitchen counter. Arrange the delicate phyllo cups carefully on the sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and ready for filling.

Step 3: Fill the Phyllo Cups

Place a small cube of creamy brie cheese into each phyllo cup. Generously spoon the warm pear mixture on top of the cheese, creating a delightful layered effect.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Crank up the oven to 375°F. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the brie to melt into a luscious pool and the phyllo cups to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped nuts over the warm cups for a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to add a pop of color and herbal aroma. Serve these mouthwatering bites immediately while they’re still warm and gooey.

Phyllo Cup Tips That Balance Pear and Brie Festively

• Select Ripe Pears: Choose pears that are soft but not mushy for the best flavor and texture in your phyllo cups.
• Melt Brie Perfectly: Cut brie into even-sized cubes to ensure uniform melting and a consistent creamy texture in each cup.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Toast phyllo cups briefly before adding filling to maintain a crisp base that won't become soggy from the pear mixture.
• Control Honey Sweetness: Drizzle honey sparingly to complement the brie without overpowering the delicate pear flavor.
• Elevate Presentation: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary just before serving to add a festive touch and aromatic herb notes to the appetizer.

Store Brie Pear Cups to Serve Again Later

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the phyllo cups separate from other ingredients to maintain their crispness.
• Wrap individual phyllo cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid storing with garnishes like fresh herbs.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place phyllo cups on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and cups become crispy again. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Reheat in short 15-20 second intervals, checking texture between bursts. Use this method sparingly as it can make phyllo cups soggy and compromise their delicate crunch.

Peppermint Patties Pairing Tips

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy brie and sweet pear, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Create Nutty Sidekick: Serve alongside a small dish of toasted almonds or walnuts to enhance the existing nut garnish and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
• Match with Sparkling Beverage: Choose a prosecco or champagne to elevate the appetizer's elegance, with bubbles that cleanse the palate between bites of the rich cheese and sweet pear.
• Offer Rustic Bread Companion: Include a small slice of crusty sourdough or baguette to provide a hearty base that balances the delicate phyllo cups and allows guests to soak up any melted cheese.

Cheesesteak Breadstick Snack Ideas

• Vegan Cheese Option: Replace brie with dairy-free almond or cashew cheese, using softened plant-based alternatives for a creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap phyllo cups with gluten-free mini tartlet shells or make cups using thin potato slices as a base.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute phyllo with crispy prosciutto cups or use cucumber rounds as a light, fresh alternative for the base.
• Spicy Flavor Boost: Add a drizzle of chili honey or sprinkle red pepper flakes to introduce a warm, unexpected kick to the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I make these phyllo cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the cups up to 2 hours before baking. Keep them refrigerated and bake just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

• What type of pears work best for this recipe?

Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal because they hold their shape well when cooked and have a nice balance of sweetness and firmness.

• Is it possible to use a different cheese instead of brie?

Absolutely! Goat cheese or camembert can be great alternatives that provide similar creamy and mild flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent the phyllo cups from getting soggy?

Pat the pear pieces dry after cooking and avoid adding too much liquid to the filling. Bake the cups immediately after assembling to keep them crisp.

Christmas Brie And Pear Phyllo Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Brie and Pear Phyllo Cups bring elegant holiday magic to appetizer tables. Crisp phyllo shells cradle creamy brie and sweet pear, offering you a delightful seasonal bite perfect for celebration gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 pear, peeled, cored, and diced
• 12 mini phyllo cups

Nuts and Sweeteners:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh thyme or rosemary

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Instructions

1. Gently caramelize diced pears in a skillet over medium warmth, stirring occasionally until they transform into a tender, golden-edged delicacy. Drizzle honey over the fruit and continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the sugars to create a glossy coating.
2. Arrange phyllo cups on a clean baking sheet, preparing them for their delectable transformation. Nestle a precise cube of creamy brie into each delicate vessel, creating a rich foundation for the caramelized pear mixture.
3. Heat the oven to a precise 375°F, ensuring an environment perfect for melting and crisping. Slide the prepared cups into the oven, watching as the cheese becomes luxuriously molten and the phyllo edges turn a beautiful golden-brown, typically requiring 8-10 minutes of careful baking.
4. Once removed from the oven, enhance the cups with a scattering of toasted nuts, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertone. For an elegant finishing touch, delicately garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, which will introduce a subtle herbaceous note to the appetizer.
5. Serve these exquisite morsels immediately while they are warm, allowing guests to experience the harmonious blend of melted cheese, caramelized fruit, and crisp pastry in each delightful bite.

Notes

• Select ripe but firm pears to prevent mushy texture and maintain structural integrity during cooking.
• Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add delightful crunch to the appetizer.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet pear.
• Choose fresh, high-quality thyme or rosemary to elevate the aromatic experience and add elegant herbal notes to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg