Golden, crisp, buttery phyllo cradling melty brie, tart apple, and crunchy walnuts—yes, please! These Apple Brie & Walnut Phyllo Bites are my kind of party starter: easy to make, impossibly elegant, and always the first thing to disappear from the platter. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just want to make Tuesday night feel a little fancy, this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Back when I worked as a personal chef, I always kept a few showstopping bites in my back pocket—and this was one of those gems. I’d whip these up when clients needed a foolproof appetizer that looked fancy but didn’t break a sweat.
- Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory
- Can be made ahead and baked just before guests arrive
- A total crowd-pleaser for holidays, dinner parties, or wine night
- Minimal ingredients, maximum wow factor
- Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for pros
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 box phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions
- 6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), finely diced
- 1/3 cup chopped walnut pieces, lightly toasted
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but lovely!)
Pro Tips
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out.
- Use a mini muffin pan to shape and bake these into perfect bite-size treats.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving elevates the flavors.
- Swap Brie for camembert or goat cheese if desired—just keep it creamy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Unroll phyllo dough and lay out one sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter, then top with a second sheet. Repeat until you have a stack of 4 sheets.
- Cut the stack into 12 squares (roughly 3×3 inches). Press each square stack gently into the mini muffin cups to create little shells.
- In each phyllo shell, add a cube of Brie, a few pieces of diced apple, a pinch of chopped walnuts, and a small drizzle of honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with extra honey and a tiny pinch of sea salt before serving.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Phyllo can be delicate—work quickly and gently or prep ahead during nap time if you’re multitasking like me!
- Toast those walnuts—it brings out a warm, nutty richness you don’t want to miss.
- Worried about sogginess? Bake them just before your guests arrive or re-crisp in the oven for a few minutes if needed.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Substitute pears for apples for a fall twist.
- Add a tiny dollop of fig or cranberry jam under the Brie for extra flavor.
- Serve with a chilled glass of prosecco or spiced cider—divine!
- Turn them into dessert bites by using mascarpone instead of brie and finishing with a dusting of powdered sugar.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours ahead, cover tightly, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. You can even freeze the filled cups, then bake from frozen—just add a couple more minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore that crisp texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but they won’t be as crispy.
Can I make them nut-free?
Absolutely! Just skip the walnuts or sub in sunflower seeds or crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 box phyllo dough, thawed
- 6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
- 1 crisp apple, finely diced
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 2 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin pan.
- Brush and layer 4 sheets of phyllo with melted butter. Cut into 12 squares and press into muffin cups.
- Fill each cup with Brie, apple, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. Sprinkle cinnamon if desired.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool slightly, drizzle with honey, and serve warm.
Nutrition: ~110 calories per bite
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or share it with a friend who loves hosting as much as you do. Let’s make every bite a joyful one!
