These Pear, Pecan, and Brie Phyllo Cups offer the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors. The sweetness of ripe pear, the richness of creamy brie, and the nutty crunch of pecans are complemented by a fragrant rosemary honey drizzle. Simple to prepare yet stunning enough to impress at any festive occasion, these phyllo cups are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 package of phyllo cups (12 pieces)
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- A pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) to preheat.
2. Assemble the Cups
Place a cube of brie into each phyllo cup. Add a slice of pear on top, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
3. Bake
Place the assembled phyllo cups on a baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the brie has melted and the cups are golden and crisp.
4. Make the Rosemary Honey
While the cups bake, gently heat the honey in a small saucepan with the fresh rosemary. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the honey is fragrant. Remove from heat.
5. Drizzle and Serve
Once the phyllo cups are out of the oven, drizzle each cup with the rosemary-infused honey and optionally sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Serve the cups warm.
Helpful Tips
1. Make Ahead
You can assemble the phyllo cups with the brie, pear, and pecans a few hours before baking. Simply store them in the refrigerator, then bake them right before serving to ensure the best freshness and texture.
2. Rosemary Honey Shortcut
If you’re short on time, use store-bought infused rosemary honey or simply drizzle regular honey over the phyllo cups without heating it with rosemary.
3. Toasting the Pecans
Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for about 3-4 minutes to enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cups.
4. Prevent Pear Slices from Browning
To keep the pear slices looking fresh, toss them in a little lemon juice before assembling the cups. This helps prevent browning and keeps them looking vibrant.
Substitutions and Variations
1. Cheese
Swap the brie cheese with goat cheese for a tangier flavor, or use blue cheese if you prefer a stronger, more robust taste.
2. Nuts
If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. These nuts bring different textures and flavors that work beautifully with the other ingredients.
3. Fruit
Instead of pears, try using apples, figs, or even cranberries for a different sweet and juicy element that pairs well with the rich brie and honey.
4. Herbs
Replace rosemary with thyme or sage for a slightly different, aromatic herb infusion in the honey. Both will give the drizzle a unique flavor to match the phyllo cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these phyllo cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the phyllo cups with brie, pears, and pecans up to a few hours in advance. Store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
2. Can I use store-bought honey for the drizzle?
Absolutely! You can use regular honey or store-bought rosemary-infused honey if you’re short on time.
3. Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Yes! If you prefer or need a nut-free option, simply omit the pecans or replace them with toasted seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, to maintain that crunch.
Conclusion
These Pear, Pecan, and Brie Phyllo Cups with Rosemary Honey are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Whether for a festive holiday gathering or an elegant appetizer, they are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Customize with different fruits, nuts, or herbs to make them your own!