Caramelized onions, apple, and buttery brie cheese are all nestled in a crunchy phyllo cup in this easy bite-size appetizer. These baked brie bites are bursting with flavor and texture and are perfect for holiday get togethers with family and friends!
Baked Brie Cheese
If you’ve never had baked brie before, you’re missing out! It’s quite simply the best melted cheese. I love that first cut into it once it’s out of the oven and the melted cheese gushes out like hot lava. It’s a cheese lovers heaven!
Baked Brie Bites With Apple & Caramelized Onions
When I was younger, we used to go to our family friend’s house during the holidays. One of the specialty dishes there was a whole wheel of melted brie mixed with caramelized onions and apples. I could devour the whole thing! My mouth is watering just thinking about it now. It was one of my favorite flavor combinations, so naturally I had to make a mini version with these baked brie bites to share with all of you!
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Perfect Appetizer For A Holiday Party!
The end of the year is super busy with holiday festivities and family gatherings. If you need a last-minute appetizer to bring to a holiday party (or New Years!), these baked brie bites are a treat everyone will devour! And best of all, they take very little time to assemble.
What Are Phyllo Cups?
Phyllo is a paper-thin unleavened dough used for making pastries. Phyllo-based pastries such as baklava or spanakopita, are made by layering the sheets and brushing them with butter or oil to get it nice and crispy. To save time, buy pre-made phyllo cups, which can be found in most grocery stores (usually in the freezer section).
Other Flavor Combination Suggestions
Phyllo cups are so versatile because of their neutral flavor and crunchy texture. They can be filled with savory or even sweet ingredients. Here are some tasty suggestions, but have fun creating your own delicious bite size appetizers!
- Any dip can be served in the phyllo cups- I especially like heating up spinach and artichoke or buffalo chicken dip
- Make mini Mexican cups- add ground Mexican meat or black beans, cheddar cheese, salsa etc..
- Play with different cheese and fruit jam combinations
- Sweet Potato Bites- mashed sweet potato, mini marshmallow, and a pecan
- Combine eggs with your favorite veggies/cheese to make a mini quiche
- Cheesecake filling or yogurt with fresh fruit
Do I Need To Cut The Rind Off The Brie Cheese?
The white brie rind is edible and is usually eaten with the softer interior. If you don’t want to eat the rind you can easily trim it away. The rind will not melt when you bake brie. Since these baked brie bites get a tiny bit of brie in each bite, I chose to cut the rind off so it would be completely melty in each bite.
Prep Ahead Of Time
To save you some time, I suggest sautéing the onion and apple mixture the day before. Doing so will allow for quick assembly the day they are served. You can also assemble them in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
These baked brie bites are best warm but also taste just as good at room temperature. This appetizer makes the perfect finger food for all your holiday entertaining!
Looking For More Delicious Holiday Recipes?
- Eggplant Caponata
- Classic Hummus
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Fall Wheat Berry Salad with Butternut Squash & Kale
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Healthy Chocolate Mousse
Baked Brie Bites With Apple & Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion diced small
- ½ teaspoon light brown sugar
- ½ medium apple peeled & diced small
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of salt to taste
- 15 pre-made phyllo cups
- 6-8 oz brie cheese *see notes
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme leaves
- 1-2 Tablespoons pecans chopped (optional)
- honey to drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a medium pan over low-medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the onions, stirring occasionally. After approximately 10 minutes, when the onions are just starting to brown, sprinkle the brown sugar. Turn the heat to low and continue to sauté for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Add the diced apple and sauté for 10 minutes. Next add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile as the onions are cooking prepare a baking pan with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Arrange phyllo cups on the baking pan. Cut the brie cheese into ¾-1 inch cubes, removing the rind. Place one cube of brie cheese in each phyllo cup.
- Spoon ½ teaspoon of the apple-onion mixture into each cup. Bake in the oven for 9-11 minutes until cheese is melted and phyllo cups are lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle thyme and pecans (if using). Lightly drizzle honey (optional). Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
What’s your favorite go-to easy appetizer? Share in the comments below. I love to try out your recommendations, and maybe other readers will love your ideas, too! Also, be sure to stay in touch and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
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