Fig & Brie Phyllo Cups 🍐 – Elegant Holiday Appetizer-Dessert Hybrid
Crispy phyllo cups filled with creamy brie, sweet figs, and a honey glaze—perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings
These Fig & Brie Phyllo Cups are the ultimate elegant bite that bridges the gap between appetizer and dessert. With a flaky phyllo shell, rich brie, sweet figs, and a honey glaze, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or any occasion where you want to impress. The contrast of textures and flavors makes them unforgettable—try them for your next upscale gathering!
These bite-sized wonders are surprisingly easy to make but look like they come from a five-star restaurant. The crisp phyllo dough forms a perfect cup for the creamy brie and fig mixture, while the honey drizzle adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory cheese. They’re versatile enough to serve as a starter, a cheese board centerpiece, or even a dessert.
The recipe is designed for holidays like Thanksgiving, where you want to serve something that’s both beautiful and flavorful. The combination of figs and brie is a classic pairing, but the phyllo adds a unique twist that elevates the dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a special touch for a dinner party, these cups are sure to shine.
What makes this recipe truly special is its balance of simplicity and sophistication. You’ll only need a few high-quality ingredients, but the result is a show-stopping appetizer that guests will rave about. Plus, the make-ahead instructions mean you can prepare them in advance and bake when ready.
From the first bite to the last, these phyllo cups offer a delightful contrast of textures—crispy shell, creamy filling, and a sweet honey finish. They’re a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen phyllo dough, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, softened
- 6 fresh figs, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Cut phyllo dough into 24 squares (about 2x2 inches each). Place each square on the baking sheet, overlapping slightly to form cups. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix brie with thyme, sea salt, and 1 tbsp honey. Spoon 1 tsp of the mixture into each phyllo cup.
- Step 4: Top each cup with a slice of fig and a sprinkle of nuts. Bake for 5 minutes to warm the filling.
- Step 5: Drizzle with remaining honey before serving. Optional: add crumbled goat cheese on top for extra flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick Prep
Ready in 35 minutes total with minimal steps—perfect for last-minute holiday guests or make-ahead entertaining.
💰 Affordable Luxury
Uses budget-friendly phyllo dough and seasonal figs to create a dish that feels high-end without the price tag.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
24 mini cups provide enough for small gatherings or to serve as part of a larger appetizer spread.
🌟 Flavor Harmony
The combination of sweet figs, creamy brie, and honey creates a balanced flavor profile that lingers on the palate.
Fig & Brie Phyllo Cups
Elegant holiday appetizer with sweet and savory flavors
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 sheet frozen phyllo dough
- - 8 oz brie cheese
- - 6 fresh figs
- - 2 tbsp honey
- - 1 tbsp thyme
- - 1/4 tsp sea salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Phyllo Cups: Cut phyllo into 24 squares and form into cups on a baking sheet.
💡 Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
Fill with Brie Mixture: Mix brie with thyme, salt, and 1 tbsp honey. Spoon into phyllo cups.
💡 Let phyllo cool completely before filling to prevent sogginess
Add Toppings: Top with fig slices and nuts. Bake for 5 minutes.
💡 Add crumbled goat cheese for extra depth of flavor
Drizzle with Honey: Finish with remaining honey just before serving.
💡 Use a piping bag for precise honey drizzling
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough
Provides the signature crispy texture. Use frozen phyllo for convenience, but thaw completely before using.
Substitutions: Puff pastry (roll into thin rounds), store-bought phyllo cups
Brie Cheese
Adds rich, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet figs. Use any soft-ripened cheese like Camembert.
Substitutions: Goat cheese, mascarpone
Figs
Provide natural sweetness and a slightly chewy texture. Use dried figs if fresh are unavailable.
Substitutions: Dates, apricots, apples
Honey
Adds a delicate sweetness that enhances the cheese without overpowering it. Use local honey for unique flavor.
Substitutions: Maple syrup, agave nectar
Pro Tips for Perfect Phyllo Cups
🍯 Honey Glaze
Warm honey in a microwave for 10 seconds before drizzling—it will spread more evenly and won’t harden.
🍂 Fig Preparation
Cut figs into 1/4-inch slices for even distribution. Remove stems before slicing.
❄️ Make-Ahead
Assemble cups up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for perfect crispiness.
🍴 Presentation
Serve on a white platter with edible flowers like violas or pansies for a festive touch.
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Brie Version
Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the brie mixture for warm holiday flavors.
Cheese Board Platter
Arrange phyllo cups around a cheese board with wine, olives, and nuts for a complete appetizer spread.
Dairy-Free Option
Use vegan brie and omit honey (replace with maple syrup) for a plant-based version.
Fruit Swap
Try pears or apples in place of figs for a different sweet-savory balance.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Sparkling rosé or dessert wine for a festive pairing
- Mini quiches or savory tarts for a balanced appetizer spread
- Dark chocolate squares for a decadent dessert contrast
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a late harvest Riesling or Sauternes for the perfect sweet-savory harmony. For non-alcoholic options, try a spiced chai tea.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble phyllo cups up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. The filling will firm up, making them easier to handle before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezer Storage
Unbaked filled cups freeze well for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My phyllo cups are sticking to the baking sheet
A: Always use parchment paper or a silicone mat. Avoid greasing the sheet as this can make the phyllo soggy.
Q: How to prevent the brie from oozing out
A: Chill the filled cups in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to set the filling.
Q: Can I use pre-made phyllo cups?
A: Yes! These work well with store-bought phyllo cups—just fill and bake according to the recipe.
Q: What if my figs are too dry?
A: Soak dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes before slicing. This rehydrates them and prevents a leathery texture.
Final Thoughts
These Fig & Brie Phyllo Cups are a masterclass in elegant simplicity. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a five-star restaurant experience. They’re perfect for holiday entertaining, but don’t let the occasion limit them—these cups are equally at home as a sophisticated snack or a cheese board centerpiece.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor with the phyllo cups first, followed by complementary sides like roasted vegetables or a fruit salad, and finish with a dessert like spiced apple tarts. This strategy helps Pinterest users discover your content as part of a cohesive meal plan.
