I absolutely love sharing simple yet impressive appetizers, and these 3 Ingredient Phyllo Cups with Brie and Apple Jalapeno Jelly have quickly become one of my favorites. They’re perfect for holiday parties or any get-together when you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combo of creamy Brie, flaky phyllo, and a kick from the jalapeno jelly just hits all the right notes.
You’ll find that this recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile – you can swap out the jelly flavor to suit your taste or occasion. I remember the first time I served these; they disappeared faster than I could say “second round,” and it made me realize simplicity can truly be delicious and crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Just three simple ingredients come together for a flavorful bite.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 10 minutes – perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and spicy combo always has my guests asking for the recipe.
- Easy Customization: Swap the jelly or cheese for your favorites and make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to bring balance and flavor with minimal fuss. When shopping, I recommend picking high-quality Brie and your favorite pepper jelly to really elevate the dish.
- Phyllo shells: These flaky, pre-made cups save tons of time and add a wonderful texture that contrasts the creamy Brie.
- Brie cheese: Soft, slightly tangy, and melts beautifully, making the filling rich and luxurious.
- Apple Jalapeno Jelly: The sweetness paired with a gentle heat gives the appetizer a delightful kick; you can also try other pepper jellies if you prefer.
Variations
I love encouraging you to make this recipe your own. Play around with the jelly flavors or cheeses based on what you love or have on hand. It’s amazing how a small tweak can make it feel brand new.
- Swap the Jelly: I once tried raspberry chipotle jelly for a smoky twist – it was a hit at my summer barbecue.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re short on Brie, cream cheese with herbs or goat cheese works beautifully too, adding a tangy note.
- Add Fresh Toppings: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or fresh herbs like thyme adds a lovely texture and freshness.
How to Make The Best Zucchini Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Arrange Phyllo Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, arrange your phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I like to use parchment because it helps keep the bottoms nice and crisp without any burnt spots.
Step 2: Slice and Fill with Brie
Next, slice your Brie into small pieces that fit perfectly inside each phyllo cup. Don’t worry about perfection here, just enough to fill it generously. I always find that cutting the Brie into bite-size chunks ensures a creamy melt without overwhelming the cup.
Step 3: Top with Jelly and Bake
Now, spoon about a teaspoon of apple jalapeño jelly over each piece of Brie. You’ll want a good dollop that melts into the cheese, balancing out the richness with that sweet-spicy zing. Pop them in the oven for around 7 minutes – just long enough for the cheese to melt and the jelly to soften but not so long as to brown the shells.
Pro Tips for Making The Best Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Brie: It melts more evenly and smoothly when it’s not straight from the fridge.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much jelly can make the phyllo soggy, so a teaspoon per cup is just right.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye after 6 minutes to prevent burning the delicate shells.
- Serve Warm: These taste best fresh out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the jelly is glossy.
How to Serve The Best Zucchini Bread Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve these, I sometimes add a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or a few crushed toasted pecans on top – it gives an extra layer of aroma and crunch without taking away from the stars: the Brie and jelly.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple charcuterie board to round out a light gathering. At holiday parties, I love setting these alongside olives, nuts, and sliced cured meats for a colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve these phyllo cups on a slate platter with edible flowers or pomegranate seeds scattered around for a festive touch. I’ve even used mini cupcake liners in a muffin tin to keep them upright and stable for easy passing around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They won’t be quite as crisp, so I recommend reheating to revive the texture.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze these because the phyllo can lose its crispness, but if you do, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a single layer – thaw and reheat gently to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it tends to make phyllo chewy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
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Can I make these phyllo cups ahead of time?
You can assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add the jelly right before baking to prevent sogginess.
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What other cheeses can I use instead of Brie?
Cream cheese, goat cheese, or even camembert work well. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
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Is there a vegetarian or vegan alternative?
For a vegan version, look for plant-based cheese alternatives and a jelly that doesn’t contain animal products. The phyllo shells are usually vegetarian-friendly but check the packaging.
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How spicy is the apple jalapeno jelly?
It has a mild to moderate heat which adds a nice kick without overwhelming the sweet and creamy flavors. You can adjust by using less jelly or opting for a milder jelly if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I keep coming back to this recipe because it delivers big flavor with very little effort—something we all appreciate, especially around the holidays or busy weekends hosting friends. If you want a fuss-free, elegant appetizer that people will rave about, these 3 Ingredient Phyllo Cups with Brie and Apple Jalapeno Jelly are absolutely worth trying. I hope you love making and sharing them as much as I do!
Print
The Best Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 phyllo cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 3 Ingredient Phyllo Cups with Brie and Apple Jalapeno Jelly are an easy and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Crispy phyllo shells filled with creamy Brie cheese and topped with sweet, spicy apple jalapeno jelly create a delightful combination of flavors and textures in just minutes.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 1.9 oz box of phyllo shells
Filling
- 8 oz Brie cheese
- 12.5 oz apple jalapeno jelly (use about 1/4 of the jar)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent the phyllo cups from sticking during baking.
- Prepare Phyllo Cups: Arrange the phyllo shells evenly on the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other for even baking.
- Add Brie Cheese: Slice the Brie cheese into small pieces that fit inside the phyllo cups. Place one piece of Brie inside each phyllo shell.
- Add Jelly Topping: Spoon a small amount of apple jalapeno jelly on top of the Brie in each cup, about a teaspoon or according to taste.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake the phyllo cups for approximately 7 minutes, or until the cheese has softened and started to melt, and the phyllo shells are crispy.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute apple jalapeno jelly with other pepper jelly flavors for variation.
- Use good quality Brie cheese for best flavor and melting consistency.
- Ensure phyllo cups are placed on parchment paper to avoid sticking and ease cleanup.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture experience.
- These make great finger foods for parties and holiday celebrations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 phyllo cups
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
