Phyllo Brie Bites Pastry with Blackberry Compote and Pecans (Recipe)

These phyllo brie bites are for my friend, who married a very bad guy. Okay, so I have a lot of friends who married bad guys. But this dude is very bad. We’re fairly positive that he targeted and then conned her solely because she made more money than him. The worst part is that their child is stuck with an equally bad court system, which favors joint custody even over what really best for the child. My inspiration for them was Halle Berry, who recently had a victory in child support court!

Why I Love These Phyllo Pastry Brie Bites with Blackberry Compote and Pecans

Anyway, Halle Berry. My friend and I can live vicariously through her court win. She has joint physical custody, but she had to pay $16,000 per month to baby daddy #1. That was an even worse con job that my what my friend has to deal with.

Not all celebrities, of course, win custody. I’ll never understand why they get married. Or not have air-tight prenups/custody pre-agreements. But they do, and we love to watch their real-life drama.

I think conning people to marry you so you live a comfy lifestyle after divorce … it’s a real thing. Just look at Kevin Federline. I mean seriously. He could have loved Britney … idk. Maaaaaaybe. Despite this statement, I don’t hate the child support system. I just think it’s ridiculous how much people have to pay.

In solidarity for Halle (I so love Halle), I whipped up this quick little appeteaser. I love brie, too, btw. So anything with brie … is Halle good. (You see what I did there?) And yes, I used berries for Berry. You can substitute any kind you’d like.

I’m also in love with phyllo dough, even though it is kind of difficult to work with if you aren’t used to it. The sheets have a habit of breaking apart if not defrosted properly to room temperature.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Chopping board
• Knife
• Toaster or oven (for toasting pecans)
• Oven
• Muffin tin
• Cooking spray (preferably olive oil spray)
• Saucepan (for compote)

Main Ingredients For These Phyllo Brie Bites

In this recipe, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors.

• The star, brie cheese, with its creamy texture and rich taste, forms the heart of these bites. Brie’s versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with sweet and savory elements alike. For those avoiding dairy, consider almond or cashew-based vegan cheese alternatives.
• Phyllo pastry, the delicate wrapper, adds a crispy, flaky texture. Gluten-free options are available for those with dietary restrictions.
• The blackberry compote, with its tangy and sweet notes, complements the brie’s richness. If blackberries aren’t your jam, feel free to substitute with raspberries or blueberries.
• Finally, pecans bring a nutty crunch, but walnuts or almonds can be used for variation.

Tips and Tricks

1. When working with phyllo pastry, keep the sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
2. For a more intense flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the bites.
3. If using a vegan cheese, ensure it’s one that melts well to mimic the gooeyness of brie.
4. The compote can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator to save time.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the fillings – adding a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of brown sugar can create new flavor profiles.

Pairing Suggestions

These brie bites pair wonderfully with a range of beverages. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy brie and fruity compote.

For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling apple cider or a cold glass of elderflower cordial are delightful choices.

If you’re looking to create a more substantial spread, these bites go well with a fresh arugula salad or a charcuterie board featuring an assortment of meats and cheeses.

Storage and Freshness Tips

To keep these brie bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They are best enjoyed warm, so reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Unfortunately, these bites don’t freeze well due to the delicate nature of the phyllo pastry and the moisture content in the brie and compote.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo? Using puff pastry is a viable alternative to phyllo dough, though it results in a texture that is more doughy and less flaky. Despite the difference in texture, puff pastry still yields a delicious outcome.
2. How do I prevent the phyllo pastry from tearing? To avoid tearing phyllo pastry, it’s important to handle the dough gently and keep it covered with a damp cloth when not actively using it. Mastering the use of phyllo dough requires some patience and practice.
3. Is it necessary to remove the rind from the brie? Removing the rind from brie cheese is not necessary as it is edible and contributes a nice earthy flavor to the dish. However, if the texture or taste of the rind is not to your liking, you may choose to remove it.
4. Can the compote be made with frozen berries? Yes, creating the compote with frozen berries is possible. Make sure the berries are thoroughly thawed and any excess liquid is drained off to ensure the best texture and concentration of flavors.
5. Are there any nut-free alternatives to pecans? For a nut-free alternative, consider using pumpkin seeds to add a crunchy texture to the bites. If preferred, you can also choose to omit the pecans entirely from the recipe.
6. Can these bites be made vegan? To make these bites vegan-friendly, opt for vegan cheese and ensure that the phyllo pastry you use does not contain any animal products.
7. How long does the compote last in the fridge? The compote can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, provided it is kept in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
8. Can I add sugar to the phyllo pastry layers? Adding a sprinkle of sugar between the phyllo pastry layers is an excellent way to introduce a subtle sweetness to the bites. Powdered sugar is recommended for a finer texture and even distribution.
9. What’s the best way to reheat the bites? To restore the crispiness of the bites, reheating them in an oven at 350°F is effective. Alternatively, microwaving them for short 10-second bursts can also reheat the bites adequately. When microwaving, cover them with a slightly damp towel to prevent drying out.
10. Can I prepare these bites in advance? Yes, the bites can be assembled up to one day in advance and baked just before serving. To ensure the best taste and texture, add the compote immediately before serving rather than in advance.

Photos

 

The Final: Phyllo Pastry Brie Bites with Blackberry Compote and Pecans