When it comes to entertaining, I’m always on the hunt for appetizers that feel fancy but require minimal effort. If you’re anything like me, you want something that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and doesn’t require spending hours in the kitchen. Enter Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites—the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and buttery flavors, all packed into a delightful bite-sized treat.
These little beauties come together in just 15 minutes, making them the ultimate party appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a dinner party, or just indulging in a night of wine and cheese, these phyllo cup brie bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, and they bake up beautifully in no time.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Effortless elegance – They look and taste gourmet but require minimal prep.
- Quick to make – 15 minutes from start to finish!
- The perfect balance of flavors – Buttery phyllo, creamy brie, nutty pecans, and a hint of bourbon caramelization.
- Great for any occasion – From casual gatherings to fancy cocktail parties.
If you love recipes that bring big flavors with little effort, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making these delicious Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Before we start, let’s gather everything you need:
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar – Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Helps create a rich, gooey bourbon pecan topping.
- 1 tbsp bourbon – Brings warmth and enhances the pecan flavor.
- ¼ cup roasted, chopped pecans – Gives the perfect crunch and nutty contrast.
- 8 oz round of brie cheese – Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully in the phyllo shells.
- 1.9 oz package of frozen mini phyllo shells (about 15 shells) – Pre-baked and ready to use, they add a buttery, crisp texture.
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows it to reach the right temperature while you prepare everything else. Since these bites cook quickly, we want an even, moderate heat to melt the brie and caramelize the topping without burning the phyllo.
STEP 2: MAKE THE BOURBON PECAN MIXTURE
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, and chopped pecans. Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture is what gives these brie bites their signature rich, caramelized, and slightly boozy flavor.
Pro Tip: If you want an alcohol-free version, simply swap the bourbon for vanilla extract or maple syrup. Both will still give you a warm, sweet depth of flavor!
STEP 3: PREP THE BRIE
Brie is known for its soft, creamy texture and mild flavor, but it also has a rind that some people prefer to remove. While the rind is completely edible, in this recipe, we’re going for pure creaminess, so it’s best to trim it off.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice off the top and sides of the rind.
- Cut the brie into ¼-inch cubes, one for each phyllo shell.
Shortcut: If you don’t mind the rind, you can leave it on—it melts down just fine in the oven!
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE BRIE BITES
Now, it’s time to put it all together!
- Place the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
- Drop one cube of brie into each shell.
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the bourbon pecan mixture on top of each brie cube.
The combination of the creamy cheese and sweet, buttery pecan topping is what makes these bites irresistible.
Pro Tip: If you want an extra crunch, sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking. It enhances all the flavors!
BOURBON PECAN BRIE BITES: EASY, ELEGANT, AND TOTALLY IRRESISTIBLE
Now that we’ve prepped our buttery phyllo shells, carefully cut our creamy brie, and mixed up that sweet and nutty bourbon pecan topping, it’s time to bring everything together and bake these beauties to perfection.
This next part is where the magic happens—the brie melts into a luscious, gooey center while the bourbon-infused pecan topping caramelizes beautifully. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible!
Let’s jump into the final steps of this simple yet elegant appetizer.
STEP 5: BAKE THE BRIE BITES
With your phyllo shells filled and assembled, it’s time to bake.
- Place the baking sheet with the filled phyllo shells into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the brie has melted and is slightly bubbly. The topping should look glossy and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on them while baking—phyllo dough is very delicate and can brown quickly. If your oven runs hot, start checking around the 8-minute mark to prevent over-baking.
STEP 6: SERVE & ENJOY!
These Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are best served warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. That means they’re great for entertaining because you don’t have to stress about keeping them piping hot.
Arrange them on a serving platter and watch them disappear within minutes! The combination of crunchy phyllo, creamy melted brie, and sweet pecan topping is absolutely addictive.
Want to take them to the next level? Pair them with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor contrast.
TIPS FOR THE PERFECT BOURBON PECAN BRIE BITES
1. USE HIGH-QUALITY BRIE
Since brie is the main ingredient, choosing a good-quality cheese makes a big difference. Look for a creamy, mild brie that melts well.
If you love a stronger cheese flavor, you can use double-cream brie or even experiment with Camembert for a more intense, earthy taste.
2. TOAST YOUR PECANS FOR MORE FLAVOR
Toasting the pecans before mixing them into the bourbon-butter mixture enhances their natural rich, nutty flavor.
To toast pecans:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pecans and stir them for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove immediately to avoid burning.
3. MAKE THEM AHEAD OF TIME
Need to prep ahead? You can assemble the bites a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Then, simply bake them right before serving for fresh, melty goodness.
If you want to prepare even further ahead, you can also freeze the assembled bites (before baking) and bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
4. EXPERIMENT WITH FLAVOR VARIATIONS
While this recipe is already incredible as is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and make it your own.
Here are some fun variations to try:
- Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites: Add a small dollop of cranberry sauce before topping with the pecan mixture for a festive twist.
- Fig & Walnut Brie Bites: Swap pecans for walnuts and replace bourbon with fig preserves for a sweet and earthy combo.
- Apple Cinnamon Brie Bites: Add a tiny slice of caramelized apple along with the pecan topping for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Spicy Maple Brie Bites: Replace bourbon with maple syrup and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BOURBON PECAN BRIE BITES
These bite-sized delights make an excellent appetizer on their own, but if you’re planning a spread, here are some great pairings:
- Charcuterie Board: Serve alongside cured meats, fresh fruits, and crackers for a balanced appetizer platter.
- Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The crisp bubbles cut through the richness of the brie and balance the sweetness of the pecan topping.
- Classic Cocktails: Since these bites feature bourbon, they pair wonderfully with an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
- Seasonal Salads: A fresh arugula or pear salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great contrast to the richness of the brie.
BOURBON PECAN BRIE BITES: FINAL TIPS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
By now, you’re probably already dreaming about biting into these crispy, buttery phyllo cups filled with gooey melted brie and sweet bourbon pecan topping. They’re truly the perfect appetizer, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just indulging in a little personal treat.
Before we wrap up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to ensure you get perfect results every time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. CAN I MAKE THESE AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes! If you want to prep ahead, you have two great options:
- Assemble and refrigerate: Prepare the phyllo cups with the brie and pecan mixture, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze unbaked bites: Assemble the bites, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
2. WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF BOURBON?
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute:
- Vanilla extract – Adds a sweet, warm depth of flavor.
- Maple syrup – Enhances the nutty sweetness with a cozy fall twist.
- Apple cider – Provides a mild tart-sweet balance to the pecans.
3. CAN I USE PUFF PASTRY INSTEAD OF PHYLLO SHELLS?
Absolutely! If you can’t find phyllo shells, puff pastry is a great alternative.
- Cut puff pastry into small squares, press them into a mini muffin tin, and follow the same filling instructions.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
4. CAN I SERVE THESE COLD?
While these bites taste best when warm and melty, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. If serving later, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh the texture.
5. WHAT OTHER CHEESES CAN I USE?
Brie is the best option for this recipe, but if you want to experiment, here are some alternatives:
- Camembert – Similar to brie but with a stronger, earthier flavor.
- Goat cheese – Adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pecans.
- Cream cheese – A milder, more budget-friendly option.
6. HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVER BRIE BITES?
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispness of the phyllo shells.
7. CAN I USE RAW PECANS?
Yes, but toasting them first enhances their nutty flavor and makes a noticeable difference. If using raw pecans, simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before mixing them with the bourbon-sugar mixture.
FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY YOU NEED TO TRY THIS RECIPE
Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are truly one of those appetizers that look fancy but are so simple to make. Whether you’re preparing them for a special event or just treating yourself to a gourmet snack, they deliver big flavor in a tiny package.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS EVERY TIME
✅ Minimal prep – Just mix, assemble, and bake.
✅ Rich, balanced flavors – Creamy brie, nutty pecans, and caramelized sweetness.
✅ Perfect party food – Easy to eat, no utensils needed.
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Assemble ahead and bake fresh when needed.
Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites in Phyllo Cups
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
These Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are an elegant, bite-sized appetizer that combines buttery phyllo cups, creamy brie, and a sweet bourbon pecan topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or as a simple indulgent snack, they come together in just 15 minutes and are always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- ¼ cup roasted, chopped pecans
- 8 oz round of brie cheese
- 1.9 oz package of frozen mini fully baked phyllo shells (about 15 shells)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Prepare the Bourbon Pecan Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, and chopped pecans. Stir until well combined.
3️⃣ Prep the Brie:
Carefully remove the rind from the brie and discard it.
Cut the brie into ¼-inch cubes (one for each phyllo shell).
4️⃣ Assemble the Brie Bites:
Place a cube of brie into each phyllo shell.
Top each with ½ teaspoon of the bourbon pecan mixture.
5️⃣ Bake:
Arrange the filled phyllo shells on a small baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the brie has melted and is bubbly.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
✔ Bourbon Substitute: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, swap bourbon for maple syrup for a delicious twist.
✔ Make Ahead: Assemble the bites a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
✔ Extra Flavor: Add a tiny drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving for an extra gourmet touch.
✔ Phyllo Alternative: If you can’t find mini phyllo cups, use crescent dough or puff pastry cut into small squares and bake in a mini muffin tin.
✔ Nut-Free Version: Replace pecans with crushed pretzels or sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15 bites
