• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Grits and Pinecones
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites in Phyllo Cups

    Date: Dec 1, 2019 · Updated: Nov 5, 2021 Author: Sharon Rigsby

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin, Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites on a plate.

    Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are a show-stopping, Southern appetizer baked in crispy phyllo cups that are perfect for all of your entertaining needs. I guarantee that these decadent, make-ahead bourbon appetizers will be devoured in minutes, so be sure to make plenty. 

    A close-uo shot of a bourbon pecan brie bite in a phyllo cup.

    These five-ingredient baked-brie bites pack a lot of flavor and texture into every bite, and you’ll be happy to know they’re incredibly quick and easy to make!

    Whether you make them for the Super Bowl, Christmas holidays, or a special occasion, no one will be able to resist the flaky phyllo cups full of creamy brie cheese and topped with roasted pecans, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon. Simple and delicious, Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are just what a Southern appetizer should be!

    Here’s what’s in them:

    Ingredients to make brie bites including bourbon, phyllo shells, and brie cheese.

    • Phyllo cups: sometimes spelled “Filo” cups, these prebaked, store-bought crispy shells are versatile and can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients to make perfect appetizers or desserts. 
    • Brie: a soft, creamy, buttery cheese that melts beautifully and provides a great foundation for the brown sugar, pecans, and bourbon mixture. 
    • Roasted pecans: grown in the South, sweet buttery pecans add a delicious crunch and are an essential ingredient for this bourbon appetizer.
    • Brown sugar: combines with the pecans and bourbon to make a simple topping for this delicious make-ahead Southern appetizer.  
    • Bourbon: made from corn and mostly distilled and bottled in the South, bourbon’s deep sweet flavor pairs particularly well with the pecans, brown sugar, and brie. 
    • Butter: adds a sweet creamy taste and brings everything together. 

    How to make this recipe:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Carefully cut the rind from the brie and discard it. Then, cut the cheese into cubes about ½ inch square.A wheel of brie cheese cut into cubes.
    3. Add all ingredients but the cheese and phyllo shells to a small bowl and stir to combine.Bourbon, butter, pecans and brown sugar in a bowl.
    4. Place a cube of brie into each phyllo shell. Cubes of brie cheese in phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
    5. Top each shell with ½ teaspoon of the bourbon pecan mixture.Phyllo shells on a baking sheet full of brie cheese and topped with sugar and pecans.
    6. Place the full shells on a small baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.Bourbon pecan brie bites on a white serving tray.
    7. Remove from the oven and serve warm or at room temperature.

    Bourbon pecan brie bites on a serving dish.

    Sharon’s Expert Tips:

    The rind on brie is edible and can either be left on or cut off. It does not melt quite as well as the brie, but it does have a sweet, mild taste, and it’s really your preference. Leaving it on does save a step in making these brie cheese bites.

    To roast the pecans, place the chopped pecans on a microwaveable saucer and microwave for 5-6 minutes. Or, place on a baking sheet and roast in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes.

    I would make twice as many of these baked brie bites as you think you will need. They will go fast!

    To make ahead, follow the directions but do not bake. Place the filled phyllo shells back in the plastic tray they came in and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place the tray back in the box and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Allow the brie bites to thaw for about 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed.

    When you look for the shells at the grocery store, you might notice two spellings for the phyllo shells. Some brands call their shells phyllo and some filo. They are the same thing.

    Variations: pepper jelly, fig preserves, cranberry sauce, or even your favorite jam or preserves can be substituted for the bourbon pecan topping.

    More southern appetizer recipes:

    Speaking of holiday appetizers, here are some of my favorite party food recipes that would be great for a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party too!

    • Three-Ingredient Cranberry Brie Bites
    • Classic Jezebel Sauce and Cream Cheese
    • The Ultimate Blue Cheese Spread with Pecans
    • Quick and Easy Hanky Panky Recipe
    • Havarti and Sun-Dried Tomato Cheesecake
    • Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls
    • Hot and Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip
    • Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers
    • Spinach and Goat Cheese Tartlets
    • Easy Make-Ahead Caprese Skewers

    Can you tell I love appetizers? If you need more inspiration or menu ideas, check out all of my appetizer recipes here.

    ★ If you make Bourbon Pecan Bites, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

    📋 Recipe:

    Close up shot of a bourbon pecan brie bite appetizer.

    Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are a show-stopping, Southern appetizer baked in crispy phyllo cups that are perfect for all of your entertaining needs. I guarantee that these decadent, make-ahead bourbon appetizers will be devoured in minutes, so be sure to make plenty. 
    4.89 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 15 Bites
    Calories 79 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
    • 1 tablespoon bourbon
    • ¼ cup roasted chopped pecans
    • 8 ounces round of brie
    • 1.9 ounces pkg frozen mini fully baked phyllo shells 15 shells

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Add all ingredients but the brie and phyllo shells to a small bowl and stir to combine.
    • Carefully remove the rind from the brie and discard the rind. Then, cut the brie into cubes about ¼ inch square.
    • Place a cube of brie into each phyllo shell and top with ½ teaspoon of the bourbon pecan mixture.
    • Place the full shells on a small baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until the brie has melted and is bubbly.
    • Remove from the oven and serve warm or at room temperature.

    Notes

    Sharon’s Expert Tips:
    To roast your pecans, place the chopped pecans on a microwaveable saucer and microwave for 5-6 minutes, or place on a baking sheet and roast in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes.
    I would make twice as many of these tasty appetizers as you think you will need because they will go fast.
    To make ahead, place the filled phyllo shells back in the tray they came in and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place the tray back in the box and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Allow the bites to thaw for about 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed.
    When you look for the shells at the grocery store, you might notice two spellings for the phyllo shells. Some brands call their shells phyllo and some filo. They are the same thing.
    Pepper jelly, fig preserves, cranberry sauce, or even your favorite jam or preserves can be substituted for the bourbon pecan topping.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 56mgPotassium: 23mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 91IUCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

     

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Baked chicken tacos in a baking dish topped with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos.
      Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
    • Baked ricotta dip in a white square baking dish topped with fresh chopped parsley.
      Easy Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip Recipe with Tomatoes
    • Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is covered with meats, cheeses, and nuts.
      Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board (How to Make)
    • Bacon wrapped shrimp on a white plate with carrots and celery.
      Best Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe with Brown Sugar

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Ginnee Berg

      November 17, 2023 at 4:51 pm

      5 stars
      These are truly tasty. Made then and took them to an app party and they were the most popular item!

      Reply
    2. Jeanna

      October 10, 2023 at 12:02 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! Always a big hit at parties. Never any left to bring home!!

      Reply
    3. Betty A. Cothran

      July 19, 2023 at 8:34 am

      Can these be assembled a day before and kept covered in the fridge, then baked right before serving? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        July 19, 2023 at 9:00 am

        Hey Betty, I usually assemble them, put them back in the phyllo package and store them in the freezer till I’m ready to bake them.
        I hope you enjoy them!
        Sharon

        Reply
    4. Lenora

      May 16, 2023 at 3:48 pm

      3 stars
      Just to be sure…I do I cook the brown sugar and butter before I put stir it up with the pecans and bourbon? Or it the only cooking happening when the bites go in the oven?

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        May 16, 2023 at 4:17 pm

        Hi Lenora, you only bake the brie bites once they are completely assembled. You do not cook the brown sugar and butter mixture; just mix it together.
        I hope you enjoy them!
        Sharon

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

    "Tis the season for delicious Christmas recipes:

    • A collage of six different christmas appetizers including cranberry brie bites.
      47 Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers 2023
    • Beef tenderloin, green beans and cranberry cake.
      30+ Easy And Elegant Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas and Recipes
    • Five Christmas desserts including a cranberry cheesecake, gingerbread cookies and a gingerbread cake.
      38 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes 2023
    • A collage of six Christmas breakfast dishes including eggs benedict casserole and ambrosia.
      30 Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfasts 2023
    • 31 Easy Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts
      31 Easy Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts
    • Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is covered with meats, cheeses, and nuts.
      Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board (How to Make)

    More Thanksgiving recipes:

    New Year: Recipes for good food and good times:

    • A collage of black-eyed pea dishes, collards and cornbread.
      10+ Traditional Good Luck Recipes for the New Year
    • A large bowl of cooked black-eyed peas topped with parsley.
      Southern Black-Eyed Peas
    • Black-Eyed Pea soup in a white bowl.
      Black-Eyed Pea Soup – Southern Style
    • Cooked Southern Collard Greens in two bowls.
      Southern Collard Greens Recipe
    • Southern Hoppin' John in a bowl with corn muffins in a basket in the background.
      Black-Eyed Peas and Rice (Hoppin’ John)
    • Four Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktails on a silver tray.
      Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail

    More New Year's recipes:

    Featured in Parade, The Today Show, Better Homes & Gardens, Greatist, and more.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Disclosures

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 Grits and Pinecones®

    • 700Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Yummly
    • Email
    98126 shares