Although I’ve solved the first issue via a baggy sweater dress and am thinking slipping away for a snooze in my car might manage the second, I have yet to develop a strategy to resist these fig goat cheese appetizer bites (or these Brie Bites). Delicate phyllo dough filled with creamy whipped goat cheese, red wine-poached figs, and crunchy bacon, this simple but impressive appetizer recipe is guaranteed to disappear from your holiday table.
Although the flavors are complex, the preparation is easy, thanks to a key ingredient: frozen mini phyllo shells.The mini phyllo shells are fully baked before they are frozen, so all you need to do is remove them from your freezer, wait 10 minutes, then fill them as your heart desires. They are lightly crispy, delightfully flakey, and perfect for an array of both sweet and savory fillings (see these Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Bites).
How to Make Fig Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites
For today’s holiday appetizer recipe, I chose the trio of sweet figs, salty bacon, and tangy goat cheese (tomorrow: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms). Their flavors balance one another beautifully, and because I tend to enjoy these three ingredients even more with a glass of red wine, I decided to involve that in the recipe too. (A decision I also made for these Red Wine Truffles.)
The Ingredients
Phyllo Shells. My go-to ingredient whenever I want to prepare an impressive appetizer but am short on time. They’re crisp, flaky, and (most importantly) no fuss!Dried Figs. I opted for dried figs, which are much easier to find than fresh. (Readers have also suggested using dried cranberries which sounds just as divine as these Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites). Red Wine. Rehydrates the figs to keep the figs from being overly chewy—making them plump, succulent, and infused with amazing wine flavor.Honey. For a little added sweetness.Goat Cheese. For a little creamy tang (as in these Goat Cheese Balls).Bacon. Balances the sweet figs with its meaty, salty flavor (also recommended for these Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts).Thyme. For a final flourish of woodsy herb taste and aroma.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. These phyllo appetizer bites are best enjoyed within a few hours of filling and serving. You may store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 hours otherwise the phyllo risks becoming soggy.To Make-Ahead. If you want to prep these further in advance, I recommend preparing the filling ingredients and storing them in separate containers until ready to bake the shells and assemble.
Recommended Tools
Disposable Piping Bag. Fitted with a large tip, will make filling the shells a breeze.Baking Sheets. These are the best-ever all-purpose baking sheets.Cooling Rack. This oven-safe cooling rack is a staple in my kitchen.
Wishing you roomy pants, a successful sneak-nap, and as many fig appetizer bites with goat cheese as you dare to finish!
More Delicious Party Appetizers
Ham and Cheese PinwheelsPesto PinwheelsCream Cheese BallCrab Artichoke ToastsCurried Deviled Eggs
