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Layered Phyllo Pastry with Brie, Cranberry Sauce, and Pecans

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Layered Phyllo Pastry with Brie, Cranberry Sauce, and Pecans: A Holiday Delight

Looking for the perfect appetizer or festive treat that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more? This Layered Phyllo Pastry with Brie, Cranberry Sauce, and Pecans combines the crispy crunch of phyllo pastry with the creamy richness of Brie cheese, the sweet tartness of cranberry sauce, and the delightful crunch of roasted pecans. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, parties, or a cozy dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. Crispy and Flaky: Phyllo dough gives this dish a crispy, flaky texture that’s light and delicious with every bite.
  2. Savory-Sweet Balance: The creamy Brie cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, while the pecans add an irresistible crunch.
  3. Easy to Prepare: Though it may look impressive, this layered phyllo pastry is surprisingly simple to make and doesn’t require complicated techniques.
  4. Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a unique dessert. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package phyllo dough (about 10 sheets, thawed)
  • 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes or slices
  • 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (preferably homemade or a high-quality store-bought version)
  • 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (toasted for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional, for a savory touch)
  • Honey (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow the pastry to bake perfectly, giving it a golden and crispy texture.

2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:

Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface. Brush the entire sheet lightly with the melted butter using a pastry brush. Be sure to cover the dough evenly to ensure a crispy, golden crust. Layer another sheet of phyllo dough on top and repeat the buttering process. Repeat with about 6 sheets of phyllo dough to form a thick, buttery base.

3. Assemble the Layers:

Once you’ve stacked your phyllo dough, it’s time to assemble the filling. Start by placing an even layer of Brie cheese on top of the phyllo. Make sure to distribute it evenly across the entire surface so that every bite has that creamy goodness.

4. Add Cranberry Sauce:

Spoon cranberry sauce over the Brie cheese. You don’t need to cover the entire surface, but add enough to create a lovely sweet contrast to the creamy cheese.

5. Add Pecans and Optional Rosemary:

Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the cranberry sauce. This adds a delicious crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. For an extra pop of flavor, you can also sprinkle the fresh rosemary (if using) on top of the pecans.

6. Cover with Phyllo and Bake:

Top the layered filling with the remaining phyllo dough, following the same process of buttering each sheet as you did in the beginning. Fold the edges of the dough slightly to create a sealed pocket around the filling, then brush the