Rustic Barnyard Phyllo Cheese (Printable Version)

Golden phyllo nests topped with rustic farmhouse cheeses and a drizzle of honey for a charming appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Phyllo Hay

01 - 7 oz shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
02 - 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 tsp olive oil
04 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Cheeses

05 - 7 oz farmhouse cheddar, cut into rustic hunks
06 - 5.3 oz aged gouda, cut into rustic hunks
07 - 5.3 oz tomme de Savoie or other semi-soft farmhouse cheese, cut into rustic hunks

→ Garnishes (optional)

08 - Fresh thyme sprigs
09 - Honey for drizzling
10 - Cracked black pepper

# How-to Steps:

01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).
02 - Gently separate shredded phyllo dough and place in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with melted butter, olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
03 - Shape small piles approximately 2–2.5 inches wide on parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing lightly to maintain shape.
04 - Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until nests turn golden and crisp. Remove and cool to room temperature.
05 - Place phyllo nests on a serving platter and top each with a rustic hunk of farmhouse cheeses.
06 - Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, drizzle honey lightly, and finish with cracked black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These feel fancy enough for a dinner party but take less time than most people spend deciding what to wear.
  • The contrast of crispy phyllo against creamy, tangy cheese is genuinely addictive.
  • You can prep and bake the nests hours ahead, leaving only the assembly for the last minute.
02 -
  • Phyllo dries out quickly, so only remove it from the package right before you're ready to coat and form the nests.
  • Don't skip the cooling step—the nests continue to crisp as they cool, and they'll shatter beautifully when you bite into them.
  • If your nests start to spread or lose shape during baking, they've had enough time; pull them out even if they're not as dark as you'd like.
03 -
  • You can bake the phyllo nests up to 4 hours ahead; store them in an airtight container and they'll stay crisp until serving time.
  • If you want a savory twist, sprinkle the phyllo with a pinch of herbes de Provence before baking for an earthy, herbaceous note.
  • For a different flavor direction, try brushing the phyllo with a touch of truffle oil instead of plain olive oil—it transforms the whole vibe.
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