Description
This Apple Brie Phyllo Galette with Honey & Thyme is an elegant yet rustic dish combining the crispiness of layered phyllo dough with creamy brie and sweet-tart apples. Enhanced with fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey, it serves as a perfect appetizer or a sophisticated cheese course dessert, balancing buttery, savory, and sweet flavors with a delicate flaky texture.
Ingredients
Butter and Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) salted butter*
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Phyllo Base
- 8 ounces (227g) phyllo dough, thawed (about 10 sheets of 14×18-inch)
Cheese and Fruit Filling
- 8–12 ounces (227–340g) brie cheese*
- 4 small apples (preferably Honeycrisp)
- 2 Tablespoons light or dark brown sugar
Garnishes
- Honey, for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Melt Butter with Thyme: In a small skillet or saucepan, melt the salted butter over low to medium heat. Stir in fresh thyme leaves to infuse the butter with herbaceous flavor. Pour this melted thyme butter into a heatproof bowl for brushing later.
- Prepare Phyllo Dough Layer: Lightly brush the prepared baking sheet with some of the thyme butter to help the phyllo stick. Unroll the phyllo dough sheets on a clean, dry surface. Carefully remove the first sheet and immediately cover the remaining sheets with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Layer and Butter Phyllo Sheets: Place one sheet of phyllo onto the buttered baking sheet and brush lightly with thyme butter. Place the second sheet on top, rotating it about 10 degrees for a layered visual effect, and brush with butter again. Repeat layering and buttering with all 10 sheets of phyllo dough, covering edges with damp towels as you work to prevent drying and tearing.
- Add Brie Cheese: Spread the brie evenly over the layered phyllo, leaving about a 4-inch border along the edges. If the brie is too firm to spread, dot the surface with small slices or chunks instead.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Core and thinly slice the apples evenly. Toss the apple slices in a medium bowl with the brown sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Arrange Apples on Brie: Carefully layer the sugared apple slices on top of the brie, slightly overlapping for an even distribution.
- Fold Phyllo Edges: Remove the damp towels and delicately fold the edges of the phyllo dough inward to create a rustic crust around the apples, overlapping where necessary. Brush the exposed edges generously with remaining thyme butter for golden crispness.
- Bake the Galette: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the phyllo crust turns a golden brown and is crisp to the touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the galette from the oven and immediately drizzle honey over the top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh thyme leaves if desired. Slice the galette and serve warm for the best flavor.
- Store Leftovers: Cover any leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the galette in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Notes
- When working with phyllo dough, always keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
- If your brie cheese has a thick rind, you can trim some off for easier spreading.
- Honey drizzle adds a nice contrast between the savory brie and sweet apples but can be adjusted or omitted to taste.
- Use firm apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and tartness balance.
- Leftovers can be reheated for optimal texture; avoid microwave reheating as it can make phyllo soggy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American