Gruyere Bites: Cheesy, Crunchy, Crazy Good
These were new this year to our appetizer menu and they were the most talked about. This tastes far more impressive than the effort required. I believe Gruyere does that to everything it touches. These Gruyere Bites are light, crispy layers of phyllo wrapped around the infamous nutty Gruyere, and topped with toasted almonds, fresh chives, and a drizzle of honey.
We’re going to bake them straight from frozen, so they are also the Christmas miracle we’ll all need at some point this season. Add these to your Make-Ahead, Cook From Frozen Christmas appetizers line up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only a Handful of Ingredients – one quick stop at the grocery store
Perfect for cocktail parties – one bite wonders
Make-Ahead and Bake From Frozen
Is This Recipe for You
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Occasion: Holiday parties, Christmas entertaining, wine nights, cocktail parties, New Year’s Eve, girl’s nights.
What Do You Need
Fresh
- phyllo pastry
- Gruyere cheese
- butter
- chives
Pantry
- almonds
- honey
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Serves
6
Ingredients
- 1/2 package phyllo pastry, thawed
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, finely shredded
- 3/4 cup melted butter
- 3 Tbsp chopped chives
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted blanched almonds
- Honey for drizzling
Steps
1
Prepare the Phyllo Layers
Working quickly and keep the extra sheets of phyllo covered with a barely damp towel so they don’t dry out and crack.
Lay out 1 sheet of phyllo. Brush generously with melted butter. Add a second sheet on top. Sprinkle evenly with Gruyere cheese.
2
Roll and Slice
Roll the layered phyllo up tightly, like a jelly roll. Using a sharp knife cute into 12 equal rounds.
3
Freeze the Bites
Place the rounds cut side up on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 2-3 hours, until completely solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
4
Bake from Frozen
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a muffin tin. Add a drizzle of oil or butter to each muffin cup. Place on frozen round in each cup. Brush the top with either more oil or butter. Bake 20-25 minutes, checking at 15 minutes. The rolls should be deeply golden and crisp.
5
Garnish
As soon as they come out of the oven: Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with chopped almonds and a shower of fresh chives.
Tips and Tricks
I would double this recipe. You’re going to have to make them twice even if you do. They are the perfect bite.
Kee phyllo covered. Phyllo dries out quickly. Cover unused sheets with a barely damp towel so they stay supple.
Layer lightly. Too much cheese or butter will prevent the phyllo from crisping.
Toast the almonds first – Toasted almonds add deeper flavour.
Freeze before baking. They will bake best straight from frozen for maximum crunch.
FAQ
Can I use other cheeses? Gruyere is best for its nutty flavour and melt, but Emmental, Comte or a sharp aged cheddar also work.
Do I bake from frozen? Yes! Bake straight from the freezer for the crispiest result.
Ingredients
- 1/2 package phyllo pastry thawed
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese finely shredded
- 3/4 cup melted butter
- 3 Tbsp chopped chives
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted blanched almonds
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Phyllo Layers
- Working quickly and keep the extra sheets of phyllo covered with a barely damp towel so they don’t dry out and crack.
- Lay out 1 sheet of phyllo. Brush generously with melted butter. Add a second sheet on top. Sprinkle evenly with Gruyere cheese.
Roll and Slice
- Roll the layered phyllo up tightly, like a jelly roll. Using a sharp knife cute into 12 equal rounds.
Freeze the Bites
- Place the rounds cut side up on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 2-3 hours, until completely solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Bake from Frozen
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a muffin tin. Add a drizzle of oil or butter to each muffin cup. Place on frozen round in each cup. Brush the top with either more oil or butter. Bake 20-25 minutes, checking at 15 minutes. The rolls should be deeply golden and crisp.
Garnish
- As soon as they come out of the oven: Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with chopped almonds and a shower of fresh chives.
Nutrition
Join the Conversation
Will these make your holiday line up? Tag us and who us how you served them at your Christmas gathering.
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