Rustic phyllo cheese nests (Printable Version)

Crisp phyllo nests topped with assorted farmhouse cheeses and garnished for a charming appetizer.

# What You'll 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 chunks
06 - 5.3 oz aged gouda, cut into rustic chunks
07 - 5.3 oz tomme de Savoie or other semi-soft farmhouse cheese, cut into rustic chunks

→ Garnishes (optional)

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

# Directions:

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 a pinch of sea salt, tossing lightly to coat evenly.
03 - Shape small piles approximately 2–2.5 inches wide on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing lightly to maintain form.
04 - Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and allow to cool at room temperature.
05 - Arrange cooled phyllo nests on a serving platter. Top each with a rustic chunk of cheese.
06 - Finish with fresh thyme sprigs, a light drizzle of honey if desired, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Those phyllo nests shatter on your tongue in the most satisfying way, then melt into buttery warmth.
  • You can make them ahead and assemble everything just before guests arrive, which means you actually get to enjoy the party.
  • The contrast between crispy, salty hay and creamy, complex cheese tastes far more elegant than the 30 minutes of work suggests.
02 -
  • Phyllo dough dries out faster than you'd think, so work gently and don't leave it uncovered—thaw it in the fridge the night before and keep it under a damp towel as you work.
  • The nests will continue to crisp as they cool, so err on the side of slightly underbaked; they'll harden beautifully in a few minutes.
03 -
  • Brush phyllo with melted butter using a pastry brush, but then toss it gently in the bowl to distribute moisture evenly—painted phyllo can be dry in spots and soggy in others.
  • If you can't find kataifi, shredded phyllo sheets work in a pinch, but kataifi has thinner strands and bakes into something more delicate and special.
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