Brie And Blackberry Phyllo Tart With Rosemary Honey Drizzle

Looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly flavorful? This Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Tart with Rosemary Honey Drizzle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The flaky, buttery phyllo pastry provides the perfect base for the creamy brie, tart blackberries, and fragrant rosemary-infused honey. It’s a delightful combination of sweet and savory that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself, this tart is sure to impress. The beautiful presentation, with its golden-brown crust and vibrant berry filling, makes it a stunning centerpiece. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Phyllo Pastry (6 sheets, about 200g / 7oz total): Phyllo dough is incredibly thin sheets of pastry, known for its delicate flakiness. It’s crucial to keep it covered with a damp towel while you work to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle. You can find phyllo pastry in the freezer section of most supermarkets.
• Unsalted Butter (150g / 5.3oz melted, plus 30g / 2 Tbsp for brushing): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the tart. Melt the butter completely for easy brushing onto the phyllo layers, creating that signature crisp texture.
• Ripe Brie Cheese (200g / 7oz sliced): Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavor. Choose a ripe brie that yields slightly to the touch. Slicing the brie ensures it melts evenly throughout the tart.
• Fresh Blackberries (150g / 5.3oz): Blackberries provide a beautiful tartness that balances the richness of the brie and honey. Look for plump, firm berries with a deep, dark color.
• Honey (2 Tbsp / 30ml, plus 1 Tbsp for glaze): Honey adds a natural sweetness and floral aroma to the blackberry compote and the final glaze. A good quality honey will enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Rosemary (1 tsp / 5g finely chopped, plus 1 sprig for garnish): Rosemary’s piney, fragrant flavor complements both the brie and the blackberries beautifully. Finely chopping the rosemary ensures it distributes evenly throughout the compote.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp / 15ml): A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the blackberry compote and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar (2 Tbsp / 25g): Sugar helps to create the perfect consistency for the blackberry compote, allowing it to thicken and coat the berries.
• Large Egg (1, beaten): Beaten egg acts as an egg wash, brushed over the top layer of phyllo to create a golden-brown, glossy finish.
• Fine Sea Salt (Pinch): A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and adds a subtle savory note.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as written, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Brie Cheese: Camembert can be used as a substitute for brie, offering a similar creamy texture and flavor.
• Blackberries: Raspberries or a mixed berry blend can be used in place of blackberries.
• Rosemary: Thyme can be used as a substitute for rosemary, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
• Phyllo Pastry: Puff pastry can be used in a pinch, but it will result in a less flaky tart.

Let’s Build Your Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Tart: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper is crucial; phyllo pastry can be delicate and prone to sticking. This ensures easy removal and prevents a messy cleanup.
2. Craft the Blackberry-Rosemary Compote: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, honey, and finely chopped rosemary. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently. The goal is to coax the berries into breaking down, releasing their juices, and thickening into a luscious compote. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly – this prevents the brie from melting too quickly when assembled.
3. Layer the Phyllo Base: This is where patience pays off! Take one sheet of phyllo pastry and brush it generously with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat the buttering process. Continue this until you have three layers of phyllo, each brushed with butter and sprinkled with a tiny pinch of sea salt. The butter creates those wonderfully flaky layers, and the salt enhances the overall flavor profile.
4. Assemble the Brie and Blackberry Filling: Arrange the sliced brie cheese evenly over the layered phyllo base, leaving a 2-cm (¾-inch) border around the edges. This border will become beautifully crisp during baking. Spoon the cooled blackberry-rosemary compote over the brie, spreading it gently but avoiding the edges. The contrast between the creamy brie and the tart-sweet compote is the heart of this tart.
5. Top with Remaining Phyllo: Cover the filling with the remaining three phyllo sheets, brushing each one with melted butter as you go. This creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
6. Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the top layer of phyllo with the beaten egg. This egg wash is key to achieving a glossy, golden-brown finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Keep a close eye on the edges; if they start to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.
7. Prepare the Rosemary Honey Glaze: While the tart is baking, create the rosemary honey glaze. Gently warm 1 tablespoon of honey with the remaining ½ teaspoon of chopped rosemary for 1-2 minutes. This infuses the honey with the aromatic rosemary flavor. Strain out the rosemary bits for a smooth glaze.
8. Glaze, Garnish, and Serve: Once the tart is baked, let it rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Drizzle the warm rosemary honey glaze over the entire tart, allowing it to pool into the crevices. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a scattering of whole blackberries around the perimeter for a pop of color. Slice with a sharp knife and serve warm.

Why Phyllo Pastry is Perfect for This Tart

Phyllo pastry, also known as filo pastry, is a cornerstone of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its incredibly thin layers, when brushed with butter, create a remarkably light and flaky texture. Unlike puff pastry, phyllo doesn’t contain fat within the dough itself, making it a lighter option. This is ideal for showcasing the rich flavors of the brie and blackberry filling without feeling overly heavy. The delicate nature of phyllo also allows it to crisp up beautifully in the oven, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese and soft fruit.

The Magic of Rosemary and Honey

The combination of rosemary and honey isn’t just delicious; it’s a classic pairing that elevates the flavors of this tart. Rosemary’s piney, slightly resinous aroma complements the sweetness of the honey and the tartness of the blackberries. Honey, beyond its sweetness, adds a floral complexity that enhances the overall taste experience. The rosemary-infused honey glaze provides a final layer of flavor and a beautiful sheen to the finished tart.

Selecting the Best Brie for Your Tart

The quality of the brie cheese significantly impacts the final result. Opt for a ripe brie with a creamy, slightly runny center. A double or triple crème brie will provide an extra luxurious texture. Avoid overly aged brie, as it can become too firm and lose its meltability. If your brie has a rind that’s particularly thick or strong-flavored, you can trim some of it off before slicing. The goal is a brie that melts beautifully and contributes a rich, buttery flavor to the tart.

Tips for Working with Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough can be a little intimidating to work with, but with a few tips, you’ll be a pro in no time! Always keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp (not wet!) towel to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. Work quickly, as the dough dries out rapidly. If a sheet tears, don’t worry – just patch it with another piece. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of melted butter; it’s essential for creating those flaky layers. And finally, be gentle – phyllo is delicate and requires a light touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

You can prepare the blackberry-rosemary compote a day in advance. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the tart just before serving to ensure the phyllo remains crisp.

Can I use frozen blackberries?

While fresh blackberries are preferred, frozen blackberries can be used. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

You can substitute with ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.

Enjoy this delightful Brie and Blackberry Phyllo Tart with Rosemary Honey Drizzle! It’s the perfect dessert for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

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