Baked Phyllo-Wrapped Crab-Brie Cheese Ball with Crackers
A sophisticated appetizer featuring creamy Brie cheese topped with seasoned lump crabmeat, all wrapped in buttery phyllo pastry and baked until golden. The flaky phyllo creates an elegant presentation while keeping the cheese warm and melty inside. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or special occasions when you want to impress guests. The combination of sweet red pepper and green onion adds color and fresh flavor to complement the rich crab and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 can (6 ounces) lump crabmeat, drained
- ¼ cup sweet red pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 16 sheets phyllo dough, (14 inch x 9 inch sheet size)puff pastry1 sheetpastry
different texture but works
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 round (8 ounces) Brie cheese, rind removed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- assorted crackers
Instructions
- 1
Combine crabmeat, red pepper, green onion, garlic salt, and pepper in small bowl and shape into ball
- 2
Place one phyllo sheet on work surface and brush with melted butter, keeping remaining dough covered
- 3
Repeat layering and brushing all phyllo sheets with butter
- 4
Place Brie in center of phyllo stack and top with crab mixture ball
- 5
Bring up corners of dough around filling, invert and place seam side down in greased pie plate
- 6
Beat egg with water and brush over dough
- 7
Bake until golden brown
- 8
Let stand before serving with crackers
Tips
Keep unused phyllo covered with plastic wrap and damp towel to prevent drying and cracking during assembly.
Remove Brie rind completely for smoothest melting and best texture in the finished appetizer.
Let the cheese ball rest 5 minutes after baking so filling sets slightly and doesn't spill when cut.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days, reheat in 300F oven until warmed through
Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 5 minutes to baking time if cold
Serve warm with assorted crackers, water crackers, or toasted baguette slices
Common Mistakes
Don't skip covering phyllo to avoid dried, cracked pastry that tears during wrapping
Remove all Brie rind to avoid tough, chewy pieces in the melted cheese
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Add 5 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
What if my phyllo tears during assembly?
Small tears are fine since you're using multiple layers. Just continue wrapping and the tears will be covered by other sheets.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Reheat in 300F oven until warmed through for best texture.