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Cheesy Sesame Phyllo Bites

These cheesy sesame filo bites offer a sophisticated twist on the classic savoury cracker. The delicate layers of crisp filo pastry are brushed with butter and egg white to create a light, flaky texture that shatters beautifully when bitten. Topped with nutty black and white sesame seeds, smoked paprika and a generous scattering of Gruyère, they provide a delightful balance of earthy spice and rich, melted cheese.

As a versatile vegetarian hors d'oeuvre, this recipe is perfect for entertaining guests or as a crisp accompaniment to a seasonal soup. They are remarkably simple to assemble and can be prepared ahead of time, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen during your gathering. Serve them warm for the best flavour, perhaps alongside a glass of chilled white wine or a glass of dry cider.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sesame Phyllo Bites

  • 6 sheets fresh phyllo pastry or frozen, thawed

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, slightly cooled

  • 1 large egg white, room temperature, lightly beaten

  • 45g mixed black and white sesame seeds, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 110g Gruyère, finely grated (about 475ml ), divided

How to make Cheesy Sesame Phyllo Bites

Preheat oven to 191°C. Place a sheet of phyllo on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with butter and top with a second sheet of phyllo, pressing gently to adhere. Brush with butter and top with another sheet, pressing gently again; brush with egg white. Sprinkle half of sesame seeds and half of paprika over phyllo; season with salt and pepper. Scatter half of Gruyère over top. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut phyllo into 2" squares. Bake crackers until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet 3 minutes before serving. Repeat with remaining phyllo, butter, egg white, sesame seeds, paprika, Gruyère, and more salt and pepper, building on another parchment-lined baking sheet.

Crackers can be made 8 hours ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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