Mini phyllo cups are the perfect bite-sized appetizers that combine flaky, buttery layers with a variety of delicious fillings. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a holiday gathering, or just looking for an elegant snack, these golden, crispy cups are sure to impress.
They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings with savory or sweet ingredients to suit any palate. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and can be baked quickly when you’re ready to serve.
In this post, you’ll discover several amazing mini phyllo cup recipes that are both simple and irresistible. Let’s dive into the world of phyllo cups and explore how to create these delightful treats that guests will rave about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini phyllo cups are a fantastic appetizer option because they are light, crispy, and full of flavor. The phyllo dough bakes up into delicate layers that provide the perfect crunch, while the fillings can range from creamy cheeses and fresh vegetables to savory meats or sweet fruits.
These cups are incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks. They also offer endless customization, so you can tailor them to your event or personal taste.
Another reason to love mini phyllo cups is their elegant presentation. They look stunning on a platter and can be made in advance, saving you prep time on the day of your event.
Whether you’re making a batch of spinach and feta cups or sweet berry and cream cheese bites, these treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough (about 20 sheets, thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for brushing)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (for savory options)
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (for sweet and savory fillings)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, or basil)
- 1/2 cup cooked ground sausage or bacon (optional, for meat lovers)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional for sweet cups)
- 1/2 cup fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries for sweet cups)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweet versions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Muffin tin or mini tart pans (for shaping the phyllo cups)
- Pastry brush (to brush melted butter on phyllo)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven (preheated to 350°F / 175°C)
- Cooling rack (optional, for cooling cups after baking)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace: Thaw the phyllo dough according to package instructions, usually overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, keep the sheets covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your muffin tin or mini tart pans lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layer the phyllo sheets: Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it on your work surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering 3-4 sheets per cup, brushing each sheet with butter before adding the next.
- Cut and shape: Cut the layered phyllo stack into squares large enough to fit into each muffin cup (about 4×4 inches). Gently press the squares into the muffin tin cups to form little shells, making sure the edges stick up for filling.
- Bake the phyllo cups: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes or until the cups are golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before filling.
- Prepare fillings: While the cups bake, mix your desired filling ingredients. For example, combine cooked spinach, feta, cream cheese, and herbs for a savory filling, or mix cream cheese, honey, berries, and chopped nuts for a sweet version.
- Fill the cups: Spoon your prepared filling into each cooled phyllo cup generously but avoid overfilling to prevent spilling.
- Final baking (optional): If your filling needs to be warmed or melted (like cheese or meat), return the filled cups to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Arrange the mini phyllo cups on a platter and garnish as desired with fresh herbs, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of nuts.
Tips & Variations
“Always keep your phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.”
Here are some useful tips to perfect your mini phyllo cups:
- Use a light hand when brushing butter: Too much butter can make the cups greasy, while too little can cause them to dry out.
- Mix and match fillings: Try goat cheese with roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions with blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Make sweet phyllo cups: Fill with mascarpone and fresh fruit, or a dollop of Nutella topped with sliced bananas.
- Storage: Store baked phyllo cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Mini Phyllo Cup (Savory Filling) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Mini phyllo cups are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of accompaniments. For savory cups, serve alongside a crisp green salad or a tangy dipping sauce such as tzatziki or a roasted red pepper aioli.
Sweet versions are delicious with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
They’re perfect for cocktail parties, brunch buffets, or even as an appetizer before a family dinner. Try pairing them with one of these other crowd-pleasing recipes: Classic Deviled Eggs, Roasted Garlic Hummus, or Caprese Salad Skewers for a well-rounded spread.
Conclusion
Mini phyllo cups are a delightful addition to any meal or party, combining the delicate crunch of phyllo dough with endless filling possibilities. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and visually appealing, making them a favorite for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Whether you prefer savory vegetables and cheeses or sweet fruit and cream combinations, these tiny treats offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Once you master the basic technique of layering and baking the phyllo cups, you’ll find yourself creating new variations to suit every occasion. Give these recipes a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary creativity.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Mini Phyllo Cup Recipes
Description: Delicious and easy-to-make mini phyllo cups filled with savory ingredients. Perfect as appetizers for any occasion.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 mini cups
Ingredients
- 24 mini phyllo cups
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into each phyllo cup.
- Place filled cups on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and heated through.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 5 g
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