Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups with Balsamic Strawberries
Alright, here’s a simple yet chic phyllo cup appetizer that’ll get everyone talking at your next get-together. Crispy goat cheese-filled phyllo cups are topped with balsamic-kissed strawberries, sweetened with honey, spiced with black pepper, and then garnished with fresh mint to make a scrumptious one-bite wonder!
Why you’ll adore this easy phyllo cup appetizer:
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Ingredient Spotlight
What are Phyllo Cups?
Phyllo cups are delightful pre-made mini pie shells made from phyllo dough (also known as “filo” or “fillo” dough), which is known for its paper-thin layers that become irresistibly flaky and crisp when baked. If you are familiar with puff pastry, the texture is fairly similar.
Why do you need Phyllo Cups in your life?
Because they are the perfect neutral canvas for both sweet and savory creations. Since they come pre-baked and are easily found at many grocery stores, they cut prep time down significantly. You can create impressive bite sized appetizers that look like hours of work in just minutes.
And if you’re someone who loves hosting, phyllo cups are essential. They make serving up elegant snacks a breeze, leaving you more time to mingle.
In short, phyllo cups are like the little black dress of the food world—adaptable, chic, and absolutely essential for a well-prepared host!
Looking for more party appetizers for entertaining? Be sure to try our creamy parmesan artichoke tartlets, festive cranberry tartlets with whipped feta, fresh Rainier cherry and goat cheese crostini, prosciutto-wrapped apricots, and our creamy whipped ricotta dip with garlic and herbs.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Strawberries
June in the Pacific Northwest is a special time when local farmers’ markets burst to life with the star of the season: strawberries.
These gems, nurtured by dedicated hands, truly capture the essence of the region. Local farmers take pride in their sustainable practices, fostering strawberries that are as kind to the environment as they are delightful to the palate. When you bite into one, you’re not just enjoying a strawberry; you’re experiencing the culmination of local passion and the region’s bountiful terroir.
Key Ingredients
Be sure to scroll down to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
Party tip: Prepare Ahead!
For a hassle-free party, prepare the balsamic strawberries and whipped goat cheese the night before and store them in the fridge. This makes for quick assembly, more mingling time with guests, and flavors that have had time to develop beautifully overnight.
Recipe Roadmap with Photos
1
Prep the Strawberries
In a bowl, toss the strawberries with the balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 tablespoon chopped mint, and fresh ground black pepper. Let them mingle for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
2
Prep the Filling
Meanwhile, make the goat cheese filling. Place the goat cheese, cream, and the remaining teaspoon of honey in the small bowl of a food processor and whip until light, fluffy, and pipeable.
3
Prep the Piping Bag
Transfer goat cheese filling to an uncut piping bag.
4
PIpe the Filling
Then, snip the tip of the bag and pipe the goat cheese filling into each of the phyllo cups.
4
Add the Strawberries
Top the goat cheese with a spoonful of the balsamic strawberry mixture and garnish with remaining mint leaves. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Prep Smart: If you’re using frozen phyllo cups, make sure to thaw them properly before baking. This helps them crisp up just right without any sogginess. Bake at 350°F for a few minutes before assembling.
- Balance the Balsamic: Be precise with your balsamic vinegar to avoid overpowering the strawberries. It’s there to complement, not dominate.
- Whip It Good: Really whip that goat cheese with cream until it’s light and fluffy—it makes for an airy, luxurious filling that contrasts beautifully with the crisp phyllo.
- Seasonal is Key: Use the freshest strawberries you can find, ideally in-season from local farmers, as they will have the best flavor and sweetness.
- Herb Freshness: Chop the mint right before using to keep it vibrant and aromatic. It’s not just a garnish; it’s a crucial flavor component.
- Serve Immediately: Phyllo pastry doesn’t love moisture, so fill those cups just before you’re ready to serve to keep the base as crisp as possible.
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Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups with Balsamic Strawberries Recipe
Equipment
- piping bag optional
Ingredients
- 15 mini phyllo pastry cups (1 package)
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1-2 tablespoons cream (or half-and-half or milk)
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped, divided
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the strawberries with the balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 tablespoon chopped mint, and fresh ground black pepper. Let them mingle for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Meanwhile, make the goat cheese filling. Place the goat cheese, cream, and the remaining teaspoon of honey in the small bowl of a food processor and whip until light and fluffy. Adjust the amount of cream until you reach the desired consistency – the cheese filling should be creamy and pipeable.
- Transfer goat cheese filling to an uncut piping bag.
- Then, snip the tip of the bag and pipe the goat cheese filling into each of the phyllo cups. Or, skip the piping bag and use a spoon to add a dollop of the goat cheese to each cup.
- Top the goat cheese with a spoonful of the balsamic strawberry mixture and garnish with remaining mint leaves. *If the balsamic strawberry mixture contains excess liquid from the strawberry juices, drain it off before adding the mixture to the phyllo cups. This will help prevent sogginess.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Recipe Notes
- Double or Triple Batch: You can easily double or triple this recipe depending on how many guests you will be hosting.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the balsamic strawberries a day in advance to let the flavors meld while stored in the refrigerator. The goat cheese filling can also be whipped up and stored in a piping bag in the refrigerator. Just assemble right before serving to keep the phyllo cups crisp.
- Leftovers & Storage: If you have leftovers (which might be a big if, because they tend to vanish fast), it’s best to store the components separately. Phyllo cups will lose their crispness if stored with fillings, so keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. The balsamic strawberries and goat cheese filling can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days.
- Reviving Phyllo Cups: If the phyllo cups have softened, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before serving. But remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled cups as the texture of the phyllo and filling may change. However, the unfilled phyllo cups can be stored in the freezer for several months.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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