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!

Goat cheese phyllo cups with balsamic marinated strawberries topped with fresh mint on a white plate.

Why you’ll adore this easy phyllo cup appetizer:


  • Simple Sophistication: This recipe is all about elegant simplicity, marrying natural gourmet flavors in an easy no-bake, no-fuss process.
  • Creamy Meets Crispy: Lush whipped goat cheese, made extra silky with a splash of cream and touch of honey, all nestled in a delicate, crisp phyllo cup.
  • A Flavor Tango: A splash of balsamic, a dash of black pepper, and a sprinkle of mint dance together, bringing sweet, tangy, and fresh notes to the table.
  • Eye Candy Alert: These adorable goat cheese tartlets go beyond yum—they’re straight-up gorgeous with vibrant reds and greens that pop on the plate.
  • Party Perfect: These tangy goat cheese bites are the perfect party appetizers for holiday season!

Don’t forget to pin this for later

Goat cheese phyllo cups with balsamic strawberries on a white plate with the title of the recipe overlaid on top.

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.

A tray of prepared phyllo cups without any filling.

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!

Close up shot of a goat cheese phyllo cup with balsamic strawberries on a white plate with more phyllo cups in the background.

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.

The long mild spring, warm summer days, cool summer nights, and fertile soils combine to help local farmers grow very sweet 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.

Phyllo cups, goat cheese, strawberries, and other recipe ingredients in small bowls.

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 filo cups with balsamic honey strawberries topped with fresh mint on a white plate inside a wooden tray.

Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups with Balsamic Strawberries Recipe

Alright, here’s a simple yet chic 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!
By: AllieAllie Cleveland
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Assembly Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 15 phyllo cups
Calories 114 kcal

Equipment

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.
Always remember, the beauty of these cups lies in their texture, so timing is everything. Assemble just before serving to ensure that perfect crunch!

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.5g | Protein: 3.5g | Fat: 3.7g | Saturated Fat: 1.8g | Cholesterol: 4.6mg | Sodium: 172.3mg | Fiber: 0.7g | Sugar: 1.4g

*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.

Keyword bite size, holiday appetizer, party appetizer, party food, strawberry
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, phyllo cups you buy from the store are already pre-cooked. They’re fully baked and ready to be filled with your choice of ingredients, making them super convenient for creating quick appetizers or desserts.

To keep phyllo cups crisp, ensure fillings are cool and well-drained to prevent sogginess. Serve them soon after assembly or store unfilled cups in an airtight container until ready to use.

No, there’s no need to thaw mini phyllo pastry cups before baking. They’re designed to go from freezer to oven effortlessly, ensuring your preparation is as quick and convenient as possible.

Goat cheese filo cups with balsamic honey strawberries topped with fresh mint on a white plate inside a wooden tray.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Your feedback is important to us. Thank you for visiting Maplevine Kitchen!

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