How to Make Phyllo Cups

Be the “hostess with the mostest” with this easy Phyllo Cups tutorial! Phyllo cups are light, buttery and extra flaky. 

Now you can make restaurant-ready-looking appetizers and desserts easily at home. Fill them with almost anything; sweet or savory!

What are Phyllo Cups?

Phyllo dough (sometimes called filo dough or pastry) are very thin sheets of dough that are brushed with butter and layered before baking.

The result is a delicious and crisp little pastry. It can be filled with almost anything from apple pie filling to jalapeno popper dip or even brie and cranberries!

• Making your own cups is easy and costs a fraction of purchasing pre-made cups.
• Often on sale right before the holidays, phyllo dough is an inexpensive frozen dough.
• Favorite appetizers and recipes can all be adjusted into minis using phyllo dough.
• Make these cups one week ahead and refrigerate (fill before serving) or up to 2 months if freezing.

Ingredients

PHYLLO DOUGH is sheets of paper-thin dough sold frozen. When layered together, make edible cups or pockets for any kind of filling—think Baklava or Spanakopita. Puff pastry is similar to phyllo dough but is not quite as thin and flaky.

BUTTER brings out the flavor of phyllo dough and gives it that savory taste that goes with all kinds of fillings. Baste and bake these tasty cups, then freeze for later or fill immediately.

Depending on dietary needs or what you have on hand, you can substitute the butter with cooking spray or olive oil if needed.

How to Make Phyllo Cups

These tasty cups are ideal for any occasion and so easy to make:

1. Thaw phyllo dough and brush butter between layers.
2. Cut the dough into squares as per recipe below and press the squares into a mini muffin tin. Poke the bottom with a fork.
3. Bake per the recipe below and cool completely.

Tips for Working With Phyllo

• Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Handle the dough very gently, it is fragile.
• Gently unfold the dough and remove a single sheet. Lightly cover the remaining with plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out.

Filling Ideas

The possibilities are endless! Serve these totally portable apps hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Savory Fillings

Sweet Fillings

Sweet-filled phyllo cups make a great presentation on the buffet table and guests can pick one or more to snack on!

• Use a no bake cheesecake filling and top with blueberry sauce
• Fill with a homemade pie filling like apple, cherry, or strawberry (store bought works too)!
• Add some custard or vanilla pudding and fruit.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep phyllo cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat savory appetizers under the broiler, and serve dessert appetizers chilled. They are very delicate and should be stored in a single layer in a hard container.

Can Phyllo Cups be Frozen?

Depending on the filling, phyllo cups can definitely be frozen! Take note of the filling, it might not always thaw as well. When in doubt, freeze the empty cups, then fill them later. For savory apps, reheat them under the broiler and keep sweet phyllo cups in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

So Many Amazing Appetizers

What’s your favorite way to serve Phyllo Cups? Let us know in a comment below!