In the Kitchen
Phyllo Cups - So Simple
I discovered Phyllo Cups after a failed attempt to create a wonderful appetizer for a party. I needed something last-minute, simple, and using the ingredients I had, Brie and Pepper Jelly.
I dashed to the grocery store thinking I would get puff pastry, and then saw these little gems sitting in a basket in the aisle...not refrigerated...just sitting there.
I picked up the box of "Phyllo Shells" and realized they were the perfect solution to my problem. There were 15 in a box. They were ready to go. All I needed to do was fill them. According to the directions, I could bake them for a few minutes to crisp them up or fill them and bake them as well. Each action takes under 10 minutes!
Quickly, I gathered 4 boxes and headed to the checkout. When I got home, I expected some would be broken, but they were all intact. Miracle. I filled them, and then headed out to the party.
Sometimes, you may find these time-savers in the freezer, especially out of the holiday season, and some of your stores, like Wegman's, may have their own store brand. All are equally good. If you find the frozen shells, you will definitely want to crisp them up according to the directions, but because they are already baked, they only take a couple of minutes.
Besides that, they have no additional fat in them like puff pastry! They are simply very thin layers of wheat-based phyllo pastry. That means they are not gluten-free. Phyllo depends on gluten to make it so thin.
25 Ideas for Filling Your Phyllo Cups
Let's start with where it started for me - Brie and Pepper Jelly (baked)
Brie and Caramelized Onions (baked)
Hummus and Green Onions (unbaked)
Whipped Cream & Strawberries (unbaked)
No-bake Cheesecake & Blueberries (unbaked)
Cheese Quiche (baked) - FYI, these make a ton from just simply egg, milk, and cheese
Cream Cheese & Diced Jalapeños (baked)
Baklava (baked)
Pimento Cheese topped with Pepper Jelly (baked)
Cannoli Filling with mini Chocolate Chips (unbaked) - Check the Bakery department of your local grocery store. They may have cannoli filling prepared for you to buy.
Boursin Cheese (unbaked)
Spinach Dip (baked) - This recipe is good, but you could also use Trader Joe's Spinach Dip, which is delicious and easy to make!
Brownie topped with Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Frosting (baked)
Custard and Fruit (unbaked)
Stuffed Mushroom Filling (baked)
Chopped Shrimp Cooked in Old Bay (unbaked) - For these, I would crisp up the shells and then put the hot shrimp in them.
Oreo Cookie Truffle Mix (unbaked)
Lemon Curd (baked) - You can use the filling for these Lemon Bars or use store-bought.
Feta, Tomato & Oregano (baked)
Mini Mozzarella Balls & Basil or Pesto (unbaked or baked)
Apple Pie Filling (or other pie filling) (baked)
Spanakopita (baked)
Seafood Stuffing (baked) Check your local grocery store's fish section or fish monger, and I'll bet they have a really good seafood stuffing. Simple.
Pizza Fillings (baked) - Use a drop of tomato sauce & mozzarella. Feel free to add a bit of your favorite sausage, pepperoni, or veggies. Again, all you need is a tiny bit for each.
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Topped with Dill (unbaked)
Ham & Cheese (baked) - Chop the ham really small, and add a strong cheddar with a dollop of chutney if you'd like.
Black Bean Dip with Sour Cream (unbaked). Use your favorite recipe, or buy a black bean dip. I would warm the dip before putting it into a crisped shell.
Apple, Bacon, Cheddar (baked) - Sooo good. Use Granny Smith apples for the tartness, but cut them really small.
Buffalo Chicken Dip (baked)
Shrimp Cocktail (unbaked) - Chop the shrimp or use the little salad shrimp plus your favorite cocktail sauce.
Goat Cheese & Cranberry Sauce (unbaked)
Taco Meat with Toppings (unbaked) - Crisp the shells and then fill with warmed filling.
Chocolate Mousse (unbaked) - You only need to make a fraction of this recipe.
Navy Bean Dip Topped with Scallions (unbaked)
Indian Spiced Creamed Spinach (baked)
I could keep going! There are so many ideas for these cute little phyllo cups. Go through your recipes, and I'm sure you will find some favorites of your own. Best of all, you could make a full tray of all different kinds and everyone at the party would be happy.
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