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Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is impressively elegant and delicious to eat? Look no further than this Filo Cup recipe featuring the ideal blend of creamy goat cheese with sweet jam or jelly and crunchy nuts nestled inside buttery, crisp phyllo shells. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for the perfect bite-sized treat, these phyllo cup appetizers are sure to steal the spotlight!

“These are so good! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE that I can make them ahead and freeze. So perfect for the holidays! Thank you!”

– Christine
Overhead photo of thirteen goat cheese phyllo cups on a white serving platter.

Update: This recipe was originally published on November 1st, 2014. I made updates to the article below to include new photos and more information about this recipe for phyllo cup appetizers.

Hi, friends! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! I have been hard at work developing recipes for the holidays, and I finally get to share them with you! Hooray!

We are going to start this holiday recipe sharing shindig off with a bang! Because, enter beautiful, yet ridiculously easy appetizer recipe:

Table of Contents

About these phyllo cup appetizers

Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is deliciously flavorful? These goat cheese phyllo cups are a perfect choice! Each crispy, flaky phyllo shell is filled with creamy goat cheese, fragrant thyme, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of sweet fruity jam preserves, all topped with a touch of turbinado sugar. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with honey, these phyllo appetizer bites are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy in every bite.

These phyllo cup appetizers are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as a snack, or as an elegant appetizer at a party, they’ll steal the spotlight. My husband can’t get enough of these little bites—he’s had them with coffee, as a midday snack, and even paired with milk for a late-night treat! It’s clear these fillo shell appetizers are dangerously delicious and perfect for any time of day.

Easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit, this phyllo cup recipe is a must-try for your next gathering. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, appetizers, or even dessert—it’s the ultimate perfect bite any-tizer!

If you’re looking for more warm, cheesy appetizers, be sure to check out these fan-favorite recipes next: baked goat cheese appetizer, broccoli bacon cheese dip, and seafood rangoon dip.

Recipe testimonials!

I created this fillo cup recipe back in 2014. It’s an original take that offers a distinctive flavor combination, setting it apart from countless variations that have come into existence online since.

I obviously love this super easy, undeniably delicious fillo shell appetizer recipe, but don’t take my word for it. Here’s what readers who have made this recipe are saying about the goat cheese filled phyllo cups:

  • “You seriously make the prettiest, tastiest appetizers ever, Cheyanne! I could have ate about a dozen of these. Making them again for our neighborhood holiday get together!” – Avril
  • “These are so addicting and have been a huge hit! Thank you!” – Elena
  • “Super easy and super delicious! Everyone loved them!” – Stacy
  • “These are beautiful and so PERFECT for the holiday season. I’m a big fan of fillo shells. They make entertaining so much easier. Excited to make this yummy app again for the next holiday!” – Morgan
Close-up photo of nine baked fill cups filled with goat cheese, various flavors of jam, and crushed nuts.

Ingredients for this filo appetizer

  • Mini Fillo Shells. These pre-made, delicate phyllo shells are crispy and flaky, providing a light, crunchy base for the creamy goat cheese filling. You can find these pastry cups in the freezer section of your grocery store, often near puff pastry or other frozen appetizers. 
  • Soft Goat Cheese (Chèvre). Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and luxuriously creamy texture. Opt for fresh chèvre (soft goat cheese) rather than aged varieties for a smoother texture.
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves. Thyme lends a fragrant, earthy herbal note that complements the richness of the goats cheese and the sweetness of the jam.
  • Walnuts. Chopped walnuts add a crunchy texture and slightly nutty, earthy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and sweet preserves. Substitute: swap in pecans for a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor. Be sure to use roasted nuts or toast them yourself for the best flavor.
  • Preserves, Jam, or Jelly. Preserves or jam provides a delicious touch of sweetness and richness, tying together the savory and sweet elements of this appetizer. Figs, apricots, pear, or raspberry preserves work particularly well with goat cheese; but, use what you love. Just be sure to select a high-quality preserve or jam with real fruit and minimal added sugar.
  • Turbinado Sugar. While optional, this coarse sugar provides a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch when sprinkled on top of the fillo shell appetizers before baking. 

Recipe variations

  • Fig, Bacon, and Goat Cheese Fillo Cups. Use a sweet fig spread as your jam selection. Then top each baked phyllo cup with a piece of candied bacon and drizzle of real maple syrup for a perfectly smoky, sweet appetizer.
  • Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups. Add a spoonful of caramelized onions on top of the goat cheese filling for a rich and savory bite.
  • Goat Cheese and Cranberry Filo Cups. Combine the goat cheese with chopped cranberry orange relish for a festive twist.
  • Vegan/Vegetarian Options. Substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese or a rich cashew cream.
  • Gluten-Free Option. If you’re looking for a gluten-free phyllo appetizers, opt for gluten-free phyllo cups or make your own from scratch with gluten-free flour.

How to make goat cheese phyllo cups

This bite-sized fillo shell appetizers is incredibly easy to make! With just 10 minutes of hands on preparation time and 6 ingredients required, these flaky phyllo cups make the perfect party bite!

  1. Preheat oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean up.
  2. Fill each shell:  Remove phyllo cups from their packaging and arrange them on the sheet pan. First, place 1 teaspoon of goat cheese in the button of the phyllo cup. Next, sprinkle 1/16 teaspoon of the thyme leaves over the goat cheese. Then, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of the walnuts on top of the thyme. Lastly, place a ½ teaspoon of the preserves over the walnuts. And finally, sprinkle sugar (I used 1/8 teaspoon) directly over the preserves.
  3. Bake the fillo cup for 10-12 minutes, or until filo appetizer is golden in color and crisp in texture. Remove from oven and allow the cups to cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Serve:  Transfer the filo appetizers to serving platter. Top with a drizzle of honey and more fresh thyme if using. Enjoy phyllo cup appetizers immediately.

Chef tips for perfect results every time

  • Use high-quality fillo cups. Choose premium filo cups for the best crispy, flaky texture. If you can’t find pre-made cups, make your own by layering phyllo dough in muffin tins with butter.
  • Room Temperature Goat Cheese. To make easy work of filling the phyllo cups with goat cheese, make sure your cheese is at room temperature.
  • Don’t Overfill. Fill each fillo shell appetizers with just a teaspoon of goat cheese mixture and gently press it down to avoid overflow and ensure even baking.
  • Watch While Baking. Pre-made phyllo cups are already baked, so you just need to reheat them quickly in the oven. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes and aim for golden, crisp edges and soft goat cheese filling.
  • Balance with Sweetness. Drizzle honey over the baked filo appetizer for a sweet contrast to the tangy goat cheese.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs. Remember, you eat with your eyes first, so consider garnishing this fillo cup recipe with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for fresh flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
  • Make Ahead Bonus. You can assemble this recipe for goat cheese phyllo cups ahead of time and bake them just before serving. This time saver is especially great for the holidays and big events.

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

(Please scroll down for the detailed instructions in the complete printable recipe card at the bottom of the page!)

Overhead photo collage of how to make Goat Cheese Phyllo Cup Appetizer recipe step by step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What is a fillo cup?

Phyllo cups, also known as filo cups, fillo cups, phyllo shells, or tart shells, are made from tissue-paper thin leaves of phyllo dough (filo dough) pastry stacked on top of one another to form a mini shell. Phyllo dough is a traditional Greek ingredient used to make classic recipes, such as baklava and strudel.

These bite-size cups of phyllo dough are buttery and flaky in taste with an airy, light, and incredibly crispy texture. You can fill these cups with all sorts of ingredients, from savory to sweet, to create fun fillo shell appetizers or desserts.

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Sure! If you’re not a fan of goats cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese, cream cheese, or even a mild brie cheese or feta cheese. Each option will provide a slightly different flavor, but they all work well in phyllo shell appetizers.

What jams and jellies pair well phyllo?

You can pretty much use any flavor of fruit spread you like in this fillo cup recipe. I recommend experimenting with different options – from sweet jams to savory alternatives – to find your perfect pairing:

  • Fig Jam is mostly sweet in flavor, but it also has a subtly earthy, almost caramel-like depth of flavor.
  • Raspberry Jam lends a sweet and slightly tart flavor that complements the creamy goat cheese in this filo appetizer perfectly.
  • Apricot Preserves offer a smooth, fruity sweetness with a slightly citrusy note that doesn’t overshadow the other ingredients.
  • Orange Marmalade provides a bittersweet, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
  • Blackberry Jam is rich, sweet, and a bit earthy, making it a fantastic match for goats cheese.
  • Bacon Jam is a savory, sweet, and smoky spread made from crispy bacon, onions, and brown sugar, with a hint of vinegar. This rich, indulgent jam is perfect if for a unique touch.
  • Caramelized Onions aren’t a jam, but they’re jammy texture is perfect if you’re looking for a sweet-savory element to balance the tangy cheese in your filo appetizer.

Can I make the phyllo cups from scratch?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade fillo cups, by all means, use that! Simply cut phyllo dough into squares, brush with butter, then layer and mold them into mini muffin tins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the cups are golden and crisp. It takes a bit more time for homemade mini phyllo cups, but the result is worth it.

Can I prepare this phyllo appetizer in advance?

Yes you sure can. You can assemble the goat cheese phyllo cups ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake them in advance and serve at room temperature — they still taste great!

What can I garnish the fillo shell appetizers with?

Garnishes are the ultimate easy way to make fillo shell appetizers more flavorful and visually appealing. Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary will add a nice finishing touch. And I like to drizzle the phyllo cup appetizers with honey just before serving, but a balsamic glaze would be excellent as well.

Overhead, landscape photo of phyllo appetizers with goat cheese and jam on a white platter.

Serving filo appetizers

Common serving suggestions

  • On a Serving Platter: Arrange the fillo cups on a pretty platter for easy sharing at your next party or gathering alongside apple pie filo bites. They’re the perfect finger food for guests to grab and enjoy without the need for utensils.
  • Pair with Wine: These bite-sized appetizers pair beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red like Pinot Noir. But, the sweet-savory flavors also complement the complexity of wine cocktails, like this strawberry sangria with sparkling wine, too.
  • As Part of a Cheese Board: Add goat cheese phyllo cups to your next cheese board, alongside other cheeses, like baked brie en croute or baked camembert, crackers, crostinis, and charcuterie.
  • Drizzled with Honey: For a simple yet elevated touch, drizzle a little honey over the top of the filo appetizer for an added layer of sticky sweetness.

Unique serving ideas 

  • As Mini Canapés for a Cocktail Party: Serve the phyllo shell appetizers alongside your favorite sophisticated bite-sized snacks and fancy drinks, like roasted mixed nuts and bubbly vodka champagne cocktails.
  • With a Side of Fresh Greens: Serve your filo appetizer on a bed of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach to add a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy filling and crispy shells.
  • As a Brunch Dish: Serve the filled phyllo cups at brunch, paired with fresh macerated fruits, gravlax and bagels, and cream cheese filled danishes. The creamy cheese and sweet jam are a delightful contrast to smoked salmon or even eggs on avocado toast.
  • Topped with Prosciutto: For an extra indulgent twist, top each fillo shell appetizer with a small slice of prosciutto or a prosciutto rose right before serving. The salty prosciutto balances the creamy goat cheese and sweet fruit spread beautifully.

Storing leftovers

Storage instructions

  • In the Refrigerator: Store leftover phyllo cup appetizers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. While they’ll stay fresh and maintain their flavor, please note the phyllo shells will lose some of its crispiness.
  • Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover filo cup appetizers on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the phyllo is crispy again and the filling is warm.

Freezing instructions

  • Before Baking: To freeze goat cheese phyllo cups before baking, assemble the cups with the goat cheese filling and jam as directed. Place them on a baking sheet, not touching, and freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours).
  • Storage: Once frozen, transfer the filo appetizer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • Baking from Frozen: No need to thaw the cups before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly.
Close-up photo of a fillo shell appetizer stuffed with goat cheese, fruit jam, and fresh herbs.

Beautiful, yet easy appetizers like these phyllo cups are sure to make an instant impression. Their delicate, crispy texture is the perfect vessel for a wide variety of fillings, making them highly versatile for any event.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a wine and cheese night, or an intimate dinner party, this delicious filo appetizer is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Until next time, friends, cheers.

Cheyanne

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More easy, yet elegant bite-size appetizers!

Looking for more crowd-pleasing, easy, cheesy snacks and apps? I’ve got you! Check out these fan favorites:

Overhead, landscape photo of phyllo appetizers with goat cheese and jam on a white platter.

Goat Cheese filled Phyllo Cups: Easy Fillo Shell Appetizers

5 from 6 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 15 appetizers
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
If you're looking for a show-stopping appetizer that's as easy to make as it is impressively elegant and delicious to eat, look no further than this Filo Cup recipe! Featuring the ideal blend of creamy goat cheese with sweet jam or jelly and crunchy nuts nestled inside buttery, crisp phyllo shells, these are the perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a little snack, these goat cheese phyllo cup appetizers are sure to steal the spotlight!

Equipment

  • 1 baking sheet

Ingredients 

  • 1 box Mini Fillo Shells (15 cups)
  • 3 ounces Soft Goat Cheese (Chèvre)
  • 2 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves – roughly chopped; plus more for garnish
  • 7 1/2 tsp Walnuts – finely chopped (you can substitute Pecans)
  • 7 1/2 tsp Preserves, Jam or Jelly (SEE NOTES)
  • to taste Turbinado Sugar (SEE NOTES)
  • OPTIONAL Garnish Honey

Instructions

  • Preheat oven and Prepare Baking Pan: Arrange oven rack to the middle position and then preheat the oven to 350-degrees F. 
    Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean up. 
  • Fill Fillo Shells: Remove the phyllo cups from their packaging and then arrange them evenly spaced apart onto the prepared sheet pan.
    Stuff 1 teaspoon of goat cheese into the button of each phyllo cup. Then use your finger tip to VERY GENGLY press the goat cheese down into the cup.
    Next, sprinkle 1/16 teaspoon of the thyme leaves over the goat cheese in each cup.
    Then, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of the walnuts on top of the thyme.
    Next, dollop a ½ teaspoon of the fruit preserves over the walnuts.
    Finally, sprinkle the coarse sugar (I use 1/8 teaspoon) directly over the fruit jam.
  • Bake Fillo Cups: Transfer the goat cheese phyllo cups to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cups are golden and crisp. 
    Remove them from oven and allow the cups to cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve Phyllo Cup Appetizer:  Transfer phyllo cups to serving platter. Drizzle the top with a little bit of honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme.  Enjoy immediately!

Video

Notes

  • Goat cheese is mild in flavor and pairs well with just about any sweet or savory jam.  I used pear preserves and cranberry jelly in the goat cheese appetizers photos shown. But, please don’t feel limited to just my jam choices though.  Preserves, jellies, marmalades and jelly-like sauces all work with goat cheese. Please see the article for a list of jams that work well in this recipe.
  • Turbinado sugar is golden cane sugar crystals.  It can be found in the baking aisle with the other sugars of most major grocery stores.
  • To Freeze Phyllo Cup Appetizer: Prepare the appetizer according to the recipe instructions, but do not bake them.  Store the prepared appetizers in an airtight, freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to use, do not thaw the phyllo cups or they will become soggy.  Bake from frozen at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes or until cups are golden and crisp.
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 15 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal    Carbohydrates: 4g    Protein: 2g    Fat: 2g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g    Cholesterol: 3mg    Sodium: 28mg    Potassium: 10mg    Fiber: 0.2g    Sugar: 2g    Vitamin A: 71IU    Vitamin C: 0.4mg    Calcium: 10mg    Iron: 0.2mg
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

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