Introduction
Spinach and feta phyllo cups are a delicious and elegant appetizer that perfectly combines the savory flavors of spinach and creamy feta, all encased in crispy, flaky phyllo dough. These bite-sized cups are portable, making them an excellent option for parties, brunches, or special gatherings. Adding a sun-dried tomato drizzle enhances the flavor profile, introducing a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the filling. The phyllo cups not only look beautiful on a serving platter but also pack a flavorful punch with minimal effort. These easy-to-make, Greek-inspired appetizers will become a go-to recipe for entertaining!
Ingredients
For the phyllo cups:
- 12 phyllo pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil (for brushing the phyllo)
- Mini muffin tin (24 cups)
For the spinach and feta filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sun-dried tomato drizzle:
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo Cups
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the muffin tin with melted butter or olive oil to prevent the phyllo from sticking.
- Layer the phyllo sheets: Take one sheet of phyllo pastry, brush it lightly with melted butter, and place another sheet on top. Repeat this process until you have 3 layers of phyllo dough stacked.
- Cut the layered phyllo into 3-inch squares. You should get 12 squares from each stack of 3 phyllo sheets. Repeat the process until you have enough squares for 24 cups.
- Press the phyllo squares into the mini muffin tin to create little cups, overlapping the edges as needed to fit snugly.
- Bake the phyllo cups in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are crisp and lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Feta Filling
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet (or thawed, drained frozen spinach), and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, just heat through.
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, sautéed onions, garlic, crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Fill and Bake the Phyllo Cups
- Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into the pre-baked phyllo cups, filling them generously but not overflowing.
- Bake the filled phyllo cups for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Remove the cups from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the drizzle.
Step 4: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Drizzle
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir well to mix.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. The drizzle should have a slightly tangy and sweet flavor.
Step 5: Serve
- Drizzle the sun-dried tomato mixture over the top of the baked spinach and feta phyllo cups. You can use a spoon to drizzle, or transfer the mixture to a squeeze bottle for a more controlled presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, if desired.
- Serve immediately while the phyllo is still crisp.
Cooking Notes
- Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so cover unused sheets with a damp kitchen towel while working to prevent them from becoming brittle.
- For a creamier filling, you can increase the amount of ricotta cheese by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Frozen spinach is a great time-saver for this recipe. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water to prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
- You can make the phyllo cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness before filling.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach and feta phyllo cups are ideal as a party appetizer, served alongside other finger foods like stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, or bruschetta. They can also be a delightful addition to a Mediterranean-inspired spread, alongside dishes like hummus, tzatziki, and olives. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a fresh Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
For a more elegant presentation, arrange the phyllo cups on a platter and serve with small plates so guests can easily pick them up. The sun-dried tomato drizzle adds a gourmet touch, making these perfect for holiday gatherings, showers, or formal dinners.
Tips
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the spinach and feta filling up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply assemble and bake when needed.
- Customize the filling: Add extra flavor to the filling with ingredients like chopped Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or fresh dill for a more complex taste.
- Double the recipe: If you’re serving a large crowd, double the ingredients to make more phyllo cups. These appetizers disappear quickly!
- Vegan variation: To make this dish vegan, use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the feta and ricotta, and brush the phyllo sheets with olive oil instead of butter. Omit the egg or substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
- For extra crispiness, let the phyllo cups cool on a wire rack after baking to prevent steam from making the bottoms soggy.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
Conclusion
Spinach and feta phyllo cups with sun-dried tomato drizzle are the perfect bite-sized appetizers that offer a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dish. The crispness of the phyllo dough contrasts beautifully with the creamy spinach and feta filling, while the sun-dried tomato drizzle adds a sweet, tangy flair that makes these bites stand out. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a flavorful snack, these phyllo cups are sure to impress your guests with their presentation and taste. Elegant, delicious, and simple—these phyllo cups are destined to become a favorite in your appetizer rotation.
PrintSpinach and Feta Phyllo Cups with Sun-Dried Tomato Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the phyllo cups:
- 12 phyllo pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil (for brushing the phyllo)
- Mini muffin tin (24 cups)
For the spinach and feta filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sun-dried tomato drizzle:
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo Cups
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the muffin tin with melted butter or olive oil to prevent the phyllo from sticking.
- Layer the phyllo sheets: Take one sheet of phyllo pastry, brush it lightly with melted butter, and place another sheet on top. Repeat this process until you have 3 layers of phyllo dough stacked.
- Cut the layered phyllo into 3-inch squares. You should get 12 squares from each stack of 3 phyllo sheets. Repeat the process until you have enough squares for 24 cups.
- Press the phyllo squares into the mini muffin tin to create little cups, overlapping the edges as needed to fit snugly.
- Bake the phyllo cups in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are crisp and lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Feta Filling
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet (or thawed, drained frozen spinach), and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, just heat through.
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, sautéed onions, garlic, crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Fill and Bake the Phyllo Cups
- Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into the pre-baked phyllo cups, filling them generously but not overflowing.
- Bake the filled phyllo cups for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Remove the cups from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the drizzle.
Step 4: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Drizzle
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir well to mix.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. The drizzle should have a slightly tangy and sweet flavor.
Step 5: Serve
- Drizzle the sun-dried tomato mixture over the top of the baked spinach and feta phyllo cups. You can use a spoon to drizzle, or transfer the mixture to a squeeze bottle for a more controlled presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, if desired.
- Serve immediately while the phyllo is still crisp.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sodium: 230mg
- Protein: 4g