Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Delicate, crispy phyllo cups filled with a creamy, savory shrimp and vegetable salad, perfect for an elegant appetizer at any gathering.

This is one of my favorite appetizers to prepare when hosting friends since it looks impressive yet is easy to assemble.

Ingredients

• For the Cups: 12 sheets phyllo pastry, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• For the Filling: 150 g cooked shrimp chopped, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, Salt and pepper to taste
• For Garnish: 12 small dill sprigs, Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2:

Lightly brush the phyllo sheets with melted butter stacking 3 sheets at a time. Cut into 12 squares (about 7.5 cm/3 inches each).

Step 3:

Gently press each square into a mini muffin tin to form star-shaped cups. Repeat with remaining phyllo and butter for a total of 12 cups.

Step 4:

Bake for 8 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 5:

In a bowl combine shrimp, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cucumber, red bell pepper, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6:

Spoon the shrimp mixture into cooled phyllo cups just before serving.

Step 7:

Garnish each cup with a dill sprig and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

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My family always loves these at holiday parties, and they are quick to disappear from the appetizer tray.

Required Tools

Mini muffin tin, pastry brush, mixing bowl, sharp knife, spoon

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (phyllo pastry), dairy (butter, crème fraîche), egg (mayonnaise), and shellfish (shrimp). Double-check all pre-made ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 100 calories, 6 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.

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These mini star cocktail cups bring elegance with minimal effort perfect for any event.

Common Questions

→ How do I prevent the phyllo cups from becoming soggy?

Bake the phyllo cups until golden and crisp, and allow them to cool completely before adding the filling to maintain their texture.

→ Can I substitute the shrimp with other proteins?

Yes, cooked crab or finely diced cooked chicken work well as alternatives for the filling, adjusting seasonings as needed.

→ What is the best way to store leftover cups and filling?

Store baked cups in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep the filling refrigerated separately and assemble cups just before serving.

→ Are there vegetarian options for this dish?

Replace the shrimp with diced avocado and additional vegetables to create a fresh vegetarian version.

→ What wine pairs well with these phyllo cups?

A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the light and tangy flavors of the filling beautifully.