Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Featured in: Homemade Bakes

These mini star-shaped phyllo cups deliver a delightful combination of crunchy texture and creamy filling. A savory shrimp and vegetable mixture, enhanced with lemon, dill, and a touch of mustard, fills each crisp cup. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, they make an elegant appetizer or light bite for any occasion. Baking the buttery pastry sheets creates golden, delicate cups that perfectly cradle the refreshing filling. Garnished with fresh dill and lemon zest, these bite-sized treats invite a pleasing balance of flavors and textures.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:52:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Mini Star Cocktail Cups filled with savory shrimp salad, topped with fresh dill sprigs. Save
Golden, crispy Mini Star Cocktail Cups filled with savory shrimp salad, topped with fresh dill sprigs. | crumbnest.com

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

This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family parties because of its perfect balance of flavor and ease of preparation.

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

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare phyllo cups:
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).
Shape cups:
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.
Bake:
Bake for 8 10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool completely.
Make filling:
In a bowl, combine shrimp, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cucumber, red bell pepper, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
Fill cups:
Spoon the shrimp mixture into cooled phyllo cups just before serving.
Garnish:
Garnish each cup with a dill sprig and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
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Preparing these cups always brings smiles at our family gatherings as everyone eagerly awaits the first bite.

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

Calories: 100, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 4 g per serving

Picture the elegant presentation: delicious Mini Star Cocktail Cups ready to serve as appetizers at home. Save
Picture the elegant presentation: delicious Mini Star Cocktail Cups ready to serve as appetizers at home. | crumbnest.com

This appetizer is sure to impress your guests with its stunning presentation and delightful flavors.

Recipe FAQ

How do I make the phyllo cups crispy?

Brush multiple phyllo sheets with melted butter and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes, ensuring a crisp texture.

Can I substitute the shrimp filling?

Yes, crab or finely diced cooked chicken can replace shrimp. For a vegetarian option, diced avocado and extra vegetables work well.

What herbs complement the filling best?

Fresh dill enhances the filling’s flavor, offering a bright, herbaceous note that pairs well with lemon and seafood.

How should I store the prepared cups before serving?

Bake the phyllo cups in advance and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to retain crispness. Fill just before serving.

What beverage pairs well with these phyllo cups?

A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc provides a refreshing complement to the savory and citrus notes.

Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Crispy phyllo cups filled with creamy shrimp salad and fresh vegetables, ideal for elegant starters or snacks.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage International

Output 12 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Phyllo Cups

01 12 sheets phyllo pastry
02 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Filling

01 5.3 ounces cooked shrimp, chopped
02 1/4 cup mayonnaise
03 2 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
06 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber
07 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
08 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
09 Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 12 small dill sprigs
02 Zest of 1 lemon

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Phase 02

Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Lightly brush phyllo sheets with melted butter, stacking 3 sheets at a time. Cut into twelve 3-inch squares.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Bake Cups: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and allow to cool completely.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Fill Phyllo Cups: Spoon the shrimp mixture into cooled phyllo cups just before serving.

Phase 07

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

Tools needed

  • Mini muffin tin
  • Pastry brush
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat, dairy, egg, and shellfish; verify pre-made ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 100
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 4 g