Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Featured in: Snack Time Bites

These mini star-shaped phyllo cups offer a delightful crunch paired with a creamy, savory shrimp and vegetable filling. Lightly buttered and baked until golden, the cups provide a perfect base for a fresh mix of shrimp, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, crisp cucumber, red bell pepper, and fresh dill. Garnished with lemon zest and dill sprigs, they make a refined appetizer for any occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, they're simple to assemble and impress with fresh, balanced flavors.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:08:00 GMT
Golden Mini Star Cocktail Cups filled with creamy shrimp salad, a delightful appetizer choice. Save to Pinterest
Golden Mini Star Cocktail Cups filled with creamy shrimp salad, a delightful appetizer choice. | recipesbies.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 my favorite for entertaining guests due to its impressive presentation and delightful flavors.

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 to 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.
Save to Pinterest
| recipesbies.com

These cups always bring my family together during celebrations, sparking joy and conversation.

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 per serving. Total Fat: 6 g. Carbohydrates: 8 g. Protein: 4 g.

Crispy phyllo Mini Star Cocktail Cups overflowing with a fresh shrimp and vegetable filling, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Crispy phyllo Mini Star Cocktail Cups overflowing with a fresh shrimp and vegetable filling, ready to eat. | recipesbies.com

This elegant appetizer impresses every time and is perfect for any occasion.

Answers to Recipe Questions

How do I shape the phyllo cups?

Stack three buttered phyllo sheets, cut into squares, then gently press each into a mini muffin tin to form star shapes before baking.

Can I use other fillings besides shrimp?

Yes, crab or finely diced cooked chicken can be substituted, or use diced avocado and extra vegetables for a vegetarian option.

How to prevent phyllo from drying out?

Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth before use and brush lightly with melted butter to maintain crispness and prevent drying.

What’s the best way to serve these cups?

Spoon the filling into the cooled phyllo cups just before serving, then garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon zest for extra flavor.

Can these be prepared in advance?

Bake the cups ahead and store separately; add the filling and garnish shortly before serving to maintain texture and freshness.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy shrimp and fresh citrus notes beautifully.

Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Crispy phyllo cups with creamy shrimp and vegetable filling, perfect for elegant gatherings.

Prep duration
20 mins
Time to cook
10 mins
Overall time
30 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Serves 12 Serving size

Dietary Details None specified

What you need

For the Cups

01 12 sheets phyllo pastry
02 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

For the 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

For Garnish

01 12 small dill sprigs
02 Zest of 1 lemon

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Prepare phyllo cups: Lightly brush phyllo sheets with melted butter, stacking three sheets at a time. Cut the stacked sheets into twelve 3-inch squares.

Step 03

Shape cups: Press each square gently into a mini muffin tin to create star-shaped cups. Repeat until all phyllo sheets are used to form twelve cups.

Step 04

Bake cups: Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Step 05

Prepare filling: Combine chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cucumber, red bell pepper, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Equipment You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains wheat, dairy, egg, and shellfish allergens.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 100
  • Fat content: 6 g
  • Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein content: 4 g