When it comes to holiday entertaining, few things hit the mark like an appetizer that’s bite-sized, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. These Mini Phyllo Cups with Goat Cheese and Fig Jam check all those boxes, making them a standout star for your Christmas gathering. Whether you’re pulling together a platter of simple Christmas appetizers or looking for that one elegant bite to elevate your christmas charcuterie board, these mini treats are an effortless yet impressive solution. Creamy, tangy goat cheese nestled in crisp phyllo shells, topped with luscious fig jam and a touch of thyme—this is the kind of bite that disappears in seconds and leaves guests asking for the recipe.
Mini Phyllo Cups with Goat Cheese and Fig Jam
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, French, Mediterranean
Servings 15 bites (1 per phyllo cup; easily doubled or tripled)
Mixing bowl To blend the cheeses into a smooth mixture.
Hand mixer or whisk A hand mixer is faster, but a sturdy whisk works fine if you don’t mind a little elbow grease.
Teaspoon or small scoop To fill the phyllo cups evenly.
Serving tray or platter For presentation. Wooden boards work beautifully if incorporating into a Christmas charcuterie board.
Small spoon or piping bag To neatly add fig jam on top.
- 1 package of mini phyllo shells 15 count – These are pre-baked and found in the freezer section. No need to bake from scratch.
- 4 oz goat cheese soft, room temperature – This creates the creamy base with tangy richness.
- 2 oz cream cheese softened – Helps smooth out the goat cheese and adds creaminess.
- 3 tbsp fig jam or fig preserves – Sweet sticky, and rich. Look for high-quality or homemade fig jam if possible.
- 1 tbsp honey – Optional but a little drizzle adds a delicate sweetness.
- Fresh thyme leaves about 1 tsp – Adds a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans 2 tbsp – Optional, but adds crunch and a nutty contrast.
Prep the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese and cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. For a hint of sweetness, mix in 1 teaspoon of honey. Set aside.
Assemble the Phyllo Cups
Place the mini phyllo shells on a tray or baking sheet. If you’re serving them warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Using a teaspoon or small scoop, fill each phyllo shell with about a heaping teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Smooth out the tops slightly.
Add the Fig Jam
Top each cheese-filled cup with about ½ teaspoon of fig jam. If you’re going for presentation, use a piping bag or a small spoon to neatly dollop the jam.
Optional Bake
If you'd like to serve them warm, pop the filled cups into the preheated oven for about 5 minutes—just enough to warm the cheese through. This step is optional but brings out a little extra flavor.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the cups from the oven (if warmed). Drizzle a touch of honey over each one if you like a sweeter bite. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a few chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and contrast.
Transfer to a festive platter and serve immediately.
Pairings
These little bites are incredibly versatile, making them one of those perfect christmas party fingerfood ideas that goes with just about anything. Here are some pairing ideas to turn this simple appetizer into a well-rounded offering:
- Wine: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a semi-dry Riesling. The acidity cuts through the creamy cheese, while the fruity notes highlight the fig jam.
- Sparkling Options: A glass of Prosecco or Champagne pairs wonderfully—especially for holiday toasts.
- Charcuterie Board: Add these to a christmas charcuterie board alongside cured meats like prosciutto, aged cheddar, olives, grapes, and rosemary crackers. The sweet-savory profile of these cups is a delightful contrast to salty meats and sharp cheeses.
- Cocktails: A rosemary gin fizz or spiced cranberry bourbon smash complements the herb and fig notes beautifully.
FAQs
1. Can I use another cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try whipped feta for a saltier bite, or even Boursin for a herbed creamy version. Ricotta is milder but works if you prefer a more neutral base.
2. Should the phyllo cups be served warm or cold?
They’re delicious both ways. Serve them cold for a crisp, refreshing bite or warm them slightly to soften the cheese and intensify the flavor. Both versions are great for christmas eve appetizers or as easy finger foods during a cocktail hour.
3. How far in advance can I prepare these?
You can mix the cheese filling up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Assemble the cups up to 2 hours before serving. Wait to add the fig jam and garnishes until just before serving to maintain texture.
4. Are these gluten-free?
Standard phyllo cups contain wheat and are not gluten-free. However, you can find or make gluten-free versions using alternative pastry shells or serve the cheese-fig mixture on gluten-free crackers as an adaptation.
5. What’s the best fig jam to use?
Look for high-quality fig jam with minimal ingredients—just figs, sugar, and lemon juice if possible. Brands like Dalmatia or Bonne Maman are great choices. If you’re making your own, dried figs simmered with honey and water make a delicious quick jam.
