Mini Phyllo Cups with Goat Cheese and Fig Jam

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.