Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Featured in: Happy Bites

These delicate phyllo cups feature layers of buttery, crispy pastry shaped into mini stars. Filled with a creamy blend of chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, and fresh vegetables like cucumber and red bell pepper, this appetizer combines savory and fresh flavors. A touch of lemon juice and dill adds brightness, while the golden, crisp cups offer a pleasing texture. Ideal for elegant gatherings, preparation involves gentle assembly and baking to achieve perfect crunch.

Variations include substituting shrimp with crab or chicken, or opting for a vegetarian version with avocado. Garnish with dill sprigs and lemon zest for a vibrant finish. Best served chilled to maintain freshness and texture.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:41:00 GMT
Golden crispy Mini Star Cocktail Cups filled with savory shrimp salad, topped with fresh dill and lemon zest. Save
Golden crispy Mini Star Cocktail Cups filled with savory shrimp salad, topped with fresh dill and lemon zest. | munchhug.com

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

This appetizer impressed guests with its elegant look and delightful flavors every time I serve it.

Ingredients

  • Phyllo pastry: 12 sheets
  • Melted unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
  • Cooked shrimp, chopped: 150 g
  • Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
  • Crème fraîche or sour cream: 2 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
  • Fresh lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Finely diced cucumber: 1/4 cup
  • Finely diced red bell pepper: 1/4 cup
  • Chopped fresh dill: 1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Small dill sprigs: 12
  • Zest of lemon: 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare Phyllo:
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.
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 12 cups.
Bake:
Bake for 8 10 minutes until golden and crisp Remove and let cool completely.
Mix 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.
Creamy shrimp and vegetable filling spills over the delicate edges of Mini Star Cocktail Cups, a perfect bite. Save
Creamy shrimp and vegetable filling spills over the delicate edges of Mini Star Cocktail Cups, a perfect bite. | munchhug.com

This recipe brings back warm memories of family gatherings where everyone reached eagerly for the appetizer plate first.

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

Close-up of elegant appetizer, Mini Star Cocktail Cups with visible shrimp and colorful pepper garnish. Save
Close-up of elegant appetizer, Mini Star Cocktail Cups with visible shrimp and colorful pepper garnish. | munchhug.com

Serve these cups immediately after filling to maintain the crispiness of the phyllo.

Recipe Guide

What kind of pastry is used for the cups?

Thin sheets of phyllo pastry are layered and baked to create crispy, delicate cups with a star shape.

Can I substitute the shrimp in the filling?

Yes, you can replace shrimp with finely diced crab or cooked chicken for different flavors.

How do I ensure the phyllo cups stay crispy?

Bake the phyllo sheets until golden and allow them to cool completely before filling to keep them crisp.

What ingredients add freshness to the filling?

Chopped cucumber, red bell pepper, fresh dill, and lemon juice contribute fresh, vibrant flavors.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for the filling?

Yes, diced avocado and additional vegetables can be used to create a creamy, vegetarian-friendly filling.

How should the cups be served for best taste?

Fill just before serving and garnish with dill sprigs and lemon zest for a fresh presentation.

Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Crispy phyllo cups filled with creamy shrimp and vegetables, ideal for elegant appetizers.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition preferences 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 12 small dill sprigs
02 Zest of 1 lemon

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to reach temperature.

Phase 02

Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Brush each phyllo sheet lightly with melted butter, stacking three sheets together. Cut the stack into twelve 3-inch squares.

Phase 03

Form Mini Cups: Press each square gently into a mini muffin tin to create star-shaped cups. Repeat the process using all phyllo sheets to make twelve cups.

Phase 04

Bake Phyllo Cups: Bake the filled tin for 8 to 10 minutes until the phyllo is golden and crisp. Remove and cool completely before filling.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Fill Cups: Spoon the shrimp mixture into each cooled phyllo cup just before serving to maintain crispness.

Phase 07

Garnish and Serve: Top each cup with a small dill sprig and a light sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains wheat (phyllo pastry), dairy (butter, crème fraîche), egg (mayonnaise), and shellfish (shrimp). Verify all pre-made ingredients for additional allergens.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 100
  • Lipids: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 4 g