Irresistible Greek Feta Dip Phyllo Cups in 15 Min

You know those party appetizers that disappear faster than you can say “pass the plate”? That’s exactly what happens every time I serve my Greek Feta Dip Phyllo Cups Appetizer. I first made these little flavor bombs for my cousin’s bridal shower last summer, and let me tell you – they were gone before I even got to try one! The crispy phyllo cups cradle this tangy, garlicky feta dip so perfectly, you’ll want to make double batches.

What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy they are) is how fancy they look while being so simple to throw together. Just last week, my neighbor texted me in a panic 30 minutes before her book club arrived – I ran over with these and she looked like a culinary genius. That’s the magic of this recipe: it turns basic ingredients into something special with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them for every gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Feta Dip Phyllo Cups Appetizer

Let me count the ways these little bites will become your go-to party hero:

• 15-minute magic – From fridge to table faster than your guests can finish their first drink
• That perfect crunch – The crispy phyllo cups give way to creamy, tangy feta in every bite
• Make-ahead easy – Prep components separately and assemble when needed
• Crowd-pleasing flavors – Even picky eaters can’t resist the garlicky, lemony goodness
• Endless variations – Swap herbs or toppings to match any occasion

Seriously, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t go back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients for Greek Feta Dip Phyllo Cups Appetizer

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible bites – I’m particular about a few ingredients, so pay attention to my notes!

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese – The good Greek stuff in brine, not the pre-crumbled kind (trust me, it makes a difference!)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt – Full-fat for creaminess, please – we’re not dieting today
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Your nicest extra virgin for that fruity finish
• 1 tsp lemon juice – Fresh squeezed only – bottled just won’t give that bright pop
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Go fresh here, and adjust up if you’re a garlic fiend like me
• 1 package phyllo cups (15 count) – Found in the freezer aisle, no need to thaw
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill – Dried simply won’t do, the fresh herb makes all the difference
• 1 tbsp chopped Kalamata olives (optional) – For those who love that briny punch

See? Nothing too fancy, but each ingredient pulls its weight to create something magical.

How to Make Greek Feta Dip Phyllo Cups Appetizer

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these addictive little cups! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to get them just right. Follow these steps and you’ll be the appetizer hero at your next gathering.

Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo Cups

First things first – preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Here’s my golden rule: always bake phyllo cups before filling them. They might look ready-to-eat right out of the package, but trust me, that extra 5 minutes in the oven transforms them from “okay” to “OMG crunchy perfection.”

Arrange the cups on a baking sheet (no need to grease it) and pop them in the oven. Set a timer for exactly 5 minutes – any longer and they might get too dark. When they’re done, transfer them to a cooling rack. Important: Let them cool completely before filling, or you’ll end up with sad, soggy cups. I usually use this waiting time to make the dip.

Step 2: Mix the Feta Dip

Now for the star of the show! In a medium bowl, combine your feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper. Here’s where you make a choice: for ultra-smooth dip, throw everything in a food processor and pulse until creamy. Want some texture? Just mash it all together with a fork until it’s mostly blended but still has small chunks of feta – my personal favorite.

Give it a taste – sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lemon or pinch of pepper. The flavors will develop as it sits, so don’t stress if it’s not perfect yet.

Step 3: Assemble and Garnish

Time to bring it all together! Using a teaspoon (not a tablespoon – these cups are small!), carefully spoon the feta mixture into each phyllo cup. Pro tip: Fill them just below the rim, or the first bite will send dip squirting everywhere (learned that the hard way at my aunt’s anniversary party).

Now the fun part – garnishing! Sprinkle with fresh dill and those chopped Kalamatas if you’re using them. For extra wow-factor, I sometimes add a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. These taste best if served within 2 hours, but honestly? They never last that long at my parties!

Tips for Perfect Greek Feta Dip Phyllo Cups Appetizer

After making these dozens of times (and yes, occasionally messing them up), here are my hard-won secrets for perfect phyllo cups every time:

• Full-fat is your friend – That Greek yogurt needs to be whole milk for the creamiest texture. Non-fat yogurt makes the dip watery and sad.
• Store smart – Keep baked cups and dip separate until the last minute. Assembled cups turn soggy in the fridge.
• Room temp feta – Take your cheese out 30 minutes early – it blends way smoother when not ice-cold.
• Watch those garnishes – Add fresh herbs right before serving so they stay bright and perky.

Follow these and your cups will be the talk of the party – promise!

Variations for Greek Feta Dip Phyllo Cups Appetizer

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Here are some tasty twists I’ve tried (and loved) over the years:

• Herb swap – Try fresh mint or oregano instead of dill for a totally different flavor profile
• Veggie boost – Mix in finely diced cucumber or swap olives for roasted red peppers
• Spice it up – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika to the dip
• Cheese change – Half feta, half cream cheese makes an extra creamy version
• Nutty crunch – Top with chopped toasted pistachios or pine nuts

The possibilities are endless – have fun making it your own!

Serving Suggestions

These little flavor bombs shine brightest when served at room temperature – the feta stays creamy while the phyllo stays crisp. I love arranging them on a wooden board with other Greek goodies like grilled zucchini, warmed pita wedges, and a drizzle of honey for contrast. Perfect with a crisp white wine or ouzo for the full Greek experience!

For larger gatherings, I incorporate them into mezze platters alongside hummus, dolmades, and marinated olives. Just be warned – they disappear fast, so I always stash a few extras behind the serving tray (my secret party trick!).

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the deal with these little guys – they’re best enjoyed fresh, but life happens! If you absolutely must store them, keep the baked phyllo cups and feta dip separate in airtight containers in the fridge (cups up to 3 days, dip up to 2). When ready to serve, give the cups a quick 2-minute toast at 350°F to crisp them back up before filling. Warning: Once assembled, eat within 2 hours or the cups lose their magical crunch. I learned this the hard way when my “time-saving” pre-assembly turned into sad, soggy disappointments!

FAQ About Greek Feta Dip Phyllo Cups Appetizer

I get asked these questions all the time when I serve these at parties – here’s everything you need to know:

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just keep the components separate – store baked phyllo cups at room temperature and feta dip in the fridge. Assemble right before serving for maximum crunch.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
You can, but the dip will be thinner. If you must, strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth for an hour first to thicken it up.

How long do leftovers last?
Honestly? You won’t have any! But if you do, store assembled cups in the fridge and eat within a day – they’ll soften but still taste great.

Can I use pre-crumbled feta?
I strongly recommend against it – the dry, powdery texture just doesn’t blend as nicely. A block of feta in brine gives that perfect creamy-tangy balance.

Nutritional Information

Each phyllo cup appetizer packs about 60 calories – mostly from that glorious feta and olive oil! These numbers are estimates (brands vary), but hey – we’re talking appetizers, not health food. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

Rate This Recipe

Did these little bites disappear as fast at your house as they do at mine? I’d love to hear how they turned out!

Print