Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups

There’s something undeniably delightful about bite-sized appetizers, especially when they’re bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Recently, I stumbled upon a recipe for Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups, and let me tell you, it was an instant hit in my household. From the moment the aroma of garlic and basil filled my kitchen, I knew we were in for a treat. The flaky, delicate phyllo cups provide the perfect vessel for a juicy, flavorful tomato and basil filling. Even my picky eaters, who are sometimes skeptical of new dishes, devoured these little cups of sunshine. They are incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for a quick snack, a light lunch, or an elegant appetizer for any gathering. The combination of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crisp phyllo is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both impressive and effortless, look no further – these Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

This recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor. You won’t need a long list of exotic items, just a few high-quality components that will make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups:

• Phyllo Dough: One package of phyllo dough, typically found in the freezer section. This paper-thin dough is what creates the incredibly light and crispy cups. Thaw it according to package instructions before use for best results and to prevent tearing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: About one pint (or around 2 cups) of fresh cherry tomatoes. Look for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes. These provide the sweet and juicy base for the filling. You can also use grape tomatoes if you prefer, they are equally delicious.
• Fresh Basil: A generous bunch of fresh basil leaves. Basil is the aromatic heart of this recipe, adding a fragrant, peppery, and slightly sweet note that perfectly complements the tomatoes. Fresh basil is crucial for the best flavor, dried basil won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
• Garlic: Two to three cloves of fresh garlic. Garlic adds a pungent, savory depth to the tomato and basil mixture. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the most pronounced flavor.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil. A good quality olive oil is important for both flavor and texture. It helps to sauté the garlic and tomatoes and adds richness to the filling.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A tablespoon or two of balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar provides a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the flavors and enhances the taste of the tomatoes and basil. Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best results.
• Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt. Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Season to taste, starting with a smaller amount and adding more as needed.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper. Black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground pepper is always preferable for its brighter and more aromatic qualities.
• Optional: Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese (about ½ cup). If you desire a slightly salty and tangy addition, crumbled feta cheese is a fantastic option. It adds a creamy texture and a salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes and basil.

Instructions

Creating these Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups is surprisingly straightforward. While working with phyllo dough might seem intimidating at first, with a few simple steps, you’ll be crafting these elegant appetizers like a pro. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the phyllo cups to a golden brown and crispy perfection without burning them. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. You can use cooking spray or brush with a little melted butter or olive oil. Greasing ensures the phyllo cups release easily once baked.
2. Prepare Phyllo Dough: Gently unfold the thawed phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface. Keep the stack of phyllo sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle. Phyllo dough dries out very quickly, so this step is crucial. Work with one sheet of phyllo at a time, keeping the rest covered.
3. Create Phyllo Cups: Take one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil (although olive oil is less traditional, it works well and keeps the recipe vegan if needed). Stack another sheet of phyllo on top and brush it again. Repeat this process until you have a stack of about 4-5 sheets of phyllo. Cutting the phyllo into squares first can make it easier to handle and fit into the muffin tin. Cut the stack of phyllo sheets into squares, approximately 4-inch squares should work well for standard muffin tins. Gently press one square stack of phyllo into each muffin cup, shaping it to fit snugly. You can create a ruffled edge by gently pushing the corners and sides into the cup. Repeat this process until all muffin cups are filled with phyllo.
4. Bake Phyllo Cups: Place the muffin tin with the phyllo cups in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the phyllo cups are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as phyllo can brown quickly. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Once they are golden brown, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the phyllo cups cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
5. Prepare Tomato and Basil Filling: While the phyllo cups are baking and cooling, prepare the tomato and basil filling. Wash and halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. Smaller tomatoes can be halved, while larger ones might need to be quartered for easier eating in the cups. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves.
6. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Add the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften slightly and release some of their juices. You don’t want to overcook them and make them mushy, just softened and slightly cooked through.
7. Add Basil and Balsamic Vinegar: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a touch more balsamic vinegar depending on your preference. The heat from the tomatoes will wilt the basil and release its fragrant oils.
8. Assemble Phyllo Cups: Once the phyllo cups are completely cooled and the tomato and basil filling is ready, it’s time to assemble. Spoon the tomato and basil filling into each phyllo cup. Be careful not to overfill the cups, as you want to be able to pick them up and eat them easily. If using feta cheese, sprinkle a small amount of crumbled feta cheese over the top of each filled phyllo cup.
9. Serve Immediately or Shortly After: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups immediately or shortly after assembling. The phyllo cups are crispiest when freshly filled. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can bake the phyllo cups and prepare the tomato filling separately and assemble them closer to serving time. However, keep in mind that the phyllo cups may soften slightly over time once filled. Enjoy these delightful and flavorful Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups as a delicious appetizer or snack!

Nutrition Facts

These Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups are not only delicious but also relatively light and nutritious, especially considering they are a delightful appetizer. Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional information per serving. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Servings: Approximately 12 phyllo cups (1 serving = 2 phyllo cups)
Calories per serving (2 phyllo cups): Approximately 150-180 calories

Per Serving (Approximate Values):

• Fat: 9-12g
• Saturated Fat: 2-3g

Note: These values are estimated based on a recipe using standard phyllo dough, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and a small amount of optional feta cheese. If you omit the feta cheese, the fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium content will be slightly lower. Using a lower-fat phyllo dough or reducing the amount of olive oil could also further reduce the fat and calorie content. For precise nutritional information, it’s always best to use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. However, these approximate values give you a good general idea of the nutritional profile of these tasty appetizers. They offer a good balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats from olive oil, and some protein, along with vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and basil.

Preparation Time

The beauty of these Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups is that they are relatively quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for both planned gatherings and last-minute cravings. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time:

• Prep Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes. This includes thawing the phyllo dough (if frozen, factor in thawing time as per package instructions – usually about 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator), preparing the phyllo cups (cutting and layering), chopping the tomatoes and basil, mincing the garlic, and sautéing the tomato filling. If you are efficient in the kitchen, you might even be able to shave a few minutes off this time.
• Cook Time: Approximately 8-10 minutes. This is the baking time for the phyllo cups in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
• Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes (excluding phyllo dough thawing time). From start to finish, including both preparation and cooking, you can have these delightful Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups ready to serve in about half an hour. This makes them a fantastic option when you need a quick and impressive appetizer or snack without spending hours in the kitchen. The majority of the time is spent in the initial preparation of the phyllo cups and the tomato filling, with a relatively short baking time to achieve that perfect crispy texture.

How to Serve

Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them suitable for numerous occasions. Their elegant appearance and delicious flavor make them a crowd-pleaser no matter how you choose to present them. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Appetizer for Parties and Gatherings: These phyllo cups are ideal as appetizers for any party, potluck, or social gathering. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to handle and enjoy while mingling. Arrange them beautifully on a platter for an eye-catching and delicious start to your event.
• Cocktail Party Nibbles: Serve them as sophisticated nibbles alongside cocktails. The fresh, bright flavors of tomato and basil pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks, from white wine to light cocktails.
• Summer Appetizer: Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, and outdoor events. The fresh and vibrant flavors are particularly refreshing on a warm day. They encapsulate the essence of summer produce.
• Light Lunch or Snack: Enjoy a few phyllo cups as a light lunch or a satisfying afternoon snack. Pair them with a simple green salad for a more substantial meal. They are a much more interesting and flavorful option than a typical sandwich or salad alone.
• Brunch Addition: Add them to your brunch spread for a savory and elegant touch. They complement both sweet and savory brunch dishes beautifully.
• Vegetarian Option: These are a fantastic vegetarian appetizer option that is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. They are flavorful and satisfying without any meat, making them inclusive for diverse dietary preferences.
• Elegant Starter for Dinner: Serve them as an elegant starter before a dinner party. They are light enough to whet the appetite without being too filling before the main course.
• Buffet Table Delight: Include them on a buffet table for any event. They hold up well at room temperature for a reasonable amount of time and are easy for guests to pick up and enjoy.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups are absolutely perfect every time, here are some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind. These tips cover everything from working with phyllo dough to flavor variations and storage:

1. Work Quickly with Phyllo Dough: Phyllo dough dries out very rapidly when exposed to air. Keep the stack of phyllo sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap at all times while you are working with it. Work with one sheet at a time and re-cover the rest immediately. This will prevent the dough from becoming brittle and tearing.
2. Don’t Over-Butter (or Oil): While brushing each layer of phyllo with butter or oil is essential for creating flaky layers, avoid overdoing it. Too much butter or oil can make the phyllo cups greasy. A light brushing is sufficient.
3. Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Add other vegetables like finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the tomato mixture. Roasted vegetables would also add a deeper flavor dimension.
4. Cheese Variations: If you’re not using feta, consider other cheese options. Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), small cubes of provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese would be delicious alternatives. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
5. Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato and basil filling. You can also use a clove of garlic that has been roasted for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor combined with the fresh minced garlic for a balanced garlic profile.
6. Make Phyllo Cups Ahead of Time: You can bake the phyllo cups up to a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Prepare the tomato filling separately and assemble just before serving. This is a great time-saving tip for entertaining.
7. Warm Filling for Warm Cups: While these are delicious at room temperature, for an extra touch of warmth, you can gently reheat the tomato filling before spooning it into the phyllo cups, or even briefly warm the assembled cups in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) for a few minutes just before serving.
8. Garnish for Extra Appeal: Garnish the finished phyllo cups with a fresh basil sprig or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance and visual appeal. A sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese or a dusting of paprika can also add a pop of color and flavor.

FAQ Section

Have questions about making Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups? You’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master this recipe and troubleshoot any potential issues:

Q1: Can I use pre-made phyllo shells instead of making my own cups?

A: Yes, absolutely! Using pre-made phyllo shells is a great shortcut and saves time. You can find them in most grocery stores, usually in the freezer section or the bakery aisle. Simply bake them according to package instructions (usually just a quick warming) and then fill them with the tomato and basil mixture. Keep in mind that pre-made shells might be slightly different in texture and size compared to homemade cups, but they are a very convenient alternative.

Q2: How do I prevent the phyllo dough from tearing when I’m working with it?

A: The key to preventing phyllo dough from tearing is to keep it moist. Always keep the stack of phyllo sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap when you are not actively working with it. Thaw the phyllo dough properly in the refrigerator according to package instructions, as rushing the thawing process can make it brittle. Handle the sheets gently and avoid bending or folding them sharply.

Q3: Can I make the tomato and basil filling ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the tomato and basil filling up to a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to assemble the phyllo cups, you can gently reheat the filling if desired, or use it cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Q4: How long will Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups stay crispy after they are filled?

A: Phyllo cups are best served soon after they are filled to maintain their crispiness. The moisture from the tomato filling will eventually soften the phyllo over time. If you need to assemble them a bit ahead, try to do so no more than an hour or two before serving. For longer make-ahead times, store the baked phyllo cups and the tomato filling separately and assemble just before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups?

A: It is not recommended to freeze assembled Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups, as the filling may become watery and the phyllo cups will lose their crispness upon thawing. However, you can freeze baked phyllo cups on their own. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them at room temperature and warm them briefly in a low oven to crisp them up again before filling.

Q6: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

A: There are many delicious variations you can explore! Consider adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling. You can also experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme in addition to or instead of basil. Different cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add unique flavors. For a richer flavor, try using roasted garlic instead of fresh minced garlic.

Q7: Can I make these phyllo cups vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily make these Tomato and Basil Phyllo Cups vegan. Simply ensure that the phyllo dough you are using is vegan (most brands are, but always check the ingredients). Use olive oil instead of butter to brush the phyllo layers. Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Q8: What if I don’t have a muffin tin? Can I still make phyllo cups?

A: Yes, you can still make phyllo cups without a muffin tin, although it’s a bit trickier. You can use small ramekins or oven-safe bowls to shape the phyllo cups. Alternatively, you can create free-form phyllo cups by layering the phyllo squares on a baking sheet and shaping them into small nests or cups. They might not be as uniform as muffin tin cups, but they will still be delicious and visually appealing. You can also use mini tart pans if you have those available.

Print