Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Featured in: Party Food Ideas

These mini star-shaped phyllo cups offer a delightful crunch paired with a creamy shrimp and vegetable filling. Made from layers of buttery, crisp pastry, they are baked to golden perfection and filled just before serving. The mixture blends cooked shrimp with mayonnaise, crème fraîche, and fresh diced vegetables, seasoned with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dill. Lightly garnished with lemon zest and dill sprigs, they create an elegant, flavorful starter perfect for entertaining.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:32:00 GMT
Golden-brown Mini Star Cocktail Cups, filled with creamy shrimp salad and fresh dill garnish. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Mini Star Cocktail Cups, filled with creamy shrimp salad and fresh dill garnish. | chomzo.com

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

I have always found these mini star cocktail cups to impress guests with their delicate flavor and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

  • For the Cups: 12 sheets phyllo pastry, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
  • For the Filling: 150 g cooked shrimp, chopped, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Garnish: 12 small dill sprigs, Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare phyllo cups:
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).
Shape 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 cups:
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool completely.
Make 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.
Delicate, crispy phyllo cups forming beautiful Mini Star Cocktail Cups with a savory shrimp filling. Save to Pinterest
Delicate, crispy phyllo cups forming beautiful Mini Star Cocktail Cups with a savory shrimp filling. | chomzo.com

This recipe always brings back special family moments, especially when we prepare the cups together for holiday parties.

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 per serving. Total Fat: 6 g. Carbohydrates: 8 g. Protein: 4 g.

Elegant Mini Star Cocktail Cups: imagine the refreshing shrimp filling against a golden, flaky crust. Save to Pinterest
Elegant Mini Star Cocktail Cups: imagine the refreshing shrimp filling against a golden, flaky crust. | chomzo.com

Enjoy these elegant mini star cocktail cups at your next gathering, a perfect blend of crisp and creamy in every bite.

Common Questions

How do I shape the phyllo into star cups?

Brush melted butter on stacked phyllo sheets, cut into squares, then gently press each into a mini muffin tin to form star shapes before baking.

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Bake and cool the phyllo cups in advance, but fill them just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.

Are there good substitutions for shrimp in the filling?

Crab or finely diced cooked chicken work well as alternatives for the protein in the filling.

What alternatives exist for the creamy base in the filling?

You can replace mayonnaise and crème fraîche with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.

How should these cups be served and garnished?

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh dill sprigs and a sprinkle of lemon zest for bright, fresh notes.

Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?

Yes, substitute shrimp with diced avocado and extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Crispy phyllo cups filled with creamy shrimp salad and fresh veggies, ideal for elegant gatherings.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
10 minutes
Time Needed
30 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

Required Ingredients

Phyllo Cups

01 12 sheets phyllo pastry
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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 pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 12 small fresh dill sprigs
02 Zest of 1 lemon

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 02

Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Lightly brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter, stacking three sheets at a time. Cut the stacked sheets into 12 squares approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) each.

Step 03

Form Mini Cups: Gently press each square into a mini muffin tin, shaping them into star-shaped cups. Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo and butter to make a total of 12 cups.

Step 04

Bake Phyllo Cups: Bake the formed cups for 8–10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Fill Cups: Spoon the shrimp and vegetable mixture into the cooled phyllo cups just prior to serving.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Top each filled cup with a small dill sprig and sprinkle with lemon zest for garnish.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (phyllo pastry), dairy (butter, crème fraîche), egg (mayonnaise), and shellfish (shrimp).

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 100
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 4 g