Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Featured in: Cozy Snack Plates

These mini star-shaped phyllo cups offer a delightful combination of crispy pastry and a creamy, savory filling. The succulent shrimp mixed with a blend of mayonnaise, crème fraîche, fresh lemon juice, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and dill create a fresh and flavorful bite. Baked until golden and garnished with lemon zest and dill sprigs, they are a perfect elegant starter for any gathering. Quick to prepare and easy to assemble, they bring sophistication and taste to your appetizer spread.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:41:00 GMT
Golden, star-shaped Mini Star Cocktail Cups filled with savory shrimp salad, perfect party appetizers. Pin This
Golden, star-shaped Mini Star Cocktail Cups filled with savory shrimp salad, perfect party appetizers. | messli.com

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

This recipe always impresses guests when I serve these mini star cocktail cups at parties.

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:
Bake for 8 10 minutes until golden and crisp Remove and let cool completely.
Prepare 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.
Crisp phyllo pastry cups hold a creamy shrimp salad in these tempting Mini Star Cocktail Cups. Pin This
Crisp phyllo pastry cups hold a creamy shrimp salad in these tempting Mini Star Cocktail Cups. | messli.com

These cups bring back fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations where everyone enjoyed the elegant snacks.

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

Elegant Mini Star Cocktail Cups: flaky, golden phyllo and a chilled, flavorful shrimp mixture, ready to eat. Pin This
Elegant Mini Star Cocktail Cups: flaky, golden phyllo and a chilled, flavorful shrimp mixture, ready to eat. | messli.com

This appetizer always adds a touch of elegance and is a crowd-pleaser at every event.

Recipe Q&A

How do you shape the phyllo cups?

Stack three sheets of butter-brushed phyllo, cut into squares, then press each into a mini muffin tin to form star-shaped cups before baking.

Can I substitute the shrimp filling?

Yes, crab or finely diced cooked chicken can be used alternatively for similar texture and flavor.

How should the cups be stored if prepared in advance?

Store baked phyllo cups in an airtight container at room temperature; fill with the creamy mixture just before serving to keep crispiness.

What can I use as a vegetarian filling?

Diced avocado and extra vegetables make a fresh, satisfying vegetarian option for the filling.

What wine pairs well with these cups?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh and creamy flavors beautifully.

Mini Star Cocktail Cups

Crispy phyllo cups filled with creamy shrimp salad and fresh vegetables for a stylish starter.

Prep Needed
20 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Messli Tessa Marlow


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Notes None specified

What You'll Need

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 black pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 12 small dill sprigs
02 Zest of 1 lemon

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Lightly brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter, stacking three sheets at a time. Cut stacked sheets into 12 squares roughly 3 inches each.

Step 03

Form Cups: Press each square gently into a mini muffin tin to create star-shaped cups. Repeat with remaining phyllo and butter until you have 12 cups.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine Filling: In a mixing bowl, stir together shrimp, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cucumber, red bell pepper, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 06

Fill Cups: Spoon the shrimp mixture into the cooled phyllo cups just before serving.

Step 07

Garnish: Top each cup with a small dill sprig and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check each ingredient for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains wheat (phyllo pastry), dairy (butter, crème fraîche), egg (mayonnaise), and shellfish (shrimp). Verify all pre-made ingredients for possible allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

For general guidelines only. Not meant to provide medical or dietary diagnosis.
  • Caloric Value: 100
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 4 g