Strawberry and Goat Cheese Phyllo Tarts: Under 30 mins (+Tips)

I’ve always got a stash of phyllo dough in the freezer. It’s my go-to for when I need an impressive appetizer in a hurry. One of my all-time favorite combos is the classic pairing of strawberries and goat cheese.

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Phyllo Tarts

That sweet-and-tangy flavor duo is an absolute winner, especially when you add the crispy, buttery crunch of phyllo. Let’s learn!

JUMP TO RECIPE

Brunch, Wine Night, or Anytime

These little tarts are pure magic. They’re fancy enough for brunch with friends or an elegant wine night, yet still so easy to whip up that they’re also perfect as a spur-of-the-moment treat. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, then just pop them in the oven when you want that fresh-baked goodness.

Here’s What Makes Them Irresistible:

• The Crunch: Phyllo bakes up into delicate, shatteringly crisp layers.
• Creamy Goodness: Goat cheese adds its signature tang and creaminess.
• Sweet-Tart Balance: Strawberries burst with juicy sweetness that perfectly cuts through the richness of the cheese.

I typically make these the day of my event for absolute peak freshness, but they’ll keep well for a day if needed. Believe me, they won’t last long anyway!

What is a Phyllo Cup?

If you’ve ever enjoyed the sweet, nutty layers of baklava or the savory, spinach-filled goodness of a Greek spanakopita, you’re already familiar with phyllo dough. This traditional Greek ingredient is made up of tissue-paper thin leaves of pastry.

Phyllo cups (also called filo cups, phyllo shells, or tart shells) take this versatile dough and transform it into perfect little vessels. Think of them as bite-size shells with an incredibly crispy texture. Imagine those thin layers stacked atop one another, brushed with butter, and baked until golden brown. That’s the magic of a phyllo cup – a flaky, airy, and light base for all sorts of ingredients.

The real fun part? Phyllo cups work with both savory and sweet fillings. You can use them to create elegant little appetizers or bite-sized desserts – the possibilities are endless!

Where to Buy Phyllo Dough

You’ll find both phyllo dough and pre-made phyllo cups in the freezer section of most major grocery stores. They’re usually located near the frozen fruit and other frozen pastry items.

Important Note: Phyllo dough is incredibly delicate and dries out quickly. Be sure to grab it towards the end of your shopping trip to minimize how long it’s out of the freezer, and always follow the thawing instructions on the package for the best results!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Phyllo Tarts Recipe

Recipe by Whisk and NibbleCourse: AppetizersCuisine: Mediterranean

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

Sweet, juicy strawberries and tangy goat cheese nestled in a crisp phyllo shell – a perfect flavor combination in every bite.

Ingredients

• 4–5 sheets of delicate phyllo pastry

• 3 tablespoons of rich, melted butter (for a touch of nutty flavor, try browned butter!)

• 3/4 cup of creamy, tangy goat cheese

• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (to balance the tartness)

• 1 cup of vibrant, sliced strawberries (or go wild and chop them for a jammier texture)

• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (this is key for thickening the filling)

Directions

• Get the Oven Ready: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) for that beautifully crisp phyllo.
• Sweet Strawberry Magic: Grab a small saucepan and combine your sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Give it a good stir until everything’s mixed in, then bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it bubble away for 10–15 minutes – the mixture will thicken up nicely.
• Layer Up the Phyllo: Gently roll out one of your phyllo sheets onto a large cutting board. Brush it generously with melted butter, covering the whole surface. Place your second sheet on top and repeat the buttery goodness.  Do this with two more sheets for extra flaky layers!
• Time to Cut Them Up: With a sharp knife (or try a pizza cutter for easy slicing), carefully cut your stacked phyllo into 12 squares.
• Build the Tarts: Line a 12-cup muffin pan with your phyllo squares, gently shaping them into little cups. Fill each cup with a tablespoon of creamy goat cheese and top with a generous spoonful of your thickened strawberry mixture.
• Bake and Behold: Pop the pan in the oven for about 15 minutes, Keep an eye on those edges – they’ll turn a lovely golden brown when the tarts are ready. Let them cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Store-Bought Shells: If you want to save time, you can absolutely buy pre-baked phyllo shells. These are ready to fill right out of the box!  While they’re generally pretty crispy, you can give them an extra boost by popping them into a warm oven, around 350 °F (175 °C), for 3–4 minutes before adding the filling.
• Make-Ahead and Storage: It’s best to fill and bake your tarts just before serving for the ultimate flaky, fresh experience. If you need to prep components ahead, the strawberry filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Each tart contains approximately 150-200 calories. Enjoy them as a special treat within a balanced diet.

Tips:

• Play with Sweet and Savory: Balance the richness of the goat cheese with a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking. Or, try a sprinkle of chopped, toasted nuts for extra crunch.
• Go for the Gold: Watch those edges! The phyllo is ready when it’s a deep golden brown for maximum crispiness.
• Let Them Cool Slightly: Resist the urge to bite in right away! A few minutes of cooling helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle.
• Customize Your Filling: Love a bit of spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the goat cheese.  Feeling fancy? A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds extra sweetness..
• No Muffin Pan? No Problem! Shape your tarts free-form on a baking sheet for a more rustic look.
• For a More Savory Twist: Try adding chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil to your goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

RELATED: How to Make Focaccia Bread

RELATED: Air Fryer Potato Wedges Recipe

Health Considerations

While these tarts offer the sweetness of ripe strawberries (which provide vitamin C and fiber), it’s important to remember that they also contain richer ingredients like goat cheese and butter. These contain saturated fats and cholesterol, so they’re best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet. Individuals with heart health concerns, high cholesterol, or dairy sensitivities should be especially mindful of their intake.

Conclusion

These strawberry and goat cheese phyllo tarts offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.  They’re surprisingly simple to create, making them perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to special occasions. Give them a try and see why these little treats are so delightful!

_____________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

What does phyllo dough taste like?

Phyllo dough is a type of pastry made from wheat flour. You’ll find it in the store in ready-to-bake sheets. When baked, those sheets magically puff up, creating multiple, super-thin layers – almost like tissue paper! The result is golden, incredibly flaky, and dry, with a delicate buttery and nutty flavor.

Are phyllo cups already cooked?

It depends! You can buy pre-baked phyllo cups, which means all the layering and baking is done for you – perfect for making those impressive appetizers in a flash! They’re also available unbaked (typically frozen), letting you customize them completely.

Can you freeze fillo shell appetizers?

Absolutely!  Prepare your phyllo appetizers following the recipe instructions, but stop short of baking them. Store the prepared (but unbaked) appetizers in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw – simply bake from frozen at 350 °F (175 °C) for 12–14 minutes until the cups are golden and crisp.

How to use leftover mini phyllo shells

Leftover phyllo shells open up a whole world of possibilities!  For savory appetizers, try fillings like whipped feta with herbs, spinach and ricotta, or mini crab cakes.  Feeling something sweet? They’re amazing with classic lemon curd, whipped cream and berries, or even tiny scoops of ice cream!

What is the difference between puff pastry and phyllo?

Both create flaky, delicious treats, but they’re made differently! Puff pastry is what’s called a “laminated” dough – lots of butter is folded into the dough repeatedly to make alternating layers. Baking puffs those up for a rich, airy texture. Phyllo is made with super-thin sheets of dough layered with oil or melted butter, giving it a crispier, shattering texture.

Does phyllo go bad?

Yes, but it keeps well with proper storage!  Refrigerate unopened phyllo dough for up to 3 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Once opened, try to use it within 3 days when refrigerated.  Baked phyllo lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Does phyllo dough contain eggs?

Traditional phyllo dough doesn’t use eggs or dairy, making it a great choice for vegan recipes!  It’s a simple, versatile dough that works for so many snacks and desserts.

Are there other names for phyllo dough?

Yes! You might also see it called filo (that’s just a different spelling of the same word).  In other cuisines, similar doughs have names like ruqaq, warqa, yufka, or flia – so many ways to describe those delicious, delicate layers!

If I don’t have phyllo dough, what’s a good substitute?

In a pinch, you can swap puff pastry for phyllo dough, though don’t expect exactly the same results.  Both are flaky and delicious, though! Honestly, the best way to get that signature phyllo texture is to use the real thing, as these versatile doughs are fairly easy to find and well worth trying if you haven’t explored them in your recipes yet.