Description
Crispy, golden phyllo cups filled with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil these heart-shaped Caprese bites are a beautiful and delicious appetizer perfect for Valentine’s Day or romantic gatherings.
Ingredients
12 mini phyllo shells (store-bought or homemade)
6 cherry tomatoes, halved
6 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
Fresh basil leaves, small
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper, to taste
Heart-shaped cookie cutter (optional, for shaping phyllo if making homemade)
Phyllo dough sheets (if not using pre-made cups)
2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
1. If making homemade cups, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
2. Cut phyllo sheets into small squares and layer 4–5 pieces in each muffin cup, brushing lightly with melted butter or oil between layers.
3. Press into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or gently pinch the tops into a heart form.
4. Bake for 6–8 minutes, until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
5. If using pre-made shells, simply place them on a serving platter.
6. Fill each phyllo cup with a halved mozzarella ball and half a cherry tomato.
7. Add a small basil leaf on top.
8. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze.
9. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve immediately as a fresh, bite-sized appetizer.
Notes
For extra flair, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or a few drops of pesto before serving.
If preparing ahead, keep phyllo cups separate and fill just before serving to maintain crispness.
These make a perfect Valentine’s Day appetizer or elegant addition to a dinner party spread.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 phyllo cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: heart shaped caprese cups, phyllo cup appetizers, valentine appetizer, mini caprese bites