Easy Phyllo Appetizer Bites with Fresh Mozzarella

This Phyllo Appetizer combines the crispy texture of golden fillo shells with creamy melted mozzarella and vibrant fresh tomatoes for an irresistible bite. Perfect for any gathering, the cups deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email Address

Email Address *

Save

🥟These appetizers come together in 10 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you need something impressive without the stress!

My 2 Best Tips For Making Phyllo Appetizer

Cheese Preparation: Cut the mozzarella into uniform ¼-inch pieces to ensure even melting and proper portion size in each shell. Fresh mozzarella can be watery, so pat it dry with paper towels before dicing to prevent soggy bottoms. Room temperature cheese melts more evenly than cold, so take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.

Shell Handling: Keep unused fillo shells covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. Fill the shells just before baking to maintain their crispiness, and don’t overfill them or the cheese will overflow. Place shells on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any cheese that might bubble over.

I like to pre-drain the tomatoes as this helps avoid the shells from getting soggy. To enhance the flavor of your bites, make sure to add basil after baking.

Stack several basil leaves and roll them tightly before slicing to create perfect ribbons (this technique is called chiffonade). Fresh basil wilts quickly on hot food, so add it just before serving for the best presentation.

Keep unused fillo shells covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. Fill the shells just before baking to maintain their crispiness, and don’t overfill them or the cheese will overflow. Place shells on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any cheese that might bubble over.

You can enjoy them as a sophisticated snack or light lunch! I love serving them with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

🩷 Melissa

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below and we will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you will get great new recipes from us every week!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Address Email

Email Address *

Save

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

4.30 from 17 votes

Easy Phyllo Appetizer Bites with Fresh Mozzarella

This Phyllo Appetizer combines the crispy texture of golden fillo shells with creamy melted mozzarella and vibrant fresh tomatoes for an irresistible bite. Perfect for any gathering, the cups deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Servings: 30 bites

Calories: 26kcal

Author: Melissa Griffiths

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going to sleep

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• 2 plum tomatoes diced
• 1 clove garlic minced or pressed
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 boxes Athens® Mini Fillo Shells 30 shells
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese ¼″ dice
• small handful fresh basil sliced into thin ribbons

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°.
• In a large bowl combine tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper, and olive oil.
• Fill the Fillo shells with the diced mozzarella. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and top with prepared tomatoes.
• Bake for an additional 5 minutes to soften the tomatoes. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil.

Notes

Serving Size: Each box of phyllo shells contains 15 shells, so two boxes make exactly 30 appetizers, which typically serves 10-15 people as part of an appetizer spread. Plan on 2-3 pieces per person if serving alongside other appetizers, or 4-5 pieces if these are the main starter.

Seasonal Variations: Summer cherry tomatoes work beautifully in place of plum tomatoes, while winter calls for sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water. Fresh oregano or thyme can substitute for basil when it’s not in season, creating different but equally delicious flavor profiles.

Wine Pairing: These appetizers pair wonderfully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or light reds like Chianti. The fresh tomato and basil flavors complement Italian wines particularly well, making them perfect for Mediterranean-themed gatherings.

Storage: Leftover filled shells can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, though they will lose their crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bite | Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 86IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 0.05mg

How To Make Phyllo Appetizer

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and mix diced tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl.

Step 2: Fill phyllo shells with diced mozzarella and bake for 5 minutes until cheese melts.

Step 3: Top with tomato mixture and bake another 5 minutes to soften tomatoes.

Step 4: Remove from oven and top with fresh basil ribbons. Serve immediately.

More Delicious Appetizers Recipes to Consider

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram.