Intro
Hi, I’m Dulcia. I love simple, flavorful bites that come together fast. These Mediterranean Feta Bites are little phyllo cups filled with a bright mix of feta, tomato, cucumber and herbs. They are perfect for parties, weeknight snacks, or a light starter.
Origins
This idea mixes classic Mediterranean flavors – salty feta, fresh tomato and cucumber, lemon and olive oil – with ready-made phyllo shells for an easy assembly. Feta has deep roots in Greece, where it is a staple in salads and small plates. For background on feta, see the Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feta. For food handling guidance, the USDA has helpful resources: https://www.usda.gov/food-safety.
Ingredients
- 15 Phyllo Shells
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 green onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp dried basil
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp dried dill
If you like, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. I keep the quantities small to preserve the delicate balance inside each phyllo cup.
Instructions
- Chop the tomato, cucumber, and onion. You can peel the cucumber before chopping if you’d like.
- Add the feta, tomato, cucumber, and onion to a small bowl.
- Add the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices to a pinch bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour the liquid seasoning blend over the other ingredients, and toss to combine.
- Distribute the mixture evenly between the Phyllo Shells.
These steps are quick and forgiving. If the mixture seems a little loose, drain excess liquid from the tomato before combining.
Print
Delightful Feta Tomato Phyllo Cups
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 15 phyllo cups 1x
Description
Mini phyllo cups filled with feta, tomato, cucumber, green onion, and herbs.
Ingredients
- 15 phyllo shells
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 green onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp dried basil
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp dried dill
Instructions
- Chop the tomato, cucumber, and green onion (peel the cucumber first if desired).
- Combine the crumbled feta, chopped tomato, chopped cucumber, and diced green onion in a small bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried dill.
- Pour the dressing over the feta and vegetables and toss to combine.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the phyllo shells and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
Tips
- Use firm tomatoes to avoid excess moisture.
- If phyllo shells are very crisp, fill them just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Make the filling ahead and refrigerate for up to one day. Fill the shells shortly before guests arrive.
- For extra brightness, add a sprinkle of lemon zest.
For more ideas on quick bites and bread pairing, see my site: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/ and a related appetizer-style bread post: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/cheesecake-factory-bread/.
Variations
- Add chopped kalamata olives and a pinch of oregano for a Greek twist.
- Swap cucumber for finely diced roasted red pepper for a sweeter note.
- Use fresh dill or basil instead of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- For a creamy variation, fold in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt with the feta.
FAQ
Q: Can I prepare these in advance?
A: Prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Fill the phyllo shells shortly before serving to maintain crispness.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: Yes. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, and adjust to taste.
Q: Are phyllo shells gluten-free?
A: Most store-bought phyllo shells contain wheat. Look for specialty gluten-free shells if you need a gluten-free option.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Feta Bites are a fast, crowd-pleasing appetizer with bright flavors and minimal fuss. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. If you try them, I would love to hear how you customized the filling.
