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    Home » Appetizers » Italian Ranch Phyllo Cups

    Published: Dec 5, 2022 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Italian Ranch Phyllo Cups

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Filled phyllo cups on a platter.
    Ranch cups on a platter.
    baked phyllo cups filled with cheese and vegetables.
    Italian Ranch Phyllo cups on a platter with olives and green onions.

    These Italian Ranch Phyllo Cups are bite-sized, vegetarian appetizers that are filled with flavor, simple to assemble, and add a pop of color to any spread. Use frozen mini phyllo cups and have these warm bites ready to serve in just 30 minutes!

    Filled phyllo cups with green onions and red peppers. this recipe

    Frozen phyllo cups are a great base for appetizers because they look pretty but aren’t a lot of work. These cheesy Italian Ranch Phyllo Cups are packed with both ranch and Italian seasoning for crave-able party food that is easy to make AND easy to eat.

    These bite-sized snacks always disappear on our appetizer table, and they go great with our popular Layered Greek Dip and sweet and spicy Candied Bacon. Simply put, they are the perfect party food.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    ✔︎ The shells are already baked, so the only real cooking your doing is warming the filling. Ready to go in 15 -20 minutes.

    ✔︎ Make them ahead of time! Mix the filling and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to fill and bake.

    ✔︎ These taste great at warm or at room temperature. No need to try and keep them warm for the whole party (if they last that long)!

    Ingredients

    Appetizers with short ingredient lists are always a win!

    Ingredients needed to make phyllo cups.

    Ingredient Notes:

    Mayonnaise: You can use full fat, light or avocado mayo and get great results.

    Ranch Seasoning: Make sure you use powdered ranch seasoning and not actual ranch dressing.

    Cheese: I used both Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses but feel free to use one or the other, if needed.

    Instructions

    It only takes a few minutes to mix up the filling for these easy vegetarian appetizers.

    Buttermilk, mayo and seasonings in glass bowl.

    Add seasonings, buttermilk and mayo in a medium bowl.

    Seasonings mixed in bowl with buttermilk and mayo.

    Whisk until combined.

    Cheeses and chopped vegetables in bowl with buttermilk mixture.

    Add shredded cheese, chopped red pepper, green onion, and kalamata olives to the bowl.

    Filled phyllo cups on baking sheet.

    Place one tablespoon of filling in each phyllo cup and bake at 350°F until melted and crispy.

    Stir until thoroughly combined.

    FAQs

    What is the difference between phyllo and fillo?

    They are actually the same thing, just spelled differently. However you choose to spell it, it is pronounced “fee-low”. The word "phyllo" loosely translates to "leaf" in Greek because the paper thin layers of phyllo pastry are used to make different desserts and appetizers.

    Are frozen phyllo shells already baked?

    Yes, the phyllo cups you find in the freezer aisle at the grocery store are already baked so you can eat them straight out of the package or heat them for extra crispiness. For best flavor, keep them frozen until you are ready to use them.

    Can I freeze filled phyllo cups?

    Yes, you can. But you must bake them and cool completely before freezing. When you are ready to use them, do not thaw first put them directly in the oven and bake until they are heated through. Do not freeze for more than a month for best flavor.
    Note: Do not freeze unbaked, filled phyllo cups as the buttermilk, mayo and cheese release water when thawed and give the filling an undesirable texture.

    Italian Ranch Phyllo Cups on a platter with olives.

    Recipe Shortcuts & Substitutions

    ✔️ Don't want to shred your own cheese? Use pre-shredded cheese from the dairy aisle.

    ✔️ Short on time? Buy chopped red pepper and green onions from the produce section of the grocery store.

    ✔️ Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to fill the shells and bake.

    ✔️ Want more protein? Add ½ cup of cooked and crumbled Italian Sausage to the filling mix.

    ✔️ Don't have Monterey jack cheese? You can use all cheddar or sub in mozzarella in its place.

    Expert Tips

    ✘ Keep the shells frozen until 30 minutes before filling for the freshest flavor.

    ✘ Use ranch seasoning, not ranch dressing. The added liquid will make the filling too wet and result in soggy shells

    ✘ Shred your own cheese for the best flavor. The short time it takes to shred the cheese is worth it. (But pre-shredded cheese will still work.)

    ✘ Cool baked phyllo cups on a wire rack to let air circulate around the entire cup to prevent soggy shells.

    Ranch phyllo cups on platter with sliced green onions for garnish.

    More Easy Appetizers

    Appetizers are near and dear to our hearts (and stomachs). Check out all these stuffed figs or some of our other favorite nibbles!

    • Black cutting board filled with mushroom bruschetta.
      Mushroom Bruschetta
    • bacon wrapped bites on a plate with toothpick.
      Easy Bacon Bites
    • stuffed mini peppers on a sheet pan.
      Stuffed Mini Peppers
    • Caprese skewers stacked on top of each other on a gray plate.
      Caprese Skewers
    
    
    Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
    
    Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 
    
    
    
    Phyllo cups on platter with green onions.

    Italian Ranch Phyllo Cups

    Garnish With Lemon
    These crispy, cheesy appetizers come together just 30 minutes and are always a crowd pleaser!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 30 phyllo cups
    Calories 49 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • Half Sheet Pan
    • Measuring Spoons

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅓ cup buttermilk
    • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
    • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
    • ¼ cup red pepper, finely chopped
    • ⅓ cup kalamata olives, chopped
    • ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
    • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 30 mini phyllo cups

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a medium bowl, add buttermilk, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning and Italian seasoning and whisk to combine.
      ⅓ cup buttermilk, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning, 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
    • Add chopped peppers, olives and shredded cheese to the buttermilk mixture and stir to combine.
      ¼ cup red pepper,, ⅓ cup kalamata olives,, ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • Place one tablespoon of filling in each phyllo cup and place on prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
      30 mini phyllo cups

    Notes

    Tips for best results
    ✘ Keep the shells frozen until 30 minutes before filling for the freshest flavor.
    ✘ Use ranch seasoning, not ranch dressing. The added liquid will make the filling too wet and result in soggy shells
    ✘ Shred your own cheese for the best flavor. The short time it takes to shred the cheese is worth it. (But pre-shredded cheese will still work.)
    ✘ Cool baked phyllo cups on a wire rack to let air circulate around the entire cup to prevent soggy shells.
    Recipe Shortcuts & Substitutions:
    ✔️ Don't want to shred your own cheese? Use pre-shredded cheese from the dairy aisle.
    ✔️ Short on time? Buy chopped red pepper and green onions from the produce section of the grocery store.
    ✔️ Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to fill the shells and bake.
    ✔️ Want more protein? Add ½ cup of cooked and crumbled Italian Sausage to the filling mix.
    ✔️ Don't have Monterey Jack cheese? You can use all cheddar cheese or sub in mozzarella in its place.

    VIDEO

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.005gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 102mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 84IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 0.1mg

    Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!
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    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

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    MEET LISA AND ANNA

    We're the creative juices behind Garnish with Lemon. In the past 10 years, millions of people have sipped & snacked on our recipes. Need easy, delicious party food and drinks for your next shindig? You’ve come to the right place.

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