What can you use instead of phyllo cups?

Although filo cups have a unique texture, if you ask for close alternatives, I will say very thin Gol Gappa shells (Panipuri shells), which are famous in Indian and Pakistani street food. Gol Gappa shells are too thin and can't hold most of the filling. Another one is mini tart shells or ready-to-bake puff pastry shells, which are too thick and can't match the flakiness of filo cups.

Should I egg wash filo pastry?

Filo or phyllo cups are not like puff pastry or pie dough, which require an egg wash. Egg wash is not necessary for filo pastry because brushing with butter between the layers is enough to make it crispy and brown. You can sprinkle sesame seeds or sugar crystals instead of egg wash.

How To Make Baklava Cups Or Filo Cups Appetizers August 29, 2025

Description

Filo cups are baked phyllo pastry filled with endless toppings and fillings. Their light, crispy texture makes them everyone’s favorite appetizer. Most importantly, these flaky vessels or cup-like baked goods delicately carry many fillings without falling apart!

I bought some of these premade phyllo cups from an online store. Unfortunately, they were quite expensive, and some of them were cracked when they arrived. The idea of just baking stacked phyllo dough moistened with butter came to mind. Luckily, they turned out fresh and crispy (just amazing). The brush of butter on layer upon layer made them flaky and brown. I made baklava bites that were loved by everyone in my family.

Ingredients

Scale

3 filo (phyllo) pastry sheets
4–5 tablespoons of melted butter

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Instructions

Layer the Sheets: Place the first phyllo sheet on a board and generously brush the entire sheet with melted butter. Stack the second sheet and brush again with butter. Stack the third sheet on the second and repeat the process.
Cut into square Pieces: Cut the stacked filo sheets into 12 equal squares.
Press into Mini Muffins: Press each piece into the muffin tray with hands or the bottom of a glass that fits in the tin. Once you are done pressing each piece of phyllo pastry.
Bake: Bake the phyllo cups in a preheated oven to 350°F for 15 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye on these baked cups and let them cool out of the oven without getting burned. Once baked, they are ready for exciting fillings and additions.

Notes

Brushing with oil or butter between phyllo sheets is necessary for creating beautiful flaky layers. If the cups are not properly brushed with butter, they will turn out dry and hard.
While baking these delicate cups, keep an eye on the oven so they bake till golden-brown and do not burn.
Use a sharp knife or cutter to cut the dainty stacked layers into squares; otherwise, they may tear apart.
Many recipes cut the sheets first and then press Individual sheets into a muffin tray. This process takes time, so stack the layers before cutting them into pieces.
Never thrust the dough into the muffin cups; rather, press lightly until it is fixed into the muffin mold.
Cool the filo cups before serving.
Fill the phyllo cups right before the moment you want to serve because filling them for too long makes them watery and soggy, especially watery fillings like watery fruits or vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Meal