One of the simplest phyllo cup appetizers, this 4-ingredient sausage phyllo cup recipe is a crowd-pleaser for tailgates, holiday spreads, or any party.
Every good host needs a few ultra-easy appetizers that come together quickly for unexpected guests. These sausage phyllo cups are my go-to — a little bite I tried at a party years ago and have loved ever since.
What you’ll love about this appetizer:
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4 INGREDIENTS – phyllo cups, breakfast sausage (hot or mild), cream cheese and Rotel.
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FAST – Ready in under 30 minutes. You can prep the sausage filling ahead to save time.
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DELICIOUS – Creamy sausage, tangy tomatoes and a crispy cup make these always popular at gatherings.
Store-bought phyllo cups are a great shortcut for appetizers like this — keep a few boxes in the freezer and you can fill them with dips, spreads, or this tasty sausage mixture.
What are Phyllo Cups?
Phyllo (or filo) cups are tiny, baked pastry shells made from thin layers of unleavened dough. They’re sold frozen near puff pastry in the freezer aisle and are the same type of dough used for baklava. Their light, flaky texture makes them ideal for one-bite appetizers.
Prep Ahead: Phyllo Cups!
Keep extra boxes of phyllo cups in the freezer. They’re versatile, quick to bake, and can be filled with store-bought dips or homemade fillings like this sausage, Rotel, and cream cheese mix.
Tip: If you can’t find phyllo cups, try filling miniature crescent dough cups or baked wonton wrappers pressed into a mini muffin pan. The sausage filling also works well as a dip for chips if you have leftovers.
Sausage Phyllo Cup Recipe Notes & Tips
Here are a few notes to make this recipe even easier and customizable.
Phyllo Cups – Find these in your freezer aisle. If unavailable, use crescent dough or wonton wrappers in a mini muffin tin. Packages usually contain about 15 cups, so plan accordingly or save the extra filling for dip.
Sausage – Hot breakfast sausage gives a spicy kick. Use mild if serving kids or guests who prefer less heat. Italian sausage can be substituted if you prefer that flavor profile.
Rotel – A can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel) adds flavor. Choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference, or swap for plain diced tomatoes and green chiles.
Make it Spicy – For more heat, use spicy sausage, hot Rotel, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
This is an incredibly simple appetizer. Leftover filling is delicious served warm as a dip with tortilla chips.
These one-bite sausage phyllo cups combine a creamy, savory filling with a crisp pastry for an easy party snack.
Want more party bites? You’ll love these:
- Baked Muffuletta Dip
- Cold Caprese Dip with Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil
- Cuban Sandwich Skewers
- Olive Cheese Ball
Easy Sausage Phyllo Cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (hot or mild)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 10 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
- 45 phyllo cups (frozen)
- 2 tbsp chives, diced (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange 45 phyllo cups on a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the breakfast sausage until no pink remains.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth with the sausage.
- Drain excess liquid from the Rotel, then stir the tomatoes and chiles into the sausage and cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Use a small spoon to fill each phyllo cup with about a tablespoon of the sausage filling.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges of the cups are lightly golden and the filling is bubbling hot.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 5 g
Let us know how it was!