Mushroom and Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

These mushroom and goat cheese phyllo bites are one of my favorite elegant yet easy appetizers. They’re buttery, savory, and full of flavor, with earthy mushrooms paired perfectly with creamy goat cheese inside crisp phyllo shells. I love serving them at gatherings because they look impressive but take very little effort to put together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines simple ingredients into something that feels gourmet. The phyllo shells are light and crunchy, the mushrooms bring a deep, savory taste, and the goat cheese adds richness. A drizzle of balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of fresh chives elevate them even more. These are bite-sized, making them perfect for parties and celebrations.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

6 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced (cut larger mushrooms in half before slicing)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
½ teaspoon salt
pepper, to taste
2 ½ tablespoon goat cheese (about 2 oz)
one 1.9 oz package mini phyllo dough shells (15 shells)
about 1-2 teaspoon balsamic reduction*
1 teaspoon fresh chives, minced

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms until they soften and release their liquid, about 6–8 minutes.
3. I stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. I remove the skillet from the heat and let the mushroom mixture cool slightly.
5. I place the phyllo shells on a baking sheet and spoon the mushroom mixture evenly into each shell.
6. I top each one with a small amount of goat cheese.
7. I bake the filled shells for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese softens and the shells are crisp.
8. I drizzle with balsamic reduction and garnish with minced chives before serving warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 15 phyllo bites. It takes 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake, so I usually have them ready in 25 minutes.

Variations

I like swapping goat cheese for cream cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor. Sometimes I add caramelized onions for extra sweetness. Fresh thyme or rosemary can also be sprinkled on top for a more herbaceous bite. For a vegan version, I use dairy-free butter and vegan cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

These phyllo bites are best served fresh, but I can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the shells. I don’t recommend microwaving since it makes the shells soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the mushroom mixture in advance and assemble the phyllo bites right before baking.

Do I need to thaw the phyllo shells?

No, the mini shells are usually ready to use straight from the package.

Can I use other mushrooms?

Yes, cremini, white button, or even shiitake mushrooms all work well.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, I use vegan butter and vegan cream cheese instead of goat cheese.

Do I have to use balsamic reduction?

No, but I love the sweet tang it adds. A drizzle of honey also works.

Can I freeze these phyllo bites?

Yes, I freeze them unbaked and then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

How do I stop the shells from getting soggy?

I avoid overfilling them and bake just until crisp before serving.

Can I serve these at room temperature?

Yes, but I prefer them warm since the cheese is softer and creamier.

What can I serve these with?

I like pairing them with a glass of wine or a fresh salad for a light starter.

Are these good for parties?

Absolutely they’re bite-sized, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

These mushroom and goat cheese phyllo bites are one of my favorite appetizers for entertaining. I love how the earthy mushrooms, tangy goat cheese, and crisp phyllo shells come together in a perfectly balanced bite. They’re quick to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress guests.

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