Name: Creamy Crab Phyllo Cup Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485688H52M3S
Total time: PT-485688H52M3S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package phyllo cups (usually 15 cups per package, frozen); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning); 1/4 tsp paprika; 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and shredded (fresh or canned); 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or preferred cheese); 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

I love serving these Creamy Crab Phyllo Cup Bites as an appetizer because they’re the perfect blend of rich, creamy crab filling nestled inside crisp, buttery phyllo cups. They’re easy to prepare and always impress at parties or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 package phyllo cups (usually 15 cups per package, found frozen)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning)

1/4 tsp paprika

1 cup lump crab meat, drained and shredded (fresh or canned)

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or preferred cheese)

1-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the crab mixture:
In a large bowl, I combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, and paprika. I mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, I gently fold in the lump crab meat and shredded mozzarella cheese, taking care not to break up the crab too much.

Fill the phyllo cups:
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then I arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet and spoon the crab mixture into each cup, filling them generously.

Bake:
I bake the filled phyllo cups for 10-12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Garnish and serve:
After removing the cups from the oven, I let them cool for a few minutes and then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 15 appetizer-sized bites, perfect for serving 6-8 people as an appetizer. The prep takes about 15 minutes, and baking is 10-12 minutes, so the whole process is under 30 minutes.

Variations

I like to experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a bit more flavor. Sometimes, I add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeño to give these bites a spicy kick. For a lighter version, substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream works well. You can also swap the crab for cooked shrimp or lobster to change up the seafood flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as the phyllo will lose its crispness.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve used canned lump crab meat before, and it works well as long as you drain it properly to avoid soggy filling.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the cups a few hours ahead and refrigerate them. Just add the parsley garnish and bake right before serving for best results.

What can I substitute if I don’t have phyllo cups?

Mini tart shells or wonton wrappers can be good alternatives. Just adjust baking time accordingly to avoid burning.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

You can try substituting the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives, but the texture and flavor will be a bit different. The phyllo cups are typically dairy-free.

How can I make these bites spicier?

Adding finely chopped jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the crab mixture gives these a nice spicy twist.

Conclusion

I always find that these Creamy Crab Phyllo Cup Bites are a hit at any gathering. The rich, flavorful crab filling paired with crispy phyllo cups makes for an irresistible appetizer that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether for a holiday party or a casual get-together, they never fail to impress and disappear quickly from the platter.