Crispy Mini BLT Cups
Delightful bite-sized BLT snacks made with flaky phyllo pastry shells filled with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a lemon-zested mayo. Perfect for entertaining or a special snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Phyllo dough sheets (thawed, about 20 sheets per package)
- Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo layers)
- Bacon strips (thick-cut, Applewood smoked recommended)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- Romaine or butter lettuce, finely shredded
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon zest
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the phyllo shells: Lay one sheet of phyllo on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Layer 3 to 4 sheets, brushing each sheet with butter as you stack. Cut the stacked sheets into squares about 4 inches wide. Gently press each square into a muffin cup, shaping it into a little shell. Repeat for the entire batch.
- Bake the phyllo shells for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully lifting out.
- While the shells bake, cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the filling: Mix mayonnaise with a teaspoon of lemon zest and a pinch of black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the cups: Spoon a small dollop of lemon mayo into each phyllo shell. Add chopped bacon, then top with halved cherry tomatoes and shredded lettuce.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt and a crack of black pepper. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Notes
Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Brush each phyllo layer with butter for crispness. Assemble cups close to serving time to keep lettuce crisp. Phyllo cups and filling can be prepared ahead and stored separately. Use gluten-free phyllo for gluten-free option. Bacon can be pre-cooked but crisp before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini BLT cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: BLT, phyllo cups, appetizer, bacon, tomato, lettuce, snack, finger food, easy recipe