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Lemon Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

Goat Cheese Appetizers

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (16 oz) phyllo pastry sheets, thawed
  • 8 oz goat cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, stems removed
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for drizzling)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Set up your work area with thawed phyllo sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.
  3. Place one phyllo sheet on a clean, dry surface and brush lightly with olive oil.
  4. Layer another sheet on top and brush with oil. Repeat until you have three sheets layered together. Create three stacks total.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  6. If using enhancement ingredients like pistachios or mint, fold them in now.
  7. Cut each phyllo stack into 6 equal squares (approximately 3×3 inches).
  8. Place a teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each square.
  9. Fold the phyllo squares by bringing all four corners to the center and pinching them together, or fold into rectangular packages.
  10. Seal the edges with a light brush of olive oil.
  11. Place parcels seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
  12. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil.
  13. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the phyllo is crisp and golden brown.
  14. If desired, lightly drizzle honey over the warm bites just before serving.
  15. Garnish with additional thyme sprigs or lemon zest if desired.

Notes

  • Keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
  • For best results, serve these bites warm within an hour of baking for the optimal crispy texture.
  • The filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites, Goat Cheese Appetizers, Phyllo Pastry Snacks, Zesty Lemon Bites, Mediterranean Finger Food