DIY Phyllo Cup Appetizer Bar

When I have parties, I like to make A LOT of appetizers. I mean, in all honestly, 50% of my motivation to even host parties is to have the chance to make and eat a lot of appetizers.

The other 50% is to spend time with my awesome friends, of course. But for real, those appetizers  . . .

When I’m making a huge spread, it’s really important to have a mix of homemade/from-scratch items and dishes that take a little help from the grocery store.

While the words “semi-homemade” immediately make me think of that lame cooking show involving tablescapes and what not, it really is a pretty good description of my strategy for party food.

While putting out a bowl of crackers and dip is a great way to add another easy snack to your party spread, I’ve come up with another way to serve dip that is almost as fast, but a little bit more special.

You’ll actually spend more time gathering the ingredients at the store than you will assembling them.

First, is there a nice grocery store near you with an olive bar? Head there.

Along with olives, these bars usually offer things like pickled beans, marinated artichokes, and roasted garlic cloves, tomatoes, and red peppers. Choose a variety of things that look good that day.

Second, pick up a box of frozen phyllo cups. These little guys are always in my freezer because I know I can grab them and make a special phyllo cup appetizer with them right away, no thawing time needed.

By the time you’ve assembled them, they’ll be room temperature! Finally, grab a container of spinach and artichoke dip or any other creamy dip you like.

Do I really need to walk you through this? I’m guessing I don’t, but I will. Place the phyllo cups on a pretty board or plate. Dollop about a tablespoon of dip into each one.

Arrange all the toppings on your table with some small spoons and toothpicks, and let your guests pick and choose their own combinations.

I promise that your guests will love this appetizer, and guess what? You didn’t have to cook a darn thing.