Imagine biting into a delicate, golden-brown pastry that shatters with a crisp whisper, revealing a luxurious filling of sweet caramelized onions and tangy feta cheese. These Phyllo Star Clusters are not just a recipe—they're an edible work of art that will transform your appetizer game from ordinary to extraordinary! Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet experience, these Mediterranean-inspired delights are about to become your new favorite culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Carefully remove phyllo dough from package and allow to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, keeping sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions become deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- While onions are caramelizing, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Once onions are caramelized, remove from heat and mix in fresh thyme leaves and crumbled feta cheese. Allow mixture to cool slightly.
- Carefully separate phyllo sheets, cutting them into approximately 3-inch squares. Layer 4-5 phyllo squares at slight angles, brushing each lightly with olive oil to help them stick together and create a star-like shape.
- Gently press the layered phyllo star into a muffin tin cavity, allowing edges to create decorative points above the rim.
- Spoon caramelized onion and feta mixture into the center of each phyllo star, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until phyllo edges are crisp and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a serving platter.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or light meal, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Phyllo Dough Handling: Always work with phyllo dough at room temperature and keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out and cracking.
- Caramelization is Key: Take your time with the onions—low and slow is the secret to achieving that deep, rich golden color and sweet flavor.
- Oil Brushing Technique: Use a light touch when brushing olive oil between phyllo layers. Too much oil can make the pastry soggy, while too little won't help the layers stick.
- Muffin Tin Trick: Using a muffin tin helps create perfect individual portions and gives the phyllo stars their beautiful shape.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can caramelize the onions a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
- Serving Suggestion: These clusters are best served warm, right out of the oven when the phyllo is at its crispiest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
