Elegant, delicious, and perfectly bite-sized—these Caramelized Onion Fig Jam Phyllo Cups with Blue Cheese are the ultimate holiday appetizer!
Caramelized Onion Fig Jam Phyllo Cups with Blue Cheese: A Bite-Sized Gourmet Delight!
I actually came up with this recipe last year when I was trying to use up a jar of fig jam sitting in my fridge. After a little trial and error, Caramelized Onion Fig Jam Phyllo Cups with Blue Cheese were born—and they quickly became a holiday favorite. The recipe got a lot of love last year, and now I’ve updated it to be completely plant-based. But honestly, vegan or not, these are perfect for the holidays.
There’s just something so undeniably elegant about the combination of caramelized onions and fig jam—it’s a timeless pairing that never fails to impress. The rich, sweet flavor of the caramelized onions, the fruitiness of the fig jam, and the creamy, tangy vegan blue-style cheese come together in perfect harmony to create a bite that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
Pre-baked phyllo cups are a total game-changer, saving so much prep time, and the caramelized onions can easily be made ahead. You can even experiment with different cheeses—like vegan brie or feta—or try a unique jam flavor to make these your own. Happy hosting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant and Impressive: These little bites look stunning on a platter and are perfect for special occasions.
Savory-Sweet Balance: The combination of caramelized onions, fig jam, and blue cheese hits all the right flavor notes.
Customizable: Swap the cheese or jam to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Manageable prep: While they take around 45–50 minutes from start to finish, pre-baked phyllo cups make assembly easy, and you can caramelize the onions ahead of time for stress-free hosting.
Ingredient Highlight: Fig Jam
Fig jam is a rich, fruity spread made from ripe figs slowly simmered with sugar—sometimes with a hint of citrus for extra depth. Its natural sweetness and subtle earthiness create the perfect contrast to savory ingredients like creamy cheeses and caramelized onions. Just a small spoonful adds a touch of luxury, turning simple appetizers into something that feels gourmet.
Madly Delicious Must-Know Tips and Questions
- Make Ahead: Prepare the caramelized onions up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently before assembling the cups.
- Customize the Flavors: Try swapping in different jams like apricot or blackberry, and use your favorite vegan cheese—brie-style, feta-style, or even cashew-based spreads all work beautifully.
- Presentation Perfection: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or a light drizzle of maple syrup or vegan honey for an extra elegant touch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free phyllo cups, which are available in some specialty stores.
Can I make them ahead for a party?
You can prepare the caramelized onions and assemble the cups a few hours in advance. Just wait to bake them until right before serving for the best crisp texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to crisp them back up.
Let’s Dish about Phyllo: Did You Know?
Phyllo dough—also known as filo—originates from Ottoman cuisine and has long been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Traditionally, each sheet was hand-rolled to an incredibly thin, almost transparent texture, showcasing the skill and patience of the baker. Today, phyllo continues to be celebrated for its delicate layers and versatility, lending itself beautifully to both sweet and savory recipes like baklava and spanakopita. It’s a true testament to how timeless techniques can continue to inspire modern cooking.
Looking for bite-sized elegance? Try my Caramelized Onion Fig Jam Phyllo Cups with Blue Cheese
Perfect for the holidays or any party, they’re an elegant, flavorful bite that’s sure to impress. Tag me on Instagram @madly__delicious with #UnleashTheDelicious and #MadlyDelicious—I’d love to see how yours turn out!
More Holiday Appetizer Recipes
Mini Latkes with Apple-Cranberry Compote
Blueberry Balsamic Crostini with Basil Cashew Ricotta
Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
Caramelized Onion Fig Jam Phyllo Cups with Blue Cheese
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Small to medium baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 package pre-baked phyllo cups (15 cups; found in the freezer aisle)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, adjust to taste
- 4 tsp fig jam (about ¼ tsp per cup)
- 2 ounces plant-based blue-style cheese (such as Miyoko’s Blue Cheese Wheel, Uncreamery Bleu, or any vegan tangy cheese crumble)
- Thyme, fresh or dried (optional, for garnish or cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Heat 2 tbsp plant-based vegan butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cover. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Uncover and continue cooking for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Add a pinch of fresh or dried thyme during the last few minutes, if desired.
- Assemble the phyllo cups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Add ¼ teaspoon fig jam to each cup, followed by a generous teaspoon of caramelized onions. (You may have a few tablespoons of onions left over—perfect for toast or grain bowls.) Top each with a small crumble of plant-based blue-style cheese.
- Bake the cups: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is softened and the cups are warm and crisp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.