Introduction

These Easy Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites are a delightful fall appetizer that combines creamy goat cheese with sweet pumpkin and warm spices. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy snack, they come together quickly using mini phyllo shells.

The image shows four small tartlets on a brown wooden board. Each tartlet has a crispy, golden-brown phyllo pastry shell with many thin, flaky layers that lift up around the edges. Inside, there is a glossy, dark amber-colored filling with a sticky texture. On top of the filling, there are small white dollops that look like soft cheese, sprinkled with tiny green leaves and a dusting of light brown powder. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 oz goat cheese, softened
0.25 cup pumpkin purée (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
0.25 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 package mini phyllo shells or small pre-baked puff pastry squares

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, pumpkin purée, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Step 2: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then stir with a fork until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Spoon or pipe the pumpkin goat cheese mixture into the mini phyllo shells or pre-baked puff pastry cups.
Step 4: Serve immediately for a warm appetizer, or chill in the refrigerator before serving if preferred.

Tips & Variations

Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a nutty crunch.
Add a tiny pinch of fresh sage or thyme, finely chopped, for a savory note.
For a little heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the mixture.
If using phyllo shells, reheat gently in a 300°F oven to restore crispness before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the phyllo shells soften, reheat them gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to help crisp them up again. Best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

The image shows four small tartlets on a round brown wooden board, each made of thin, crispy, golden-brown phyllo pastry forming a cup shape with multiple flaky layers. Inside each cup is a thick, amber-colored, glossy layer that looks smooth and slightly sticky. On top of this layer, there is a dollop of soft white cheese with a crumbly texture, and small green herb sprigs with tiny leaves are placed on the cheese for garnish. Small crumbs and a few sprigs of herbs are scattered lightly around the tartlets on the board. The background is a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is gently holding the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, cream cheese can be used as a milder, less tangy alternative, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Can I prepare these bites in advance?

You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and fill the shells just before serving to keep the shells crisp.

Easy Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 52 reviews

These Easy Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites are a delightful fall appetizer combining creamy goat cheese with autumnal pumpkin purée and warm spices, all nestled in crispy mini phyllo shells. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, they offer a sweet-savory flavor with a hint of cinnamon and a touch of honey for balance.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (phyllo shells pre-baked)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 oz goat cheese, softened
0.25 cup pumpkin purée (ensure it’s pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
0.25 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 package mini phyllo shells or small puff pastry squares, pre-baked in mini muffin tins

Instructions

Prepare the mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, pumpkin purée, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together with a fork until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Fill phyllo shells: Spoon or pipe the pumpkin goat cheese mixture into the mini phyllo shells or the pre-baked puff pastry cups evenly, filling each shell to the top without overflowing.
Serve or chill: Serve the bites immediately if you prefer a warm appetizer, or alternatively, chill them in the refrigerator before serving to allow flavors to meld and the filling to set slightly.

Notes

For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the bites.
A tiny pinch of fresh sage or thyme, finely chopped, can add a savory herbal note.
For a subtle heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
Phyllo shells can lose crispness over time; to restore, gently reheat them in a 300°F oven before serving.

Keywords: easy recipe, fall appetizer, goat cheese, pumpkin, mini phyllo shells, party bites, autumn appetizers