Apple Gorgonzola Phyllo Tartlets

These Apple Gorgonzola Phyllo Tartlets are crisp, creamy, sweet-savory bites made with diced apples, tangy Gorgonzola, toasted pecans, lemon zest, and fresh chives tucked into flaky mini phyllo shells.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

They're quick enough for easy entertaining, pretty enough for afternoon tea, and just the kind of simple appetizer that feels a little special without being fussy.

While the filling itself is no-cook, I like to give the frozen phyllo shells a quick few minutes in the oven before filling. It refreshes their delicate crunch and helps them hold up beautifully to the creamy apple filling.

Ingredients

• Phyllo shells: Frozen mini phyllo shells make this recipe quick and simple. I like to crisp them briefly in the oven before filling, especially with a creamy filling.
• Gorgonzola cheese: This gives the tartlets their savory, tangy flavor. Let it come to room temperature so it blends easily.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese helps mellow the Gorgonzola and gives the filling a creamy, spreadable texture. Herbed whipped cream cheese is also delicious here.
• Butter: A little softened butter makes the filling especially smooth and rich. I prefer Irish or European-style butter when I have it.
• Apple: Use a crisp apple and dice it very small so each tartlet has a little sweetness and crunch in every bite.
• Lemon zest: Lemon zest brightens the filling and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Toasted pecans: Pecans add a beautiful crunch and a warm, nutty flavor.
• Fresh chives: Optional, but lovely for color and a delicate onion note.

How to Make Apple Gorgonzola Phyllo Tartlets

1. Remove the phyllo shells from the freezer and let them come to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Transfer the shells to a baking sheet and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, just to briefly crisp them. Let the shells cool before filling.
3. In a small bowl, beat together the Gorgonzola cheese, cream cheese, butter, lemon zest, and salt at medium speed until smooth, and fold in the apples.
4. Spoon dollops of the filling evenly into the cooled phyllo shells.
5. Top each tartlet with toasted pecans, fresh chives, and a little extra lemon zest, if desired.

Tips for the Best Phyllo Tartlets

• Dice the apple very small so the filling is easy to spoon into the shells.
• Crisp the phyllo shells before filling, even though they are already baked. It only takes a few minutes and makes a noticeable difference.
• Let the shells cool completely before adding the filling so the cheese mixture stays creamy and fresh.
• Fill the tartlets close to serving time for the best texture.

For another simple savory pastry idea, these Easy Summer Savory Tarts are a pretty addition to brunch, tea, or summer entertaining.

Make Ahead Tips

• The filling can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated in a covered container.
• Before serving, let it soften slightly at room temperature, then spoon it into the crisped and cooled shells.
• For best texture, I would not fill the tartlets too far in advance, as the phyllo shells will soften over time.

Serving Ideas

These little apple tartlets are perfect for afternoon tea, bridal or baby showers, holiday appetizer trays, book clubs, brunches, and simple gatherings when you want something pretty but easy. If you're building a tea tray, you'll find even more inspiration in these easy afternoon tea savory bites.

They pair beautifully with black tea, herbal tea, sparkling cider, or a light appetizer spread with fruit, nuts, cheese, and tea sandwiches.

For another sweet-savory bite, these Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates are a beautiful party appetizer to serve alongside a tray of apple tartlets.

More Savory Teatime Bites

• Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Appetizer
• Easy Afternoon Tea Savory Bites
• Easy Summer Savory Tarts
• Asparagus and Cheese Mini Tarts