California Roll in a Bite: Crab & Cucumber Phyllo Cups

Crab and cucumber phyllo cups are a spin on a crab cucumber California roll. These fun little phyllo cups are a bite of deliciousness. This appetizer is full of flavor, affordable, and lower in calories. The whipped cream cheese, cucumber, and imitation crab are so easy to put together. This appetizer can be ready in a few minutes for a party, an unexpected guest, or you want a great treat for binge-watching a favorite TV show. Hey, don't tell Amy I sometimes make these when she's out running errands!!!!

As I mentioned, these fun little bites are super easy to make, have a little bit of spice from wasabi, and look like a fancy appetizer. We found the imitation crab has a great flavor, is easy to work with, and, the best part, it costs a lot less than real crab meat. A package goes a long way and can be used in other great ways. For example, we love a fun brunch with an English muffin, poached eggs, and crab. Oh, and of course champagne!!!!

Making the Crab and Cucumber Phyllo Cups

These crab and cucumber phyllo cups are almost as much fun to make as they are to eat. They make a perfect bite-sized appetizer that is great for any time of the year. We love them for a Friday night Martini time. Amy usually makes the Martini, and I make the appetizer. (With this fun appetizer recipe, I'm always done before the cocktails!!!)

We like to bake the phyllo cups first. This step isn't necessary if you're in a big hurry, but it usually only takes 3 minutes for the cups to get a nice golden crispy crunch.

While the Phyllo cups are in the oven (or air fryer), chop the cucumber. Mix the cucumber with the whipped cream cheese. I like to use whipped cream cheese because it's easy to mix, and we can usually use less than when using regular cream cheese.

We recommend the Imitation Crab for this recipe, it has a great taste and texture and is a fun addition to the appetizer.

We like a little spice, and to make this like a Crab California roll (without the rice), we add Wasabi on top.

Top each filled phyllo cup with some wasabi. We usually put a nice amount (about the size of a dime) in really spicy cups. You know the spicy when you bite, and your nose starts to burn for a few minutes. We call this a sinus, eye-opening, toe-curling bite! If you don't like spice, don't add any wasabi or a tiny amount. We like to let our friends add their own...this way, they remain our friends!!! 😆

We now always have phyllo cups and imitation crab in the freezer just for that last-minute urge for a fun appetizer or easy snack.

I hope you enjoy these cups as much as we do. This is a fun appetizer recipe for any time of the year!!!!

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