Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame
Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame are the perfect party appetizer. After making these many times, I discovered the trick to getting them golden and crispy every time. The crispy phyllo exterior gives way to a creamy, tangy goat cheese center. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Greek Yogurt Chia Pudding for Healthy Breakfast and Easy No-Bake Moroccan Almond Sesame Truffles Recipe.
Why This Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, flaky phyllo exterior
- Creamy, tangy goat cheese center
- Sweet and nutty honey sesame glaze
- Easy to make and impressive
What You'll Need for Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Phyllo dough
- Goat cheese
- Honey
- Sesame seeds
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Phyllo dough: Use store-bought for ease.
- Goat cheese: Creamy goat cheese works best.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Phyllo dough pastry brush — Ensures even oil distribution for crispy phyllo. → See on Amazon
- High-quality sesame seeds — Adds a nutty crunch and beautiful presentation. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame
- Prepare the filling: Mix goat cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Assemble the cigars: Lay phyllo dough flat, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika and sesame seeds. Spoon goat cheese mixture onto one end, fold into a cigar shape.
- Bake: Place cigars on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Glaze: Mix honey and warm water, brush onto cigars, and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overfilling the cigars to prevent them from bursting during baking. If this happens, simply spoon the filling back into the phyllo and continue baking.
- Pro tip: For extra crispiness, brush the cigars with beaten egg white before adding the olive oil.
- Pro tip: To make ahead, assemble the cigars but do not bake. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Freezing Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave: Not recommended for reheating.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the honey and use maple syrup instead.
- Best substitution: Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for goat cheese.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger parties.
- Troubleshooting: If the phyllo dough is too dry, lightly dampen it with water before assembling the cigars.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality phyllo dough — Ensures even baking and a perfect crispy exterior. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Phyllo dough
- Goat cheese
- Honey
- Sesame seeds
- Olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Mix goat cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Assemble the cigars: Lay phyllo dough flat, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika and sesame seeds. Spoon goat cheese mixture onto one end, fold into a cigar shape.
- Bake: Place cigars on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Glaze: Mix honey and warm water, brush onto cigars, and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the honey and use maple syrup instead.
- Best substitution: Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for goat cheese.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger parties.
- Troubleshooting: If the phyllo dough is too dry, lightly dampen it with water before assembling the cigars.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended for reheating.
- Make ahead: Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sat. Fat: 7g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame FAQs
Yes, see storage notes for make-ahead tips.
Ensure the phyllo dough is not too damp and the cigars are baked at the correct temperature. Overfilling the cigars can also cause sogginess.
Yes, but ensure it is thawed according to package instructions before using.
These are perfect with a side of hummus, tzatziki, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Goat Cheese Phyllo Cigars with Honey and Sesame and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
