Gorgonzola and Ham Phyllo Purses Recipe: Easy Elegant Appetizer 2026

These Gorgonzola DOP and ham phyllo purses are a brilliant way to surprise your guests with an appetizer that looks far more complicated than it is. Delicate sheets of phyllo pastry wrap around a creamy, savory filling of sweet Gorgonzola DOP and chopped serrano ham, creating an irresistible bite.

The magic lies in the contrast: the crisp, golden phyllo against the soft, tangy cheese and the salty kick of the ham. It's a combination that feels elegant yet comes together with just four ingredients and a little care.

Phyllo dough is delicate and dries out quickly, so work fast and keep the sheets covered with a damp cotton cloth while you assemble. With a 20-minute prep and 20 minutes in the oven, these little purses are perfect for parties, tapas nights, or any occasion that calls for a creative, flavorful starter.

The filling uses sweet Gorgonzola DOP for a smooth, creamy texture that balances the saltiness of the serrano ham. Each purse is made from four layers of phyllo, giving it a wonderfully flaky shell that shatters with every bite.

Once baked, the purses are tied with food-safe string to hold their shape, then cooled briefly on a rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature for an appetizer that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ingredients for Gorgonzola and Ham Phyllo Purses

Makes 8 purses

• 150 g sweet Gorgonzola DOP cheese
• 80 g chopped serrano ham
• 8 sheets phyllo dough
• 20 g melted butter

How to Make Gorgonzola and Ham Phyllo Purses Step by Step

1. Crumble the Gorgonzola

Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) with top and bottom heat. Remove the rind from 150 g of sweet Gorgonzola DOP and crumble the cheese into a bowl.

2. Mix in the ham

Add 80 g of chopped serrano ham to the bowl and mix it very well with the Gorgonzola. Set the filling aside.

3. Cut the phyllo into squares

Lay out 8 sheets of phyllo dough and divide each into 4 equal squares by cutting in half first, then in half again, working one sheet at a time. Keep the sheets you aren't using covered with a damp cotton cloth to prevent them from drying out.

4. Add the filling

Group the phyllo squares into sets of 4, since each purse will have 4 layers. Divide the Gorgonzola and ham filling into 8 portions and place one portion on each group of squares.

5. Form and tie the purses

Gather each group of phyllo squares into a purse shape and secure it with food-safe string.

6. Brush with butter and bake

Place the filled phyllo purses on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with 20 g of melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown to your liking.

7. Cool and serve

Once baked, remove the purses from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool slightly, remove the string, and serve warm or cold.

Tips for the Best Gorgonzola and Ham Phyllo Purses

Handle the phyllo with care

Phyllo dough is delicate and can tear easily if it dries out. Work quickly and keep the sheets you're not using covered with a damp cotton cloth to maintain their moisture.

Balance the filling

Sweet Gorgonzola DOP gives a soft, creamy filling that contrasts perfectly with the salty serrano ham. The combination of the creamy cheese and crispy phyllo makes each bite irresistible.

Serve creatively

These purses are ideal for surprising guests with a touch of creativity and good taste. Serve them as an appetizer at parties or as part of a tapas spread.

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If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a blend of cozy comfort classics, well-loved dishes from around the globe, and desserts that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I typically reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and soothing sounds right, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my go-to.

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On the sweet side, the rich, silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I turn to when I want something impressive yet simple. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled on the well-known Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, understanding how to make syrup for better dessert texture helps, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something light and uncomplicated is what I'm after, I'll usually go with the timeless Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For richer comfort cooking, I'm quick to point people to the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the smooth Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the fast weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

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