Bite-sized, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, these Mini Steak and Cheese Cups are the ultimate savory appetizer. Perfect for game days, parties, or even an indulgent snack, each cup is packed with juicy steak, melted cheese, and crisp veggies, all nestled inside a golden flaky crust. It’s everything you love about a steak and cheese sandwich, downsized into portable, delicious bites.

What makes these little cups so fantastic is the balance of flavors and textures in every bite. The buttery pastry shell contrasts beautifully with the tender steak and gooey cheese, while the diced peppers add a pop of sweetness and color. They’re simple to assemble but look and taste like gourmet finger food your guests will rave about.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make perfect Mini Steak and Cheese Cups, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials that help streamline the prep and ensure beautiful results:

Mini Muffin Tin: This is the heart of the recipe. It shapes each pastry into the perfect bite-sized cup and ensures even cooking.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Precise chopping of steak, peppers, and onions is key for consistency and even distribution.
Cutting Board: Use a sturdy, non-slip board to safely prepare all your ingredients.

Skillet or Sauté Pan: Searing the steak properly builds flavor with a good crust.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing the steak, veggies, and cheese together before filling the cups.
Rolling Pin (Optional): If using store-bought dough, a rolling pin helps thin it out to fit the muffin tin without being too bulky.

These tools help you work efficiently, keeping your prep organized and your results picture-perfect.

Ingredients for the Mini Steak and Cheese Cups

Steak (sirloin or ribeye): The star of the show. You want a cut that’s flavorful and tender, searing beautifully while staying juicy inside the cup.
Mini Tart or Puff Pastry Dough: Acts as the base and container. Flaky and buttery, it elevates the bite with texture and richness.

Shredded Cheese (Provolone, Mozzarella, or Cheddar): Melts into the steak mixture, giving it that essential cheesy pull and creaminess.
Red and Green Bell Peppers: These bring a slight sweetness and a vibrant crunch, balancing the richness of the steak and cheese.
Onion (yellow or sweet): Adds depth and savory notes, bringing all the filling ingredients together.

Garlic (minced): A subtle flavor booster that enhances the umami profile of the filling.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and searing, it helps build a rich flavor base.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.

How To Make the Mini Steak and Cheese Cups

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your diced steak with salt and pepper, then sear until browned and just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers until soft and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic in the last 30 seconds and stir until fragrant. Combine this with the cooked steak.

Step 3: Prep the Dough

Roll out your dough and cut it into circles large enough to fit into mini muffin tins. Press each circle gently into the muffin cups, shaping a well in the center.

Step 4: Assemble the Filling

In a bowl, combine the steak and veggie mixture with shredded cheese. Mix well so the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the mixture into each dough cup. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let them cool for a few minutes in the tin before removing. Serve warm and garnish with a bit of chopped parsley for color.

How to Serve and Store Mini Steak and Cheese Cups

These mini cups are best served warm, fresh out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the crust is flaky. They make excellent party bites when arranged on a platter with a sprinkle of parsley or chives for a colorful finish.

If you’re serving them later, keep them in a warm oven (around 200°F) loosely covered with foil. They’re also delicious at room temperature, making them a great option for potlucks or game day spreads.

To store leftovers, place the cooled cups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from turning soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure to fully cook and drain any excess moisture from the steak and vegetables before assembling. Let the filling cool slightly before adding to the dough cups.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the cups a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What cut of steak is best?

Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak works great. Look for a cut that’s tender and not too lean, so it remains juicy when cooked.

Can I freeze these?

Definitely. Once baked and cooled, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen at 350°F until heated through.

What cheeses work best?

Provolone for its classic steak sandwich vibe, mozzarella for stretchiness, or cheddar for sharpness. A blend works beautifully too.

Can I use leftover steak?

Absolutely. Just chop it finely and warm it slightly before combining with the sautéed veggies and cheese.

Want More Savory Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Mini Steak and Cheese Cups, you’ll definitely want to check out these other savory favorites from Life With Olivia:

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a cheesy, pepperoni-packed twist.
Taco Ranch Bites with zesty seasoning and bold flavor.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes for a messy-but-worth-it meal-in-a-bun.
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells if you’re in the mood for something creamy and baked.
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a comfort dish that brings restaurant flair home.

For even more bite-sized magic and daily recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you switch up the veggies? Use a different cheese blend?

I love hearing how others add their personal twist to these savory bites. Questions and tips are welcome—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

Mini Steak and Cheese Cups

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 12 mini cups

Print Recipe

Description

Mini Steak and Cheese Cups are flavorful, bite-sized appetizers filled with juicy steak, melted cheese, sweet peppers, and onions, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry crust. These savory cups are perfect for parties, game nights, or quick indulgent snacks—offering a delicious twist on a steak and cheese sandwich in a portable form.