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    Home » Appetizers » Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse

    Jun 23, 2015 · Modified: Feb 9, 2023 by Sues · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 36 Comments

    Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse

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    These Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse are the best ever party appetizer. They look fancy, but are incredibly simple. The cheese cups require just one ingredient and the entire appetizer is so easy to put together!

    Overhead view of multiple cheddar cups filled with avocado mousse and topped with crispy kale on a white platter with recipe title at the bottom of the image

    This weekend, I thought my house was blowing up. Legitimately. Somehow, a transformer exploded across the street from us and the explosion occurred just as I was turning off a light in my house.

    I heard a huge boom, saw super bright colorful flashes of light, and felt the house shake. “OMG did I blow up our house?!?!” I frantically yelled to Chris as I tried to determine the quickest way out.

    But when we opened the door, we realized it happened across the street and there was a small fire on the electric wires and another on the ground. And a neighbor who claims she saw three large turkeys roosting on top of the wires the night before.

    Huh. This is seriously concerning, right? Turkeys allegedly setting fires in my neighborhood and attempting to destroy homes. Yikes.

    Needless to say, I required a glass of wine and lots of cheese that evening.

    And now I’m here to blog about more cheese. LOTS of cheese. But better than that. This is an appetizer that contains all of my favorite things in one glorious little bite. Is this what heaven is like? I hope so.

    They’re Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse and they make a pretty ideal app. Plus, they have baked kale on top.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    My husband has an obsession with parmesan crisps; the ones they make at the French Laundry. But more specifically, the ones from the French Laundry that our friend Jeff makes at every one of his and Kyle's wine parties.

    Sometimes it's a total embarrassment because Chris eats the entire platter of them within the first hour of the party. I'm pretty sure they have taken to hiding extras, so that Chris can't find them.

    I started wondering if I could do the same type of thing with cheddar cheese... And you can!

    Instead of just crisps, I decided to make cups and then I filled them with an avocado feta mousse. Because yum.

    This party appetizer looks really fancy... But it's actually super easy to make! You can make the cheddar cups earlier in the day and then fill them with the avocado feta mousse right before your guests arrive or before you leave for the party.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients for this appetizer are quite simple. In fact, the cheddar cups just have ONE ingredient! Here's everything you need for the filled cups.

    Cheddar Cups:

    • Shredded cheddar cheese (I recommend buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself. I also recommend a sharp cheddar!)

    Avocado Feta Mousse:

    • Avocados
    • Crumbled feta cheese
    • Lime juice
    • Milk
    • Black pepper

    Crispy Kale:

    • Kale
    • Olive oil
    • Red pepper flakes
    • Salt

    How to Make Cheddar Cups

    My favorite thing about this appetizer is that it's very impressive, but also very easy. The cheddar cups seem complicated, but even they're quite simple.

    To start, take your shredded cheddar cheese and make little circular mounds of on a parchment or Silpat-lined baking sheet. Make sure they're spaced at least an inch apart.

    Overhead view of multiple piles of shredded cheddar cheese on a Silpat

    Then bake them at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, until cheddar is flattening out and turning golden.

    Now you have cheddar flats!

    Overhead view of multiple cheddar cheese rounds just baked and out of the oven

    Let the rounds sit for 30-60 seconds, until you're able to pick them up with a spatula and place them into a muffin tin.

    Timing is important now as you don't want the cheese to be too gooey, but you also don't want it to harden before you get it in the tin... And it hardens quickly!

    Let the cheese cups cool in the muffin tin before removing.

    Overhead view of cheese discs being shaped in muffin tin

    How to Store

    These cheese cups are best served fresh, but if you want to make them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a piece of waxed or parchment paper in between each layer. Do not refrigerate.

    And don't fill them with the avocado feta mousse until right before you're ready to serve them.

    Tips for Making Cheddar Cups

    While these cheese cups are super easy to make, a few tips will help make them even more delicious!

    • Use cheddar shredded fresh from a block of cheese: This is generally more high-quality and will make for better cups.
    • Use a sharp cheddar: This will make your cups taste the best!
    • Timing is key! I don't multi-task when making cheddar cups because I want to make sure I'm focused on getting the melted cheese into the muffin tin at the optimal time (when it's not too gooey, but not yet hardened).
    • If making cups ahead of time, make sure to wait to fill with avocado mousse and baked kale just before serving. If you think they'll be sitting for a bit, drizzle with some fresh lime juice to keep avocado from browning.
    • If you love the idea of cheddar cups, but want less work and don't care about presentation, you can simply bake the cheese, let it cool, and eat it as is without forming into cups or filling.

    How to Make Avocado Feta Mousse

    The avocado mousse filling is about the easiest thing ever!

    Just put 2 peeled and pitted avocados, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 6 Tbsp milk, and ¼ tsp black pepper in a blender or food process.

    overhead view of avocado, feta, lime juice, milk, and pepper in blender

    Blend away until smooth and creamy!

    Avocado mousse blended smooth in blender

    Can I Make the Mousse in Advance?

    I recommend making the mousse right before serving, but if you want to make it in advance, put it in a bowl and drizzle lime juice over it. Then cover the bowl in plastic wrap, making sure the plastic wrap is pressed against the top of the mousse.

    Give it a good stir before piping it into the cheese cups.

    How to Make Baked Kale

    Baking the kale is easy, too. Take 2 cups of kale and 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil and mix them together in a bowl with some red pepper flakes and pinch of salt.

    Then spread the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 16-20 minutes, until nice and crispy.

    Baked kale just out of oven on baking sheet

    Remove from oven and let cool.

    If you prefer to leave the kale off, you certainly can... I recommend topping with a bit of crumbled feta instead!

    Can I Make Baked Kale in Advance?

    You can make the crispy kale chips in advance. Just make sure they are fully cooled before storing them an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep for 2-3 days.

    I've heard that if you add some uncooked rice to the container you're storing them in, they'll last even longer and stay fresher!

    Assembling Cheddar Cups

    Now all your components are ready and it's time for the assembly. You can either pipe the avocado feta mousse into the cheddar cups or you can simply spoon it in.

    Just don't forget to top with the crispy baked kale! I added some more red pepper flakes on top, too.

    Overhead view of cheddar cups filled with avocado feta mousse and crispy kale on a white platter

    I honestly think that if I could only choose a few foods to live on for the rest of my life, cheese, avocado, and kale would be on the list.

    I actually really, really do like kale. I mean, not as much as cheese, but I legitimately Googled, "Is kale addictive" the other day because I think I may have a problem. I crave it so much and eat way too much of it.

    I'm chalking that up as a good problem to have, but it's kind of freaking me out. If you don't like kale or think it's just OK, try baking it and eating it crispy style and you may realize you like it more than you think you do!

    Overhead closeup view of a cheddar cup filled with avocado feta mousse and topped with crispy kale

    If you're planning to serve these cheddar cups at a party, I seriously recommend making extra because you may have no idea how much cheese you're able to eat until you start eating these.

    I also recommending drizzling a little lime juice over the top. While I don't think these apps will be sitting around your party for long, the lime juice will give them a little protection from browning.

    More Party Appetizers

    If you're looking for more great party appetizers, I've got plenty! Here are some of my favorites:

    • Bacon White Pizza Dip
    • Clam Chowder Potato Skins
    • Brie-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
    • Tequila Shrimp Ceviche
    • Bacon Blue Cheese Spinach Dip
    • Whipped Ricotta Cherry Crostini
    • Sausage, Grape, and Gorgonzola Flatbread Pizza
    • Dark Chocolate-Dipped Figs with Gorgonzola
    • Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs (from Meg's Everyday Indulgence)
    Overhead view of multiple cheddar cups filled with avocado mousse and topped with crispy kale on a white platter

    It was definitely a mistake for me to learn how to make these. Too easy and ridiculously dangerous. What wouldn't be delicious in a cheddar cup??

    These could definitely help you overcome all sorts of bad days... Probably not a home explosion caused by turkeys, but lots of other stuff. They certainly make me pretty happy!

    What three foods would you choose to live on for the rest of your life? 

    Overhead closeup view of multiple cheddar cups filled with avocado mousse and topped with crispy kale on a white platter

    Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse

    These cheese cups involve just one ingredient... Cheddar! Fill them with an avocado feta mousse and top with some crispy kale for an absolutely perfect party appetizer.
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Cheese Appetizers, Cheese Cups, Party Appetizers
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Makes: 12 cheddar cups
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    Cheddar Cups

    • 1 block (6 oz.) Cheddar Cheese, shredded

    Avocado Feta Mousse:

    • 2 avocados, peeled and pitted
    • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
    • 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 6 Tbsp milk
    • ¼ tsp black pepper

    Baked Kale

    • 2 cups kale leaves, cleaned with ribs removed
    • 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
    • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
    • Pinch of salt

    Instructions

    Cheddar Cups

    • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spray a muffin tin with cooking oil.
    • On a parchment paper or Silpat-lined baking sheet, scatter shredded cheddar in small circular mounds, spaced at least an inch apart.
    • Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, when cheese is just turning golden.
    • After removing from oven, let sit for 30-60 seconds and then lift cheddar rounds with spatula and fit into muffin tins. Press down to form cheese into cups. It's important wait 30-60 seconds before moving, so cheese isn't gooey, but then you must work quickly before it hardens completely.
    • Cool completely and then remove from muffin tin.
    • Spoon or pipe avocado feta mousse into each cup and top with crumbled baked kale.

    Avocado Feta Mousse

    • Place avocado, feta, lime juice, milk, and black pepper in a blender and process until a smooth mousse is formed.

    Baked Kale

    • Place kale leaves in a bowl and toss together with olive oil and red pepper flakes, and salt.
    • Once kale is coated, spread leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 16-20 minutes, until nice and crispy.
    • Remove from oven and let cool.

    Notes

    • If these cheddar cups will be sitting out at a party, you may want to squeeze a little fresh lime juice over them to prevent the avocado mousse from browning.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dani @ House in Tillford says

      June 24, 2015 at 12:51 am

      Yum! That was literally my reaction when I saw these. Could gobble (turkey reference haha) these up in one go!

    2. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

      June 24, 2015 at 2:21 am

      Firstly, I would have wet myself had I heard that explosion, and I am so glad you are all OK! Secondly, I cannot believe how easy the cups are to make. So worth trying. The mousse is my favourite way to eat avocados, with a bit of dill added to the mixture 🙂

    3. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

      June 24, 2015 at 9:29 am

      Oh these cups look perfect, Sues! Give me all the cheese! 🙂 I love the avocado feta mousse, sounds delicious!

    4. Sam @ SugarSpunRun says

      June 24, 2015 at 9:42 am

      Yikes, that's so scary about the transformer... and TURKEYS might have done it!? Crazy! Glad everything is OK at your home.
      These cheddar cups are so creative and sound delicious!

    5. Pam says

      June 24, 2015 at 11:14 am

      I am glad your house is safe!

      These little cheddar cups have me drooling - they look fun and creative.

    6. Lexi @ Sempre Dolce says

      June 24, 2015 at 11:32 am

      These sound/look so delicious! If I ever need an appetizer these are definitely going to be on the list!

    7. Katalina @ Peas and Peonies says

      June 24, 2015 at 12:02 pm

      This is from the series turkeys against humanity lol make sure you stay away from them and just like in Gone Girl "Just don't piss them off" 🙂 serve them the cheddar cups that didn't turn out so good the first time, they will avoid your house!
      But, seriously, I love the combo you have here, very interesting and something that I have never seen before, and feta with avocado mousse, is music for my ears, just thinking about it makes me happy!

    8. Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says

      June 24, 2015 at 12:10 pm

      These cheddar cups look absolutely delicious! That avo feta mousse sounds great too. Love the idea of topping with crispy baked kale!

    9. Kevin @ Closet Cooking says

      June 24, 2015 at 12:20 pm

      These look and sound so good! Love the idea of that avocado and feta mousse.

    10. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

      June 24, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      Yikes, so scary about the transformer. Thank goodness your house is safe. These cheese cups look fantastic! Love the avocado feta mousse!

    11. [email protected] says

      June 24, 2015 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      Loving the cheddar cups! Such a great idea! And your avocado feta mousse sounds so fancy and delicious!

    12. Rachael @ Cabot Cheese says

      June 24, 2015 at 2:28 pm

      Wow. These are the most beautiful things we've ever seen. Well done! We can't wait to make them - YUM!

    13. Sharon Anderson says

      June 24, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      This looks absolutely fantastic! I can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂

    14. [email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says

      June 25, 2015 at 9:01 am

      OMG this such an amazing idea!! Those cheddar cups... WOW.. Cant wait to try it.. 🙂

    15. Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says

      June 25, 2015 at 1:08 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a creative idea, Sues! I have tried to make parmesan cups before and it was an epic fail, but I am totally willing to try these cheddar cups just so I can make this delicious recipe. That mousse sounds mouthwatering!

    16. Victoria says

      June 25, 2015 at 4:02 pm

      These look incredible! I've actually never had the French laundry ones before (though I'll take your word that they are addictive) but the cheddar ones you made are awesome. I love the addition of avocado and crispy kale!

    17. Emily aka The Three Bite Rule says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      these are so adorable! What a great idea! I can think of so many fillings for cheese cups!

    18. Mir says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      I'm really glad your house did not explode. That woulda sucked.
      This is INCREDIBLE. I never thought of making mousse with these ingredients! And I love the cheddar cups. I've had crisps before, but not cups. This is great!

    19. [email protected] says

      June 25, 2015 at 10:24 pm

      omg these look amazing!! Such a genius idea!!

    20. Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says

      June 27, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      That is so scary about the transformer across the street blowing up! These cheddar cups sound amazing!

    21. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says

      June 27, 2015 at 9:42 pm

      These are seriously SO pretty!!
      Also, I might be addicted to kale as well 🙂

    22. Odetta says

      June 29, 2015 at 5:29 pm

      Amazing idea! I like that it's just one ingredient!!!

    23. Sarah says

      February 10, 2017 at 11:15 pm

      Okay, so I just wanted to tell you thalet I made them tonight as a trial run for brunch tomorrow and OH. EM GEE. AmAZing!!!
      Also, we did a batch with cute little curls of bacon on top (teeny tiny ones) and even my green-hating husband couldn't put them down!!
      This recipe is addicting and wonderful!

    24. Rick says

      November 21, 2017 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      Can the cheese cups be made a day in advance and would they need to be refrigerated?

      Recipe looks awesome and I plan on making for my wife's birthday party.

      Thank you,
      Rick

    25. Sues says

      November 21, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      @Rick- Hello! I haven't tried making these in advance, but that should be totally fine! I'd place them in an airtight container with layers of waxed or parchment paper between them. You should leave them at room temperature as the fridge will make them too moist and soggy. I hope you enjoy them and happy birthday to your wife 🙂

    26. Jill Roberts @ WellnessGeeky says

      January 08, 2018 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      These cheddar cups with avocado feta mousse are so Instagrammable and adorable! It is very decadent, and the people in my office are happy today! Thx for sharing!

    27. Bella Hardy says

      May 22, 2018 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      Really this would be special and great cheddar cups with avocado feta mousse recipe, Sues! Love healthy food! Thanks for sharing!

    28. Tracy says

      March 20, 2019 at 4:51 am

      5 stars
      Shred the cheese the long way, down the whole length of it, to skip a step. The long shreds lay nicely over the humps on the back/underside of a mini muffin pan. 😉

      Now it's even easier to make these....lol

    29. Renea says

      August 02, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      Has anyone made these a day in advance? Please let me know!

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