These Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are a delicious mix of creamy goat cheese and sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry. They are perfect for parties!
Everyone loves a tasty bite-sized treat, right? I always make extra because these little cups disappear fast! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: Phyllo sheets are light and flaky, giving these cups their crispy texture. If you can’t find phyllo, puff pastry is a good alternative, though it will be a little doughier.
Goat Cheese: I love using creamy goat cheese for its tang. If you prefer something milder, cream cheese or ricotta can work, but the flavor will change a bit. You can also combine them!
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce adds freshness, but store-bought works just as well for convenience. If cranberries are out of season, tart fruit preserves like cherry or raspberry can make a tasty swap.
Nuts: I prefer walnuts for their rich flavor, but pecans or even sliced almonds give a nice crunch too. If you’re nut-free, you can simply leave them out or use seeds like sunflower seeds.
How Do I Handle Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so it’s important to keep the sheets covered while you work. Here’s how to do it:
- Unroll the phyllo and keep the sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel.
- Patch any tears gently with another layer if needed; it’s pretty forgiving.
- Make sure you brush each layer with melted butter to add flavor and help them crisp up.
Taking these simple steps ensures your phyllo cups come out perfectly golden and delicious! Enjoy assembling these tasty bites for your next gathering!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients:
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for baking, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, making it a perfect choice for your next gathering or holiday party!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your phyllo cups bake evenly and get crispy as they cook. While it heats, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it flat on a clean surface. Using a brush, lightly coat it with melted butter. This adds flavor and helps the layers crisp up beautifully.
3. Layer the Phyllo:
Next, place another sheet of phyllo on top of the first one and brush it with more melted butter. Repeat this process for a total of 4-5 layers. This gives your cups a flaky, delicious texture!
4. Cut and Shape the Cups:
Cut your stacked phyllo layers into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into the mini muffin tin cups, shaping them into little cups. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; they’ll look great once baked!
5. Bake the Phyllo Cups:
Pop the phyllo cups in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. When done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan.
6. Fill with Goat Cheese:
While the phyllo cups cool, place the softened goat cheese in a small bowl for easier spreading. Once the cups have cooled a bit, spoon about a tablespoon of goat cheese into each one.
7. Add Cranberry Sauce:
Top each goat cheese-filled cup with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese!
8. Finish with Nuts and Garnish:
Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the cranberry sauce for an added crunch. If you’d like, add a small sprig of rosemary or a few fresh cranberries on top for a lovely presentation.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These phyllo cups are best served immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. Enjoy these delightful savory-sweet bites at your next party or get-together!
These elegant cups filled with creamy goat cheese and tart cranberry make a perfect festive appetizer or party snack that’s sure to impress your guests!
Can I Use Store-Bought Phyllo Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought phyllo dough is convenient and works great for this recipe. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before using to avoid tearing.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the phyllo cups may lose some crispiness. To refresh them, you can briefly reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with goat cheese and cranberry sauce a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them, or bake them first and serve slightly warm.
What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or even a vegan cheese alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but they will still be delicious!
