These Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are a tasty little treat! The blend of creamy goat cheese and sweet tangy cranberries makes them irresistible. Yum!
Perfect for parties or snacking, they’re super easy to make. Just whip up the filling, fill the phyllo cups, and bake. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these on hand!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: Use store-bought phyllo dough for convenience. If you’re short on time, pre-made phyllo cups are a great alternative. They save a ton of prep time!
Goat Cheese: This gives a tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, try using cream cheese or ricotta as a substitute. For a vegan option, look for plant-based goat cheese.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce provides lovely texture and flavor. If you can’t find it, consider using a fruit preserves or even fresh cranberry chutney for a twist.
Walnuts: Walnuts add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well as substitutes, giving a similar crunch without the nuts.
How Do I Perfectly Handle Phyllo Dough?
Phyllo dough can be tricky, but handling it correctly makes your cups nice and crispy! Keep the dough covered with a damp cloth while you work, as it dries out quickly.
- Start with one sheet, brush with melted butter, and layer another on top.
- Repeat the buttering and layering process 3-4 times to ensure a sturdy base.
- Cut into squares and press gently into your muffin tin, avoiding tearing.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crisp cups to hold your delicious filling! Enjoy your cooking!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Phyllo Cups:
- 12 phyllo dough sheets (or pre-made phyllo mini tart shells)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the phyllo)
For The Filling:
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
For The Topping:
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
- ½ cup cranberry sauce or whole berry cranberry jam
- Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time to make these delicious Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups is about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 15 minutes on prep, including mixing the filling and preparing the phyllo cups, followed by around 10 minutes baking. They’ll be ready to serve as a delightful appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to ensure the phyllo cups don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with the melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush again with butter. Repeat this process for 3-4 layers. This will create a sturdier cup that’s perfect for holding the filling!
3. Cut the Phyllo:
Next, cut the stacked and buttered phyllo into squares big enough to fit into your mini muffin cups, allowing for some overhang. Gently press the phyllo squares into the muffin tin, shaping them into little cups.
4. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the phyllo cups for 8-10 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
5. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey or maple syrup. Mix everything together using a hand mixer or spatula until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious filling for your phyllo cups!
6. Assemble the Phyllo Cups:
Now it’s time to fill the cups! Spoon the cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, filling them about 2/3 full. Don’t overfill, or it might overflow while baking.
7. Add Walnut Topping:
Sprinkle a few toasted walnuts on top of the cheese filling in each cup. This will add a lovely crunch!
8. Finish with Cranberry Sauce:
Finish by adding a spoonful of cranberry sauce or jam on top of the walnuts. This will bring a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheese.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh cranberries for a pop of color. Serve these delicious cups immediately, or you can chill them in the fridge before serving if you prefer them cooled.
Enjoy your delightful, tangy, and sweet Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups as elegant appetizers or festive treats! Everyone will surely love them!
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Goat Cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or even a vegan cheese alternative for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Phyllo Dough?
No problem! You can use pre-made phyllo mini tart shells, which save time and hassle. Alternatively, puff pastry can work as a substitute if you don’t mind a slightly different texture.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups and the cheese filling in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and fill them right before you’re ready to serve them to keep the cups crispy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again. Enjoy!
