These Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are bite-sized treats that are so easy to make! With crispy phyllo dough, creamy goat cheese, and sweet cranberry sauce, they are simply delicious!
Perfect for appetizers or holiday gatherings, they’re like little flavor bombs in a crunchy cup. I love serving them warm, but let’s be honest, cold ones are just as tasty! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: Phyllo dough is key for crispy cups. If you can’t find it, you can use wonton wrappers for a different texture. Just bake them a bit shorter to avoid over-baking.
Goat Cheese: I love the flavor of goat cheese in these cups, but if goat cheese isn’t your thing, cream cheese or ricotta are great substitutes. You’ll have a creamier filling without the tanginess.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce gives a nice texture. If fresh cranberries are in season, try making your own sauce for a fresher taste! You could also use fig jam for a sweeter alternative.
Walnuts: I really enjoy the crunch walnuts provide. If you’re nut-free or don’t like walnuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well, too!
How Do I Get My Phyllo Cups to Be Extra Crispy?
Getting perfectly crispy phyllo cups is all about layers and butter. Start by layering your phyllo sheets properly, as this creates a great structure.
- Make sure to brush each layer with melted butter! It’s the magic that helps them crisp.
- When cutting the phyllo sheets, be gentle. This allows the flaky layers to stay intact.
- Watch them closely in the oven! They turn golden quickly. If they look crispy after 8 minutes, take them out!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (preferably whole berry)
- 12 walnut halves (or pecan halves) for garnish
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for optional garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to bake. You can have these delightful phyllo cups ready in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for quick appetizers or last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Muffin Tin:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a muffin tin to ensure the phyllo cups come out easily after baking.
2. Layering the Phyllo Dough:
Now it’s time to work with the phyllo dough! Lay down one sheet on your clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush it again with butter. Do this for a total of 3 sheets to create a nice, sturdy base.
3. Cutting and Shaping the Cups:
Carefully cut the layered phyllo sheets into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into the muffin tin cups, forming little cups that will hold your delicious filling.
4. Baking the Phyllo Cups:
Bake these phyllo cups in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly in the tin.
5. Mixing the Cheese Filling:
While the cups are cooling, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a fork or mixer, blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
6. Filling the Cups:
Now comes the fun part! Spoon a generous amount of the creamy cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, making sure they are filled to your liking.
7. Topping with Cranberry Sauce:
Top each filled cup with about a tablespoon of cranberry sauce. The sweetness of the cranberry pairs beautifully with the tangy cheese!
8. Garnishing:
To finish, add a walnut or pecan half on top of each cup for a lovely crunch. You can also decorate your serving platter with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for that festive flair.
9. Serving Your Appetizers:
Serve your Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups immediately for the best texture, or chill them until you’re ready to serve. They’re just as tasty at room temperature, making them a versatile treat!
Enjoy these delightful sweet and tangy appetizers packed in crunchy phyllo with creamy goat cheese! Perfect for any occasion! 🎉
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe, especially the whole berry variety for added texture. If you prefer homemade, just cook fresh or frozen cranberries with a bit of sugar until they burst and thicken.
How Do I Prevent the Phyllo Cups from Getting Soggy?
To keep your phyllo cups crispy, avoid adding the cranberry sauce until just before serving. If you need to prepare them ahead, consider baking the cups and filling them with the cheese mixture, then store separately and assemble right before serving.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prepare the phyllo cups in advance! Just bake and cool them, then store them in an airtight container. Assemble and fill with the cheese mixture and cranberry sauce right before serving for optimal freshness.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can use other soft cheeses like feta or brie, or mix in herbs for added flavor. For a savory version, try sautéed mushrooms or spinach with cheese. The possibilities are endless!
