These Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups are a fun and tasty treat! Crunchy phyllo pastry holds a zesty mix of sweet cranberries and spicy jalapenos, making them a perfect bite-sized snack.
They’re great for parties or just when you want something different. I love to make these when friends come over—everyone enjoys a little kick with their sweetness! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: The base of the cups, phyllo dough is flaky and light. If you can’t find it, you might use wonton wrappers, which give a different texture but still work well.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are great if in season, but drained canned cranberries are fine too. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider using unsweetened dried cranberries instead.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt, or vegan cream cheese if you’re dairy-free. I often mix half cream cheese and half yogurt for a balanced creaminess.
Jalapeno: You can adjust the heat by leaving the seeds in for more spice or using a milder pepper like a green bell pepper. I love the kick that jalapenos provide, but adjust based on your preference!
How Do I Ensure My Phyllo Cups Don’t Get Soggy?
To keep your phyllo cups crispy, you want to ensure the dough is well-layered and baked properly. Here are some handy tips:
- Brush each layer of phyllo neatly with melted butter to help them crisp up. Don’t skip this step!
- Pre-bake the filled cups at 350°F for just 8-10 minutes until they turn a golden color.
- Fill the cups right before serving to avoid sogginess. If you prepare them in advance, keep the filling separate and assemble just before your guests arrive.
With these tips, you’ll have perfect, crispy phyllo cups every time!
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup fresh or drained canned cranberries
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 small jalapeno, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs (like thyme or mint)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy appetizer. You can enjoy these delightful treats hot out of the oven or let them cool a bit for easy handling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it on a clean surface. Use a brush to coat it with melted butter. Repeat this process with three more sheets, stacking them on top of each other. This gives you a nice, sturdy base for your cups!
3. Cut and Shape the Phyllo:
Once your layers are ready, cut the stacked phyllo sheets into 12 squares large enough to fit into the mini muffin tin. Gently press each square into the muffin tin, forming small cups. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—they’ll still taste amazing!
4. Bake the Cups:
Place the phyllo cups in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them; they can go from golden to burnt quickly!
5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
While your cups are baking, in a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, honey, and a pinch of salt until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy mixture will be the delicious base for your filling.
6. Fill the Cups:
Once the phyllo cups are done baking and have cooled slightly, spoon the cream cheese mixture into each cup, filling them generously but not overflowing!
7. Add the Cranberries and Jalapeno:
Top each filled cup with 2-3 cranberries and a slice of jalapeno. These will add a beautiful pop of color and flavor to your appetizing treats.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the top for a lovely finish. Serve the cups immediately, and enjoy the crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors together!
These Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups make for an exciting appetizer that will surely impress your guests. Enjoy! 🎉
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough Instead of Phyllo?
Yes, you can use wonton wrappers or puff pastry as alternatives. Just remember that they will have a different texture—wonton wrappers will be softer, while puff pastry will be flakier. Adjust baking times accordingly as well!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works beautifully. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese. You can even mix half cream cheese with half yogurt for a creamy texture and tangy flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving.
Can I Make These Phyllo Cups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the phyllo cups and bake them ahead of time. If you do, fill them just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh. The filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for easy assembly later!
