These Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are little bites of yum! With crispy phyllo pastry filled with creamy goat cheese and sweet cranberry, they are perfect for any gathering.
Honestly, they disappear so fast at parties! I love to make them ahead of time, so I can sit back and enjoy while everyone munches on these tasty treats. 🧀❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This dough is what gives these cups their delightful crispiness. If you can’t find phyllo, you could use mini tart shells or even puff pastry as a substitute. However, the texture will differ a bit.
Goat Cheese: I love the tangy flavor of goat cheese here. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese can be an excellent alternative, or even ricotta if you want something a bit milder.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a nice pop of flavor and texture. If you don’t have any on hand, you could use store-bought jam or even a homemade berry compote if you’re feeling adventurous.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans work great for crunch. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or omit them altogether. You can also use pumpkin seeds for a different flavor.
How Can I Prevent Phyllo Dough from Drying Out?
Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, which is frustrating when you’re trying to make these cups. Here’s how to keep it moist during prep.
- Unwrap the phyllo sheets and immediately cover them with a damp kitchen towel to keep them from drying out.
- Only work with one sheet at a time, keeping the rest covered until you’re ready to use them.
- Brush each layer lightly with melted butter, which adds flavor and helps seal the layers together.
By following these tips, you can make sure your phyllo cups turn out crispy and enjoyable every time! Happy baking!
How to Make Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo)
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted if desired)
- Fresh cranberries or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 30 minutes to prepare and bake. You’ll spend about 10 minutes assembling the cups, then they’ll bake for 8-10 minutes in the oven. Perfect for a quick appetizer when you’re entertaining!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure your phyllo cups come out easily.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Carefully unstack the sheets of phyllo dough and cover them with a damp kitchen towel. This will prevent them from drying out as you work with them.
3. Layer the Phyllo:
Grab one sheet of phyllo and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush again. You’ll want to stack about 3-4 sheets this way to give the cups a sturdy base.
4. Cut the Phyllo Squares:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the stacked phyllo sheets into 12 squares big enough to fit into each muffin tin cup. Each square should be around 4×4 inches.
5. Form the Phyllo Cups:
Gently press each square into the greased muffin tin, pressing down to form little cups. Ensure they fit snugly to hold the filling later. Repeat this process for all 12 squares.
6. Bake the Cups:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake the phyllo cups for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Add Goat Cheese:
Once baked, carefully remove the phyllo cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, fill each cup with a spoonful of softened goat cheese.
8. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
On top of the goat cheese, add a dollop of cranberries. You can use whole berry or jellied sauce—whichever you prefer!
9. Finish with Nuts:
Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cranberry sauce for added crunch. This step is optional, but it adds a delightful texture!
10. Garnish Your Cups:
If you want a beautiful finishing touch, garnish each cup with a fresh cranberry or a small sprig of thyme.
11. Serve or Store:
Enjoy your phyllo cups warm or at room temperature. You can serve them right away or refrigerate them for later. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving!
These Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are sure to impress your guests with their festive flavors and elegant look. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly for these phyllo cups. You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce based on your preference.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Can I Prepare These Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the phyllo cups ahead of time! Assemble them up to the point of filling and baking. Store the unbaked cups in the fridge for a couple of hours, or freeze them for longer. Just bake them directly from the fridge or freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if frozen.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can use different types of cheeses, like cream cheese or brie, and experiment with other spreads like fig jam or apple chutney. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or chives can also enhance the flavor.
