These Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are little bites of joy! Crispy phyllo dough holds yummy goat cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, making a perfect snack or appetizer.
They’re so easy to make, you’ll feel like a chef! Whenever I serve these, they vanish fast—everyone loves the crunchy layers and tasty filling. Perfect for parties or just because! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star for crispy cups! If you don’t have phyllo, you can use puff pastry. Just cut it into squares and follow the same baking steps.
Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese gives a tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese works well as a substitute, but with less tanginess.
Cranberry Sauce: Fresh or canned works! For a twist, try using raspberry or cherry sauce for a different sweetness. Homemade is always nice if you have the time!
Walnuts: These add a great crunch. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent alternatives. You could also skip nuts entirely if preferred.
How Do I Properly Handle Phyllo Dough?
Phyllo dough can be tricky, as it dries out quickly. To keep it fresh:
- Unroll only a few sheets at a time to avoid drying.
- Cover unused sheets with a damp towel as you work to keep them moist.
Layering is key! Use melted butter between the layers to help them stick and become flaky while baking. This will give you deliciously crispy cups!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 12 sheets phyllo dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional, for extra texture and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll need about 30 minutes to make these delicious phyllo cups which are perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to ensure the phyllo cups come out easily.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it flat on a clean surface. Remember to keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Brush the first sheet lightly with some melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush it with more butter. Do this for a total of 4 layers.
3. Form the Cups:
Once you have the 4 layers stacked, cut the phyllo into 12 equal squares (around 3×3 inches each). Gently press each square into the mini muffin tin, shaping them to form little cups. The edges can be crinkled for a nice effect!
4. Bake the Phyllo Cups:
Place the phyllo cups in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be perfectly crunchy but not burned!
5. Add the Filling:
Once they are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the softened goat cheese into each cup. After that, top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, adding a beautiful color and flavor!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle a few chopped walnuts over the top of the cranberry sauce in each cup. If you like, you can also add a few dried cranberries for extra texture and decoration. These can be served immediately or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Indulge in the wonderful combination of crunchy phyllo, creamy goat cheese, tart cranberry, and nutty walnuts in every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Phyllo Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen phyllo dough, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or follow package instructions for quick thawing. Keep the thawed dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out as you work with it.
Can I Make These Phyllo Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups ahead of time! Assemble the cups without filling them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Bake them just before serving for the ultimate freshness!
How Should I 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 until warm and crispy again.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix things up with different cheeses like cream cheese or feta, or swap the cranberry sauce for other fruit preserves like blueberry or peach. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor!
