These Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat! Crispy phyllo dough is filled with creamy goat cheese and topped with sweet cranberry sauce. Yum!
Perfect for parties, they disappear fast! I love making extra just in case—who can resist that cheesy goodness? Keep an eye on those plates! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This dough gives the cups their signature crispiness. If you can’t find phyllo, try using wonton wrappers or puff pastry. Just keep in mind they will have a different texture!
Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese is key for smooth filling. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese or ricotta can work as good substitutes, just adjust flavors with herbs or spices to your liking.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce or make your own. For a twist, apple or cherry preserves can offer a different flavor profile while still being fruity and sweet.
Walnuts: Optional but adds crunch! For a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. You can also skip them entirely!
How Do I Work with Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Phyllo dough can be tricky since it dries out quickly. Here’s how to handle it without stress:
- Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work. This keeps them moist.
- Work on one sheet at a time. Brush lightly with melted butter to keep it flexible—don’t soak it!
- If you make a mistake folding or cutting, don’t worry! Just use another sheet, or patch with leftover scraps.
These tips will help you create perfect, flaky cups every time. Enjoy your cooking!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can have these delicious phyllo cups ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with a little non-stick spray or some melted butter. This will help the phyllo cups release easily after baking!
2. Layering the Phyllo Dough:
Spread one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface. Give it a light brush with melted butter using a pastry brush. Then, place another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush it with butter again. Repeat this step until you have 4 layers stacked. This creates a lovely, flaky texture!
3. Cutting the Dough:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered phyllo stack into 12 squares that are big enough to fit into the mini muffin tin cups. Don’t worry about being too precise; they’ll still look great!
4. Forming the Cups:
Gently place each square of phyllo dough into the greased muffin tin, pressing the corners down to create little cups. They don’t need to be perfect—just make sure they hold their shape!
5. Baking Time!
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake the phyllo cups for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool just a bit.
6. Mixing the Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix your softened goat cheese with the chopped walnuts if you’re using them. This filling is creamy and delicious!
7. Filling the Cups:
Take a spoon and add a small amount of the goat cheese mixture into each phyllo cup. Be generous but don’t overfill, as you still need space for the cranberry sauce!
8. Adding Cranberry Sauce:
Now, on top of that delightful goat cheese, add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on each cup. This is where your sweet and tangy flavor comes in!
9. Garnishing (Optional):
If you’d like to make it more festive, add a few fresh cranberries on top of each cup for garnish. It’ll look beautiful!
10. Serving and Enjoying:
Serve your Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups immediately while they’re tasty and warm. Enjoy the mix of crispy pastry, creamy cheese, and zesty cranberries—happy tasting!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, cream cheese, ricotta, or feta can be great alternatives. Just adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed and crisp again.
Can I Make These Phyllo Cups in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups and fill them with cheese ahead of time, but it’s best to add the cranberry sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.
What Can I Serve with Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups?
These phyllo cups are great as appetizers! Pair them with a light salad, a charcuterie board, or serve them alongside a sparkling drink for a festive touch!
