These Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are a delightful treat! With crispy phyllo pastry filled with creamy goat cheese and sweet-tart cranberries, they’re perfect for parties.
They’re so easy to make, and your guests will love them! I like to bake a batch before gatherings—I can always count on them to disappear quickly! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star of our crispy cups! If you can’t find phyllo, you can use pre-made pastry shells or even crescent roll dough, but the texture will differ.
Goat Cheese: I love the tangy flavor of goat cheese here. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, cream cheese is a good substitute, or try a dairy-free cheese if needed!
Cranberry Sauce: Using homemade cranberry sauce gives a fresh taste, but store-bought is perfectly fine too. You can swap it with any kind of fruit preserves or chutney that you enjoy.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor, but you can switch to almonds, pistachios, or leave them out completely if there are nut allergies.
Honey: This adds a nice touch of sweetness. If you prefer, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
How Do I Get My Phyllo Cups Crispy?
Getting your phyllo cups crispy is key to their deliciousness. Here’s how to master that!
- Keep your phyllo covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent it from drying out.
- Brush each layer with plenty of melted butter. This adds flavor and helps the layers crisp up nicely.
- Make sure your oven is preheated. Baking at 350°F allows the cups to cook evenly and become golden brown.
- Watch them closely while baking! Phyllo can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them after 8 minutes.
These tips will help ensure each bite is deliciously crunchy and holds all the yummy filling! Enjoy making these delightful treats!
Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Phyllo Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling:
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or whole berry cranberry relish
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (plus some whole halves for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes to bake. Once you gather your ingredients and get started, you’ll have these delicious treats ready to serve in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly brush a mini muffin tin with melted butter. This will help the phyllo cups come out easily later!
2. Preparing the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it on a clean surface. Use a brush to lightly coat it with the melted butter. Then, place another sheet on top and brush it again. Repeat this step until you have a neatly stacked pile of 6 buttered sheets.
3. Shaping the Cups:
Now it’s time to shape the cups! Cut the stacked phyllo sheets into 12 squares, about 4 inches each. Gently press each square into the mini muffin tin cups to create little nests. Don’t worry about making them perfect—rustic looks great!
4. Baking the Cups:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the phyllo cups become crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Making the Filling:
While the cups cool, mix the softened goat cheese with the chopped nuts in a bowl. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, this is a great time to stir in a little honey!
6. Assembling the Cups:
Using a spoon, fill each phyllo cup with the goat cheese mixture. Be generous, but make sure it fits snugly within the cup!
7. Adding the Cranberry:
Next, top each filled cup with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. It adds a vibrant color and complementary flavor!
8. Garnishing:
For that finishing touch, garnish each cup with a walnut or pecan half. If you like, drizzle a little honey on top for added sweetness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your Goat Cheese Cranberry Phyllo Cups are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately while crispy and fresh, and watch them disappear!
These phyllo cups bring together creaminess, tanginess, and crunch in every bite—a wonderful addition to any gathering or celebration!
Can I Use Store-Bought Phyllo Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought phyllo dough is a great time-saver. Just ensure it’s thawed completely before using. Follow the package instructions for best results.
How Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the phyllo cups and the goat cheese mixture ahead of time. Store the baked cups in an airtight container for up to a day. Just fill and top them with cranberry sauce right before serving for maximum freshness.
What If I Don’t Have Walnuts or Pecans?
No problem! You can use any nut you prefer, such as almonds or pistachios. If there are nut allergies, consider omitting them altogether or using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the phyllo may lose its crispiness. To reheat, put them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to regain some crunch!
