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Thanksgiving heritably entails coming together with family, feasting on captivating dishes, and cherishing moments that matter. If you are in the search of an impressive appetizer to wow your family guests, the Cranberry Phyllo Cups with Goat Cheese will do exactly that! Easy to make and exceptionally presenting on the table, they boast a perfect combination of sweet and salty which makes them deliciously biteable.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Thanksgiving: The combination of cranberries and goat cheese embodies the essence of the holiday season.
- Fast and Simple: Ready in less than 30 minutes with little prep time.
- Bite-Sized & Elegant: Great for serving at parties and gatherings.
- Flavorful & Unique: A delightful mix of tangy, creamy, and crispy textures.
Ingredients Youβll Need
To make these delicious cranberry phyllo cups, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 package of phyllo dough cups (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz goat cheese (softened)
- Β½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ΒΌ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish)
- Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). If youβre using store-bought phyllo cups, they may already be baked, but warming them enhances their crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with honey, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth.
Step 3: Fill the Phyllo Cups
- Place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Spoon about Β½ teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture into each cup.
- Add Β½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans for extra crunch (optional).
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly warm and the phyllo cups are crisp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for a festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Phyllo Cups
β Pull Out All The Stops β Craft your own cranberry sauce for a richer delicious explosion. β Sprinkle, Donβt Fill β Go for the minimum because too much stuffing will render the cups soggy. β Change It Up β Add Brie cheese, a touch of balsamic glaze, or a dash of orange for that extra kick. β Build It, But Donβt Bake β Complete the entire prep in advance, and assemble just before popping it in the oven.
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Optional)
If youβd like to make your own cranberry sauce, hereβs a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Β½ cup sugar
- ΒΌ cup orange juice
- Β½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally and let the cranberries burst as they cook down (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool before using.
This fresh cranberry sauce adds a homemade touch to your phyllo cups!
Pairing Suggestions
These cranberry phyllo cups pair beautifully with:
- A Thanksgiving turkey feast
- White wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic option
- A charcuterie board with nuts and dried fruits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo cups and store them unfilled in an airtight container. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a tangy contrast to the cranberries, you can substitute it with brie, cream cheese, or feta.
Can I Freeze These?
Phyllo cups donβt freeze well once baked, but you can freeze the unbaked, assembled cups and bake them fresh when needed.
Final Thoughts
These phyllo cups with Goat Cheese and Cranberry are incredibly exquisite, tasteful, and an effortless dish that will spruce up your Thanksgiving entertainment. The irresistible fillo dough mixed with the rich sour goat cheese and sweet tasty cranberry spreads makes it an enjoyable treat for the holidays.
Prepare these mouth-watering bites, complement them with your Thanksgiving plate, and be a witness of them vanishing in the blink of an eye! ππ¦
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) phyllo dough cups (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz goat cheese (softened)
- Β½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ΒΌ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish)
- Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Phyllo Cups: Place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet and fill each cup with Β½ teaspoon of goat cheese mixture.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon Β½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the goat cheese.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped pecans for crunch (optional).
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the phyllo cups are crispy and the cheese is warm.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme, and serve warm.
Notes
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Make Ahead: You can assemble the cups ahead of time and bake just before serving.
β
Cheese Swap: Try using brie, cream cheese, or feta for a different flavor.
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Add a Drizzle: A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or orange zest enhances the flavor.
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Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans if serving guests with nut allergies.