These Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups are a fun mix of sweet and spicy. The crispy phyllo cups are filled with a tasty blend of creamy cheese, tangy cranberry, and a bit of kick from jalapenos!
Perfect for parties, these little bites disappear fast! I love how easy they are to make. Just fill, bake, and watch everyone go back for more. Who knew appetizers could be this cute and yummy? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star of the show! Phyllo dough creates a light, crispy texture. If you can’t find phyllo, you might use wonton wrappers or puff pastry, but the texture will be different.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich, creamy base. For a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries bring a wonderful tartness. If they’re out of season, use dried cranberries, but cut back on the sugar as they are often sweetened.
Jalapeno: Fresh jalapeno adds a needed kick. If you prefer milder heat, use bell peppers or skip the jalapenos altogether. Poblano peppers are a great mild alternative!
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch, but if you have nut allergies, feel free to omit them or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for that extra texture.
How Do I Keep Phyllo Dough from Drying Out?
Keeping phyllo dough moist is key to getting those perfect crispy cups. Here’s my method:
- While working, cover the unused phyllo sheets with a damp kitchen towel. This prevents them from drying out quickly.
- Work quickly! If possible, prep your cups in batches so the dough spends less time uncovered.
By following these tips, you’ll have wonderfully crispy phyllo cups without any hassle!
Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh whole cranberries and jalapeno slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and another 10 minutes baking. The cooling and garnish add a few extra minutes, but it’s all very simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), so it’s hot and ready when you need it.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Cups:
Carefully separate the phyllo sheets and cut each sheet into squares about 3×3 inches. Keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
3. Layer and Butter the Phyllo:
Brush each phyllo square lightly with melted butter. Take 3-4 squares and layer them on top of each other for each cup. This layering gives them that nice, flaky texture.
4. Form the Cups:
Place the layered phyllo squares into a mini muffin tin, gently pressing down to create little cups. This will hold all that delicious filling you’re about to make!
5. Bake the Phyllo Cups:
Put the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cups are golden and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool.
6. Make the Filling:
While the phyllo cups are cooling, make the filling! In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the chopped cranberries, sugar or honey (if you want it sweeter), chopped jalapeno, lemon zest, nuts (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined but still slightly chunky.
7. Fill the Phyllo Cups:
Once the phyllo cups have cooled, spoon the cranberry jalapeno mixture into each cup. Don’t be shy—fill them up!
8. Garnish:
To make them look extra special, top each filled cup with a few whole cranberries and a slice of jalapeno. This adds color and a fun touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These tasty cups can be served right away! If you prefer, chill them for about 20 minutes to let the flavors blend a bit more. Enjoy your Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups as a delightful party snack or appetizer!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Fillings in These Cups?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can try adding different cheeses, such as goat cheese or feta, or include chopped veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Just ensure the mix balances well with sweetness to mimic the cranberry’s flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
Store any leftover filled phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain crispiness, it’s best to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes rather than the microwave.
Can I Make the Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the phyllo cups and the filling separately ahead of time. Assemble and bake the cups just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy. Baked phyllo cups can be made a few hours ahead, just add the filling right before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Phyllo Dough?
Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so keep it covered with a damp cloth while you work. It’s best to work in small batches, taking out only the sheets you need, to maintain moisture and flexibility!