These Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The crispy phyllo shells hold a tasty mix of cranberry and jalapeno that adds a pop of flavor!
Making these cups is a breeze, and they disappear quickly at parties! I love serving them warm, and I can’t help but laugh when people are surprised by the little kick of jalapeno! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This delicate pastry gives you a nice crunch. If you can’t find phyllo, you could use puff pastry instead, though it will change the texture a bit. Just be sure to roll it out thin.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking to stay dairy-free. It still offers a nice creamy base and works well with the other flavors!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are great, but if they’re out of season, you can use dried cranberries. Just chop them a bit and reduce the sweetness from the honey to balance it out.
Jalapeno: If you prefer less heat, opt for a mild pepper like a red bell pepper, or you can even omit it completely if you’re not into spice.
How Do I Handle Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Working with phyllo can be a bit tricky since it dries out quickly. Here’s a quick tip: keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel. This helps maintain moisture and makes it easier to work with.
- Use three sheets at a time for a sturdy cup. Brush each with melted butter.
- Don’t worry if some sheets tear; just layer them. It will still turn out amazing!
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Filling?
When filling your phyllo cups, it’s important to layer flavors for the best taste. Spread a good amount of the cream cheese mixture, topped with whole cranberries and a slice of jalapeno for that kick. This way, every bite surprises you with sweetness and spice!
Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package phyllo dough (about 12 sheets), thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat if desired)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, plus a little time for cooling. You can have these sweet, spicy bites ready to impress your guests in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to ensure your phyllo cups won’t stick.
2. Work with Phyllo Dough:
Carefully separate the phyllo sheets. Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Take 3 sheets at a time, brushing each with melted butter, and stack them together. This will give your cups a nice crispy texture.
3. Form the Phyllo Cups:
Once you have your stacked sheets, cut them into 3×3 inch squares. Gently press these squares into the mini muffin tin cups, forming little well-shaped cups. Make sure they fit snugly!
4. Bake the Phyllo Shells:
Pop the phyllo cups into your preheated oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
5. Make the Creamy Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until they are smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the rich base for your cups!
6. Prepare the Cranberry Mixture:
Take half of the cranberries and pulse them with honey in a food processor or blender. Chop them just enough to create a chunky mix—don’t puree it! This adds a nice texture and sweetness.
7. Combine the Mixtures:
Gently fold the chunky cranberry mixture into the smooth cream cheese mixture. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
8. Fill the Phyllo Cups:
Spoon the creamy cranberry filling into each cooled phyllo cup generously. Don’t be shy—fill them up!
9. Top and Serve:
Add several whole cranberries on top of each cup and garnish with a slice of jalapeno for that beautiful finishing touch. You can serve these cups immediately or chill them for a refreshing treat.
Enjoy these delightful bites that bring together tart and sweet flavors, all with a nice kick of spice from the jalapeno! Perfect for any gathering!
Can I Make These Phyllo Cups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the phyllo cups and filling a day in advance. Store the baked phyllo cups in an airtight container at room temperature, and keep the filling in the fridge. Just fill the cups right before serving to maintain their crispiness!
How Do I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help restore some crispness.
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Cranberries?
Yes, you can! Other tart fruits like chopped apples or diced pears work great here. If you prefer sweeter options, consider using cherry or blueberry preserves. Just mix them with the cream cheese base as you would with the cranberries.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’d like to reduce the heat from the jalapeno, simply remove the seeds and membranes before slicing. For a milder version, you can substitute the jalapeno with a sweet pepper or omit it altogether for a deliciously creamy appetizer.
