Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups are a fun and tasty treat! The crisp phyllo dough holds a delicious mix of sweet cranberries and spicy jalapenos, making them a great snack.
These little bites are perfect for parties or just a casual get-together. I love serving them warm, and they always get gobbled up fast! Who knew sweet and spicy could be so awesome together? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: The star of these cups! Phyllo adds the wonderful crunch. If you can’t find it, try using pre-made puff pastry. Just make sure to bake it well to get that flaky texture.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a tart kick. If out of season, substitute with dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor, but reduce honey slightly since dried are sweeter.
Jalapeño: Adds spice! If you prefer less heat, opt for a mild pepper like a banana pepper or omit it entirely. Another good choice is using roasted red peppers for flavor without heat.
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy texture and flavor. You can replace it with goat cheese for a tangy twist or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
How Do You Get the Phyllo Cups Extra Crispy?
Creating crispy phyllo cups is all about layering and baking. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo with melted butter. This not only helps them crisp up but also adds flavor.
- Don’t skip layering! Using multiple sheets forms a strong and crunchy base that won’t get soggy.
- Watch them closely in the oven! Bake until they are just golden, as they can burn quickly.
If you find you have extra phyllo, you can crumple leftover sheets and toss them with butter to make a crunchy topping for salads or soups!
Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat, optional)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and assembling the cups, and then another 10 minutes for baking. They’re quick to make and even quicker to devour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, take a mini muffin tin and lightly brush each cup with some melted butter to help the phyllo cook nicely and not stick.
2. Layer the Phyllo Dough:
On a clean surface, lay out one sheet of phyllo dough. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Then, place another sheet on top and brush with butter again. Do this until you have stacked three layers to make a sturdy cup.
3. Cut and Shape the Dough:
Now, cut these layered phyllo sheets into squares that are about 4×4 inches. Gently press each square into the mini muffin tin cups to form little shells. You should have about 12 cups ready to go!
4. Bake the Phyllo Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the phyllo shells for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Once they look perfect, take them out and let them cool a little.
5. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped red onion, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until it becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Fill the Cups:
Now it’s time to fill the cooled phyllo cups! Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, making sure they are generously filled.
7. Top with Cranberries and Jalapeños:
Add several fresh cranberries on top of the cream cheese mixture in each cup, and place a slice of jalapeño for that extra kick and color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious cups can be served immediately while still warm or you can pop them in the fridge for a little while to enjoy them chilled later. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can try using goat cheese for a tangy flavor or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option. Just make sure to soften it so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
Store any leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the phyllo shells and filling a few hours in advance. Just assemble the cups right before serving to keep the phyllo crispy. If filling them ahead, store the filling separately and fill the cups just before serving.
What if I Don’t Have Phyllo Dough?
If phyllo dough isn’t available, puff pastry is a great alternative! Just roll it out and cut it into squares to make cups in the muffin tin, but keep an eye on the baking time as puff pastry may cook a little faster.
