These crispy phyllo cups are filled with a zesty mix of sweet cranberries and spicy jalapenos. Perfect for parties or festive gatherings!
Every bite is a fun surprise of flavors! I love to serve them warm, and they’re gone in a flash. Plus, who can resist that crunch? It’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This is the star of the dish. It gives that delightful crunch! If you can’t find phyllo, puff pastry can be a good alternative, but it will be thicker and won’t have the same delicate crispiness.
Cream Cheese: It’s the base for the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead; it still gives creaminess with a tangy twist. Vegan cream cheese works too for a dairy-free option.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is classic, but if you want to make it fresh, simmering chopped cranberries with sugar and a splash of water does the trick. You can substitute with raspberry or cherry preserves if you’re in a pinch.
Jalapeno: The heat adds a fun kick! If jalapenos are too spicy for your taste, try using green bell peppers for mild flavor or banana peppers for a bit of tang without too much heat.
How Do I Get My Phyllo Cups to Stay Crispy?
Getting the phyllo dough nice and crisp is essential, and here’s how you can ensure that.
- Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while you work to prevent it from drying out.
- Layer and butter the sheets well. The melted butter creates a barrier and helps each layer crisp up nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the cups with filling; this can make the phyllo soggy. Just enough to allow space for baking.
- Let them cool slightly after baking so they hold their shape better and keep that crunch.
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful cranberry jalapeno phyllo cups! They are perfect bites of sweet and spicy goodness.
Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (or fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes for baking. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Tin:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to ensure the phyllo cups don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Take 3 sheets of phyllo dough and layer them together, brushing each layer lightly with melted butter as you go. This will help achieve that crispy texture you want! Once layered, cut the phyllo into squares that are large enough to fit over the cups in your mini muffin tin.
3. Form the Cups:
Gently press each square of phyllo into the muffin tin cups. Make sure the edges are sticking out to form little cups.
4. Bake the Phyllo Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the phyllo cups for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Once they’re ready, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the tin.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mixing until smooth and creamy. If you’d like, add honey or maple syrup to bring a delightful sweetness to the mixture.
6. Assemble the Cups:
Carefully spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, filling each about halfway full.
7. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Top each filled cup with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce for that sweet-tart flavor.
8. Garnish with Jalapenos:
Finish off by placing a slice of jalapeno pepper on top of each cup, giving it a beautiful and spicy garnish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These phyllo cups can be served immediately or can be refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. They are at their best when enjoyed warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy the sweet and spicy burst of cranberry and jalapeno wrapped in a delightfully crispy phyllo cup!
Can I Use Different Types of Dips for These Cups?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese filling is delicious, you can try alternatives like goat cheese, feta cheese mixed with herbs, or even a spicy bean dip for a twist. Just ensure the dip complements the cranberry sauce and jalapeno.
How Do I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again!
Can I Make the Phyllo Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups ahead of time! Form the cups and bake them, then store them at room temperature. Fill them right before serving to keep the phyllo crispy. The cream cheese filling can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Foods?
If jalapenos are too spicy for you, consider omitting them entirely or using milder peppers like green bell peppers or banana peppers for a hint of flavor without the heat. You could also add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead for extra freshness!
