Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. If you’re looking for a quick, elegant, and flavorful appetizer, these Cranberry Phyllo Cups are the perfect addition to your holiday menu! They’re crispy, creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet – a combination that will leave your guests craving more. Plus, they’re easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. 🙌
🏆 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Perfect for Thanksgiving: These bite-sized treats bring together classic holiday flavors.
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making them ideal for busy hosts.
✅ Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples.
✅ Great Texture: Buttery, flaky phyllo, creamy cheese, and tart cranberry sauce create the ultimate bite.
✅ Customizable: Add nuts, herbs, or spices to suit your taste!
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will make your Thanksgiving appetizers shine! 🌟
📜 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Cranberry Phyllo Cups:
🧺 For the Phyllo Cups:
- 1 package of phyllo shells (pre-made, about 15-20 shells) 🥧
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup 🍯
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor) 🌿
🍒 For the Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen) 🍒
- 1/4 cup orange juice 🍊
- 1/4 cup water 💧
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey 🥄
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth) 🌰
- 1/2 tbsp orange zest (for a citrusy kick) 🍊
🌰 For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch) 🌰
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for decoration) 🌿
- Additional honey or maple syrup (for drizzling) 🍯
🥣 How to Make Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer. 🦃🍂
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce 🍒
1️⃣ In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, water, sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest. Stir well.
2️⃣ Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3️⃣ Remove from heat and let it cool while preparing the phyllo cups. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base 🧀
1️⃣ In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Transfer the mixture into a piping bag (or use a spoon for easy filling).
Step 3: Assemble the Phyllo Cups 🥧
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. If they are not pre-baked, lightly toast them for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
3️⃣ Fill each phyllo cup with a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture (about 1 teaspoon per cup).
4️⃣ Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.
5️⃣ Sprinkle with chopped pecans for an added crunch.
Step 4: Bake & Serve 🍽️
1️⃣ Place the filled phyllo cups in the oven and bake for 5 minutes, just until warm.
2️⃣ Remove from oven and let them cool slightly.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh rosemary and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
4️⃣ Serve warm or at room temperature & enjoy! 😋
🌟 Tips for the Best Cranberry Phyllo Cups
🔹 Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen works too!
🔹 Make the cranberry sauce ahead of time to save prep time.
🔹 Don’t overfill the phyllo cups to prevent spillage when baking.
🔹 Toast the nuts before adding them for a deeper flavor.
🔹 Try different cheeses! Goat cheese or brie can be a delicious alternative to cream cheese.
What to Serve with Cranberry Phyllo Cups?
These sweet and savory bites pair well with many Thanksgiving favorites! Here are some ideas:
🍗 Thanksgiving Turkey – Complements the cranberry flavor perfectly!
🥗 Autumn Salads – Try a fresh arugula salad with pecans and feta.
🍎 Cheese Platter – Serve alongside a charcuterie board for a stunning appetizer spread.
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
Can I make these ahead of time? 🤔 Yes! Here’s how: ✅ Prepare the cranberry sauce up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
✅ Assemble the cups a few hours before serving, but add the nuts & garnishes just before serving for freshness.
✅ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They taste best fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Phyllo Cups are a must-try for Thanksgiving! With their crispy texture, creamy filling, and tangy cranberry topping, they bring all the best fall flavors into one perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you’re hosting a big feast or a small family dinner, these appetizers will be a guaranteed hit. 🦃🥂
💬 Will you be making these for Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends & family. ❤️
Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁🦃
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