Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Thanksgiving is by far my most favorite holiday. It is a time for family, friends, and most importantly, food! But let’s get real, sometimes the same old appetizers can get a bit… how can I put this? boring. That’s why I have been on the lookout for something that is traditional, tasty and maybe even a little fancy without being too complicated. And believe me, these cranberry recipes for thanksgiving cups phyllo dough are exactly that. They are sweet, tangy and a little bit savory and the phyllo cups make them look so elegant. If you are in search of something that will really impress your guests this year, then these cranberry and goat cheese bites are it.
Table of contents
Ingredients for Cranberry Recipes For Thanksgiving Cups Phyllo Dough
| Ingredient Name | Quantity | Special Notes |
| Phyllo Dough Sheets | 10-12 sheets | Thaw according to package directions |
| Fresh Cranberries | 1 1/2 cups | Can also use frozen, no need to thaw |
| Goat Cheese | 4 oz | Soft, fresh goat cheese works best |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/4 cup | Adjust to your preference |
| Orange Zest | 1 teaspoon | Freshly zested for best flavor |
| Orange Juice | 2 tablespoons | Freshly squeezed is best |
| Pecans or Walnuts | 1/4 cup | Chopped, for texture |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Melted, for brushing the phyllo |
| Salt | Pinch | To enhance flavors |
| Fresh Rosemary sprigs | 2 small sprigs | For garnish (optional) |
| Honey or Maple Syrup | 1-2 teaspoons | For drizzling (optional) |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Muffin Tin or Mini Muffin Tin
- Small Saucepan
- Pastry Brush
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can use a mini muffin tin as well but adjust the phyllo dough to fit accordingly. If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can use a clean paper towel.
Professional Quote
“As a chef, I always try to make traditional dishes better. These cranberry recipes for Thanksgiving cups made with phyllo dough and goat cheese are amazing. They give a new twist to the holiday food while still keeping the special flavors we love,” says Chef Emily Thompson, a well-known cooking expert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Time needed: 20 minutes
- Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, put soft goat cheese, honey, orange peel, and a little bit of salt. Stir everything together until it is smooth.
- Cook the Cranberries
In a pot, cook fresh cranberries with a spoon of water on medium heat until they pop and make a sauce. Let it cool a little bit.
- Assemble the Filling
Mix the chilled cranberry sauce into the goat cheese mixture. Put it aside for now.
- Prepare the Dough
Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take some melted butter and brush it into each little cup of a mini muffin pan. Cut the phyllo dough into smaller pieces so they can fit in each cup.
- Shape the Cups
Put a piece of phyllo dough in each cup, pressing it down gently to make a shape like a cup. Brush it with more butter.
- Fill and Bake
Put the cranberry and goat cheese mixture into each cup. Bake it for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown.
Tips & Tricks “Cranberry Recipes For Thanksgiving Cups Phyllo Dough”
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the phyllo cups with the cranberry mixture or they might become soggy.
- Keep Phyllo Moist: Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so keep the unused sheets covered while you’re working.
- Add Crunch: Feel free to add some toasted pecans or walnuts before baking for extra texture.
- Spice It Up: If you want to make the cranberry mix a little warmer and tastier, you can add a small quantity of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Cheese Variety: While goat cheese is amazing with cranberry, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as brie or cream cheese.
- Sweetness: You can change how sweet the cranberry sauce is by adding more or less sugar.
Cranberry Serving Ideas
These cranberry goat cheese phyllo cups are very flexible and can be used in many ways. They are a tasty part of any snack table and are great for:
- Holiday Gatherings: These are an elegant and festive choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve parties.
- Brunch: Serve them alongside a mimosa or sparkling cider for a sophisticated brunch treat.
- Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser, these cups are great for potlucks.
- Casual Entertaining: Even for a relaxed get-together, these phyllo cups add a touch of specialness.
Nutritional Information
(Estimated per serving, based on using 12 phyllo cups, please note this is an estimate)
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: 5-7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
- Sodium: 50-70 mg
- Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Variations & Alternatives
- Vegan Option: Substitute vegan phyllo dough, use a vegan cream cheese alternative or a creamy cashew-based cheese and substitute maple syrup or agave for honey.
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free phyllo dough options available in some specialty stores.
- Different Cheese: Try using brie, feta, or cream cheese instead of goat cheese, each will bring a unique flavor.
- Herbs: Add a touch of thyme or sage to the cranberry mixture for an herbal twist.
- Nut Alternatives: If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pepitas are great alternatives.
- Spicier Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry mixture for a little heat.
Conclusion
These cranberry recipes with phyllo dough cups are tasty and can be used in many different ways. They can fit different diets and are great for any celebration. Whether you are having a big Thanksgiving dinner or a small gathering with friends, these cups will impress your guests. I hope you will try making them!
FAQ Section
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry mixture a day ahead. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the phyllo cups just before serving to ensure they remain crispy.
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries directly without thawing.
Yep, feel free to experiment with cheeses like brie, feta, or cream cheese if you don’t like goat cheese.
Store leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within 24 hours to maintain their crispiness. You can reheat them in the oven at 300F (150C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up a little if needed.
These are wonderful as part of an appetizer spread with other cheeses, crackers, and dips. They also pair well with a light salad.
Who Should Skip This Cranberry Recipes For Thanksgiving Cups Phyllo Dough?
While these cranberry recipes for thanksgiving cups phyllo dough are generally a crowd-pleaser, there are some situations where they might not be the best choice:
- Dietary Restrictions: If you are allergic to gluten and cannot find gluten-free phyllo, or if you are avoiding dairy products, this recipe may not work for you unless you use different ingredients.
- Goat Cheese Dislike: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, consider substituting with a cheese you do enjoy, or skip this recipe if you just don’t like cheese in a sweet setting.
- Extreme Sweetness Aversion: This dish has a nice mix of sweet and salty flavors. If you don’t like much sweetness, you might think the cranberry part is too sweet. You can use less sugar if you want.
- Strict Dietary Regimen: If you are following very strict diets such as keto or low-sodium, this recipe may not fit into your nutritional parameters.
- Time Constraints: While not complex, these do require some assembly, if you are truly pressed for time a simpler appetizer would be better suited.
Don’t worry! If these cups aren’t quite the right fit for you, there are plenty of other fantastic recipes to explore!
My Personal Touch “Cranberry Recipes For Thanksgiving Cups Phyllo Dough”
Last Thanksgiving, I was determined to elevate my appetizer game. I wanted something that would not only taste amazing but also look stunning on the table. After some experimentation, I stumbled upon this cranberry goat cheese phyllo cup recipe. The first time I made them, my family devoured them in minutes! I remember feeling so proud as they complimented the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The sweet and tangy cranberries mixed well with the creamy goat cheese, all placed inside a crispy and buttery phyllo cup. Each bite felt like a little celebration! Seeing everyone smile showed me that I made a very special dish. I plan to make it every year.
What Do You Think?
Have you tried cranberry recipes for thanksgiving cups phyllo dough before? What are your favorite twists on this festive appetizer? Let me know in the comments below! If you want more Thanksgiving appetizer ideas, try these related posts:
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