Goat Cheese and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

Goat Cheese and Cranberry Phyllo Cups – Festive, Easy, and Delicious

If you’re looking for a quick appetizer that looks elegant but takes only minutes to prepare, these Goat Cheese and Cranberry Phyllo Cups are about to become your new favorite. I first made them during a busy holiday season when I needed something impressive without the stress — and they turned out to be the star of the table. The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and crisp phyllo is simply irresistible. This easy homemade phyllo cup recipe is perfect for parties, brunches, or cozy winter dinners.

Ingredients

1 package mini phyllo cups (about 15 cups)
6 oz goat cheese, softened
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp chopped walnuts or almonds
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Arrange the mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix 6 oz goat cheese, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp orange zest until smooth.
Spoon 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture into each phyllo cup.
Add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce** on top of the goat cheese filling.
Sprinkle each cup with a pinch of chopped walnuts or almonds.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges of the phyllo cups are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Swap the cheese: You can replace goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
Add a citrus twist: A squeeze of fresh orange juice in the filling boosts brightness.
Make it savory: Add a tiny pinch of black pepper or roasted garlic to balance the sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover phyllo cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked filled cups for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen.
Reheating: Warm cooked cups in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving — it makes the phyllo soft.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cups a few hours in advance and bake right before serving.

Can I use frozen phyllo dough instead of ready cups?
Absolutely — just cut the dough into small squares, layer them in mini muffin tins, and bake to form cups.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, look for gluten-free phyllo shells available in some stores.

Can I replace the cranberries with another fruit?
Cherry, raspberry, or fig preserves work beautifully.

How many does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes about 15 appetizer bites.

Nutritional Information (per cup, approx.)

Calories: 80
Protein: 2 g
Carbs: 9 g
Fat: 4 g

Conclusion / Call to Action

These Goat Cheese and Cranberry Phyllo Cups are proof that a simple recipe can create a big impression. Light, flavorful, and incredibly easy, they’re perfect for holiday entertaining or any time you want a quick, crowd-pleasing bite. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! And don’t forget to explore more of my easy homemade appetizer recipes on the blog.