Festive Cranberry Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites Recipe

Delicate, crisp phyllo shells cradle a delightful cranberry & almond goat cheese fusion that promises an elegant appetizer.

The savory goat cheese blends perfectly with sweet-tart cranberries, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Crunchy almonds add a delightful textural contrast to these bite-sized delicacies.

Each morsel bursts with rich, complex taste that will surprise and delight your guests.

The maple balsamic drizzle brings a luxurious depth that elevates these little bites from simple to spectacular.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these phyllo bites make any gathering feel special.

You’ll want to serve these at your next event to impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 13

Cranberry Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites: Ingredients

• Phyllo Sheets: Delicate, paper-thin pastry that creates a crispy, golden vessel for the filling.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a flaky, golden texture and adds a subtle richness to the phyllo cups.

• Goat Cheese: Tangy, creamy base that provides a luxurious and smooth foundation for the bite-sized appetizer.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy goat cheese and complements the other flavors.
• Fresh Thyme: Brings an aromatic, herbaceous note that elevates the overall taste profile of the filling.

• Fresh Cranberries: Adds a burst of tart freshness and vibrant color to contrast the creamy cheese.
• Toasted Almonds: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that adds depth to the appetizer.
• Balsamic Glaze: Offers a rich, sweet-tangy finish that ties all the flavors together with a sophisticated touch.

Tool for Making Phyllo Bites the Easy Way

• Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and baking phyllo cups perfectly.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for blending goat cheese with maple syrup and thyme.
• Baking Tray: Supports phyllo cups during baking process.
• Pastry Brush: Helps oil phyllo sheets evenly for crispy texture.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting phyllo sheets into precise squares.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Ensures accurate maple syrup and ingredient portioning.

Instructions for Cranberry Almond Phyllo Bites

• Phyllo Foundations

Craft delicate phyllo cups using pre-made shells or handmade layers. Gently mold sheets into tiny vessels that will cradle your delectable filling.

• Golden Transformation

Warm the oven to create a crispy environment. Bake phyllo cups until they reach a perfect amber hue, transforming from soft to wonderfully crunchy.

• Creamy Canvas

Whip goat cheese into a silky smooth mixture, blending soft herbs and sweet maple for a luxurious base that will make taste buds dance.

• Flavor Symphony

Lovingly nestle the creamy goat cheese into each crisp cup. Sprinkle vibrant cranberries and crunchy almonds, creating a delightful texture playground.

• Elegant Finale

Drizzle a graceful ribbon of maple and balsamic glaze across the filled cups. This final touch adds a gourmet whisper of sweetness and tang that elevates the entire bite.

Savory Tips for Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

• Prepare phyllo cups and filling separately up to two days in advance. Store cups in an airtight container and refrigerate filling, assembling just before serving to maintain crispy texture and fresh taste.
• Replace goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder flavor. Substitute cranberries with pomegranate seeds or dried cherries for delightful seasonal variations. Use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for different crunch levels.
• Serve these appetizers chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves or add a sprinkle of black pepper for an unexpected flavor kick. Pair with sparkling wine or crisp white wine for an elegant touch.
• Store assembled bites in refrigerator for up to 4 hours before serving. Keep components separate if preparing far in advance to prevent soggy phyllo cups and maintain optimal taste and texture.

How to Serve Phyllo Bites with Style

• Serve as Elegant Appetizer: Present these delicate phyllo bites on a sleek white platter for a sophisticated cocktail party or holiday gathering, creating an instant conversation starter.
• Pair with Complementary Wines: Match the tangy goat cheese and sweet-tart cranberries with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to elevate the tasting experience.
• Create Colorful Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh thyme leaves or chopped almonds on top for a pop of color and added texture that makes the bites visually stunning.
• Offer as Make-Ahead Snack: Prepare these bites a few hours before serving and store in a cool place, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining with minimal last-minute preparation.

Plan Ahead for Storing Phyllo Bites Easily

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store these delicate bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place a layer of parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking and maintain the crispy phyllo texture.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Assemble the phyllo cups and goat cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the filling and cups separate, then combine just before serving to preserve the crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap unbaked phyllo cups tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat briefly in the oven to restore their crispy texture before filling.
• Serve at Optimal Temperature: Remove the appetizers from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the goat cheese to soften slightly and brings out the full depth of flavors in the cranberries, almonds, and maple balsamic drizzle.

Crispy Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites With Maple Balsamic Drizzle Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful cranberry & almond goat cheese phyllo bites with maple balsamic drizzle offer elegant party appetizers from Mediterranean culinary traditions. Crisp phyllo layers and tangy goat cheese create perfect flavor harmony for guests craving sophisticated small plates.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package phyllo dough (pre-made cups or sheets)
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) goat cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) fresh cranberries
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 3 tbsps maple syrup
• 2 tbsps balsamic glaze
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using phyllo sheets)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Phyllo Preparation: Layer three phyllo sheets, meticulously brushing each with olive oil, then slice into precise 2-inch squares, creating delicate pastry foundations.
2. Vessel Shaping: Gently press phyllo squares into a muffin tin, crafting elegant, lightweight cups with softly ruffled edges that promise a crisp texture.
3. Thermal Calibration: Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C), strategically positioning the rack centrally to guarantee uniform heat circulation and optimal golden transformation.
4. Crisp Transformation: Bake phyllo cups for 8-10 minutes until they metamorphose into a golden-hued, crisp canvas, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
5. Cheese Fusion: Whip softened goat cheese with maple syrup and finely chopped thyme, blending until the mixture achieves a velvety smooth consistency with herb-infused character.
6. Artful Assembly: Delicately fill each cooled phyllo cup three-quarters full with the herbed goat cheese mixture, creating a creamy foundation for the subsequent layers.
7. Garnish Elevation: Gracefully sprinkle a harmonious blend of fresh cranberries and toasted almonds atop the cheese-filled cups, introducing textural contrast and visual appeal.
8. Final Flourish: Drizzle a luxurious combination of maple syrup and balsamic reduction over the prepared bites, imparting a glossy, flavor-enhancing glaze that elevates the entire composition.

Notes

• Phyllo Handling Tip: Work quickly and keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and cracking during preparation.
• Precise Baking Crucial: Watch phyllo cups closely during baking; they can turn from golden to burnt in seconds due to thin, delicate nature.
• Cheese Preparation Hack: Allow goat cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending with maple syrup and thyme.
• Topping Balance Trick: Toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch that complements the creamy goat cheese.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg