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
- 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)
Instructions
- Phyllo Preparation: Layer three phyllo sheets, meticulously brushing each with olive oil, then slice into precise 2-inch squares, creating delicate pastry foundations.
- Vessel Shaping: Gently press phyllo squares into a muffin tin, crafting elegant, lightweight cups with softly ruffled edges that promise a crisp texture.
- Thermal Calibration: Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C), strategically positioning the rack centrally to guarantee uniform heat circulation and optimal golden transformation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish Elevation: Gracefully sprinkle a harmonious blend of fresh cranberries and toasted almonds atop the cheese-filled cups, introducing textural contrast and visual appeal.
- 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