Christmas Cranberry Feta Cheese Cups

These Christmas Cranberry Feta Cheese Cups are the perfect festive appetizer to light up your holiday gatherings! The tangy kick of feta cheese paired with the sweetness of honey and the tartness of fresh cranberries creates an irresistible flavor combination that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they come together in just minutes, making them a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite.
2. Easy & Elegant: Perfect for last-minute entertaining with a polished look that wows.
3. Festive Appeal: The vibrant red cranberries and green parsley scream holiday cheer.
4. Versatile: Great for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, or even as a snack during family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• Feta Cheese (4 oz): Creamy and tangy, the foundation of these cups.
• Fresh Cranberries (½ cup): Adds tartness and a festive pop of red.
• Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp): A hint of freshness to balance the flavors.
• Honey (1 tbsp): A natural sweetener that ties everything together.
• Mini Phyllo Pastry Cups (12): Crisp and flaky, they’re the perfect vessel for this delightful filling.

Tools You’ll Need

• A mixing bowl for preparing the filling.
• A spoon for assembling the cups.
• A serving platter to display your masterpiece.

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Goat Cheese Instead of Feta: For a creamier, slightly tangier filling.
• Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, chopped dried cranberries work beautifully.
• Maple Syrup Instead of Honey: Adds a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
• Walnuts or Pecans: Add a crunchy texture by mixing in some chopped nuts.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Feta Cheese Cups

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1. Prepare the Filling

Start by combining crumbled feta cheese, freshly chopped cranberries, and parsley in a mixing bowl. The contrast of colors and textures is a feast for the eyes even before you taste it.

2. Add a Touch of Sweetness

Drizzle honey over the mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients. The honey mellows the sharpness of the cranberries and complements the feta’s tanginess.

3. Fill the Cups

Using a spoon, generously fill each mini phyllo pastry cup with the cranberry-feta mixture. These ready-made pastry cups are such a time-saver, but feel free to bake your own for an extra homemade touch.

4. Serve with Holiday Cheer

Arrange the filled cups on a festive platter—think greenery, fairy lights, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect—and serve immediately.

What to Serve with These Cranberry Feta Cheese Cups

• Holiday Drinks: Pair with sparkling cider, mulled wine, or champagne.
• Cheese Board: Complement with a selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.
• Light Salads: A fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of these bites.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Feta Cups

1. Don’t Overfill: The phyllo cups are delicate; a generous yet manageable scoop ensures no spills.
2. Chop Cranberries Finely: This helps distribute their tartness evenly throughout each bite.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Crisp up the cups in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the filling ahead, but assemble just before serving to keep the phyllo cups crispy.

What can I use instead of phyllo cups?

Try wonton wrappers baked in a muffin tin or even mini tart shells.

Are these cups gluten-free?

Check the label on your phyllo cups or use a gluten-free alternative.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

Bring a Festive Touch to Your Table

These Christmas Cranberry Feta Cheese Cups are proof that simple ingredients can create something magical. Perfectly portioned, delightfully crisp, and bursting with holiday flavors, they’ll be the highlight of your appetizer spread.

If you’re looking for more holiday appetizers, don’t miss these:

• Christmas Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites
• Christmas Bruschetta Wreath
• Smoked Salmon Mini Quesadillas

Make your holidays deliciously memorable—one bite at a time! If you try this recipe, share your creations on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram. I love seeing your culinary masterpieces!