Jalapeño and Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
These Jalapeño and Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delightful appetizer combining the creaminess of cheese with the sweet-tart cranberries and a mild kick from jalapeños, all nestled in crispy phyllo cups. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 appetizer bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 package (15 count) frozen phyllo cups
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the frozen phyllo cups evenly on a baking sheet, ready for filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped dried cranberries, minced jalapeños (with seeds removed for mild heat), thinly sliced green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill Phyllo Cups: Spoon the prepared cream cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, filling just below the rim to allow space for the cheese topping without overflow.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled phyllo cup, ensuring a flavorful golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese has melted and the phyllo cups turn a crispy golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm as an irresistible appetizer.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of jalapeño to increase or decrease heat according to your preference.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to achieve a smooth and easy-to-mix filling.
- These bites are best served warm but can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the cheddar cheese used is vegetarian-friendly.
- You may substitute green onions with chives or mild red onions for a slightly different flavor.
