Quick Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites Recipe

Cranberry and almond goat cheese phyllo bites represent a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that promise to elevate any gathering.

Crisp, delicate pastry layers cradle a creamy, tangy filling bursting with seasonal ingredients.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these elegant appetizers blend sweet and savory notes in each delectable morsel.

Guests will be impressed by the sophisticated combination of ingredients that dance harmoniously on their palates.

Delicate phyllo provides a light, crisp foundation for the rich goat cheese and tart cranberries.

Almonds contribute a subtle crunch that complements the smooth cheese and fruity elements perfectly.

The maple balsamic drizzle crafts these bites from simple to spectacular, adding depth and complexity.

Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites: Perfect for Parties

• Create Crispy Texture Treasures: These phyllo bites deliver an irresistible crunch that shatters delicately with each bite, offering a satisfying contrast to the creamy goat cheese filling.
• Harmonize Sweet and Tangy Flavors: The maple syrup's sweetness perfectly balances the tart cranberries and rich balsamic glaze, creating a complex flavor profile that dances across your taste buds.
• Effortless Elegant Entertaining: These bite-sized appetizers look impressively gourmet but require minimal preparation, making them ideal for hosting gatherings or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Quick Culinary Creativity: With just 15-20 minutes of total preparation time, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated appetizer that feels like a restaurant-quality treat right at home.

Ingredients for Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

• Phyllo Sheets: A delicate pastry that creates a crispy, light base for the appetizer.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crisp texture when brushing phyllo sheets.

• Goat Cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese that provides a rich base for the filling.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a sweet, warm flavor to both the filling and drizzle.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Brings a subtle herbal note to complement the cheese.

• Fresh Cranberries: Offers a tart, bright burst of flavor and vibrant color.
• Toasted Almonds: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty undertone to the bites.
• Balsamic Glaze: Adds a sweet and tangy finish to enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Prepare Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

Step 1: Create Phyllo Cups

• Brush each sheet with olive oil
• Stack 3 sheets together
• Cut into small squares
• Gently press squares into muffin tins to form cups

Step 2: Bake Phyllo Cups

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Place phyllo cups in oven
• Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy
• Cool cups completely before filling

Step 3: Mix Goat Cheese Filling

• Softened goat cheese
• Maple syrup
• Fresh thyme leaves

Mix until smooth and creamy

Step 4: Fill Phyllo Cups

• Spoon goat cheese mixture into cooled cups
• Add fresh cranberries
• Sprinkle toasted almonds evenly

Step 5: Add Final Drizzle

• Pour remaining maple syrup over cups
• Add balsamic glaze
• Ensure each bite gets a touch of glaze for enhanced flavor

Tips for Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

• Chill Cheese First: Refrigerate goat cheese for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smoother, easier-to-blend consistency.
• Toast Almonds Perfectly: Gently roast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and maximize their nutty flavor.
• Prevent Soggy Cups: Let phyllo cups cool completely before adding filling to maintain their crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Create Clean Drizzles: Warm maple syrup and balsamic glaze slightly to ensure smooth, even distribution over the phyllo bites.
• Make Ahead Smartly: Prepare phyllo cups and filling separately up to a day in advance, assembling just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Storing and Reheating Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

• Storing Leftovers: Transfer any remaining phyllo bites to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of preparation. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness. Consume within 2-3 days for best taste and texture.
• Reheating Options: Warm refrigerated bites in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make phyllo soggy and compromise the delicate texture. For optimal enjoyment, serve these appetizers slightly warm or at room temperature.
• Freezing Tip: While possible to freeze, the phyllo's texture might slightly change. Wrap completely cooled bites tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

Pairing Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

• Pair with Sparkling Prosecco: The crisp, light bubbles of Prosecco perfectly complement the tangy goat cheese and sweet-tart cranberries, cutting through the richness while enhancing the delicate phyllo texture.
• Match with Herb-Infused White Wine: A light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with herbal notes will echo the fresh thyme and bring out the nutty almond undertones, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
• Serve Alongside Mixed Greens Salad: A simple arugula salad with a light citrus vinaigrette provides a peppery, refreshing contrast to the creamy, sweet-savory appetizer, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Complement with Spiced Pear Cider: A chilled, lightly spiced pear cider offers a subtle sweetness that mirrors the maple balsamic glaze while providing a smooth, fruity backdrop to the appetizer's complex flavors.

Creative Variations of Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites

• Savory Mediterranean Morsel: Replace goat cheese with feta, swap cranberries for sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano instead of thyme for a Greek-inspired appetizer.
• Autumn Harvest Bite: Incorporate roasted butternut squash cubes, swap almonds for pecans, and use a pumpkin spice-infused maple glaze to capture seasonal warmth.
• Spicy Southwestern Crunch: Mix goat cheese with jalapeños, replace cranberries with roasted corn kernels, and drizzle with chipotle-spiked balsamic reduction for bold, zesty flavors.
• Herbal Garden Nibble: Blend goat cheese with mixed fresh herbs like basil and chives, top with microgreens, and use a light lemon-infused balsamic glaze for a fresh, bright profile.

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

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites combine elegant flavors from Mediterranean and North American cuisines. Crisp phyllo layers cradle creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and toasted almonds, then shimmer with a luxurious maple balsamic reduction that invites savory-sweet exploration.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo dough (pre-made cups or sheets)
• 1 ½ cups goat cheese, softened
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using phyllo sheets)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft crisp phyllo vessels by layering three phyllo sheets, brushing each with olive oil, then cutting into precise squares measuring approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters).
2. Delicately press these squares into a muffin tin, creating elegant, lightweight cups with slightly ruffled edges.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack in the middle to ensure even heat distribution.
4. Bake the phyllo cups for 8-10 minutes until they transform into a delicate golden hue with a satisfying crispness.
5. Remove the cups from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, maintaining their structural integrity.
6. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened goat cheese with maple syrup and finely chopped fresh thyme leaves.
7. Gently whip the mixture until it achieves a smooth, creamy consistency with herbs evenly distributed.
8. Carefully spoon the herbed goat cheese mixture into each cooled phyllo cup, filling them about three-quarters full.
9. Sprinkle a measured amount of fresh cranberries and toasted almonds atop each filled cup, creating a balanced and visually appealing garnish.
10. Finish by drizzling a harmonious blend of remaining maple syrup and balsamic reduction over the prepared bites, ensuring each morsel receives a delicate glaze.

Notes

• Elevate your appetizer game with these elegant, crispy phyllo bites that combine tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds.
• Phyllo sheets can be transformed into delicate cups by carefully brushing with olive oil and layering three sheets before cutting and pressing into muffin tins.
• Prepare the filling ahead of time by softening goat cheese and mixing with maple syrup and thyme for a smooth, aromatic base.
• Toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy cheese.
• The maple balsamic drizzle is the secret weapon, adding a sophisticated sweet-tangy finish that elevates these bite-sized treats from good to absolutely irresistible.
• Serve these as a stunning party appetizer that looks professionally made but is surprisingly simple to create at home.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 95 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg