Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta
Looking for a holiday appetizer that’s super easy but still a bit fancy? These Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta are where it’s at. Crispy little phyllo cups, creamy feta with a hint of garlic, and a pop of cranberry on top—these bites are festive, fun, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Easy Holiday Appetizer
When it comes to holiday appetizers, I’m all about mixing simplicity with a touch of fancy. These Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta do just that.
With pre-made mini phyllo cups, they’re a snap to whip up, and the combo of creamy feta with sweet-tart cranberry sauce is sure to delight.
Whether you’re hosting a festive bash or just in the mood for a scrumptious little treat, these cranberry tartlets are your new best friend!
Why You’re Gonna Love This Recipe
Looking for more fall party appetizers for easy entertaining? Be sure to try our savory truffled devilled eggs, creamy artichoke dip bites, whipped truffle burrata dip, cozy fall charcuterie board, and our warm baked brie with spiced pears.
Don’t forget to pin this for later
Key Ingredients
Mini Phyllo Cups: These are a lifesaver when it comes to quick and easy appetizers. Available in most grocery stores, they provide a crisp, flaky shell that holds up well with creamy fillings and toppings.
Feta Cheese: Known for its tangy flavor and creamy texture, feta is the base of the whipped feta mixture. For the smoothest results, be sure to whip it thoroughly with the cream and olive oil.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient is essential for achieving the creamy consistency of the whipped feta. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the whipped feta, enhancing its savory profile and balancing the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought for convenience. Just make sure it’s stirred well before using to achieve a smooth texture.
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Cranberries
Cranberries are a quintessential fruit of the fall and winter seasons. Their vibrant red color and tart flavor make them a festive addition to many holiday dishes.
Peak season for fresh cranberries runs from October through December, making them ideal for holiday recipes. These small berries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Fresh cranberries are ideal for cooking and baking, as their bright, tart flavors shine through when paired with sweeter ingredients or when cooked down into a sauce.
Recipe Roadmap with Images
1
Prep the Cranberry Sauce
Simmer cranberries, sugar, and orange juice until thickened. Cool to room temp.
Shortcut: Use pre-made cranberry sauce, stirred until smooth.
2
Prep the Whipped Feta
Blend feta, cream, olive oil, and garlic until smooth. Scrape sides if needed.
3
Assemble TartleTs
Spoon or pipe whipped feta into mini phyllo cups. Top with cranberry sauce.
4
Garnish and Serve
Top tartlets with chopped pecans, honey drizzle, and garnish with fresh rosemary. Enjoy!
And there you have it…these tartlets offer a blend of savory and sweet, with whipped feta and cranberry sauce creating a deliciously elegant bite.
Party Tip: Prepare Ahead!
To save time on the day of your event, make the cranberry sauce and whipped feta up to 2 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the tartlets just before serving to keep the phyllo cups crisp and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation Perfection: Arrange the tartlets on a beautiful platter with a some sprigs of fresh rosemary and some fresh cranberries for a festive look.
- Pair with Drinks: These tartlets go beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light sparkling rosé. Or serve with cocktails like a pomegranate martini or champagne punch. Set up a small drink station to add a touch of elegance.
- Appetizer Spread: Serve alongside other bite-sized treats like goat cheese phyllo cups with balsamic strawberries, artichoke tartlets, and whipped ricotta crostini for a well-rounded appetizer selection.
- Salad Side: Complement the richness of the tartlets with a fresh green salad, such as a spinach gorgonzola salad with pear and pomegranate.
- Holiday Feasts: Perfect for holiday parties, these tartlets make a stylish start. Pair with roasted meats like maple bourbon glazed roasted turkey breast, and serve with truffle mashed potatoes, and hot honey carrots for a complete holiday spread.
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Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta
Ingredients
- 2 packages mini phyllo cups (about 30 cups total)
For the Cranberry Sauce (if making from scratch):
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup orange juice or water
For the Cranberry Sauce (if using pre-made):
- ½ cup whole cranberry sauce
For the Whipped Feta:
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons pecans, finely chopped
- a drizzle of honey, optional
- fresh rosemary sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Turn off heat and let it cool to room temperature.Shortcut: For convenience, you can use your favorite pre-made whole cranberry sauce instead. Just stir it to ensure it's smooth and well-combined.
- Prepare Whipped Feta: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, heavy cream, olive oil, and minced garlic. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a tall cup if using an immersion blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl or cup with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble Tartlets: Spoon a dollop of whipped feta into each mini phyllo cup, or use a piping bag for a more polished look. Finish by adding a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the tartlets on a serving platter. Sprinkle with finely chopped pecans and a light drizzle of honey. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Top Tips
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cranberry sauce before using and adjust the sweetness with extra sugar or a splash of orange juice if needed.
- Adjust Consistency: If the whipped feta is too thick, gradually add more olive oil until you reach your desired smooth and creamy consistency.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the whipped feta and cranberry sauce up to 2 days in advance. This saves time and enhances the flavors.
Leftovers and Storage
- Storage: Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep them separate from garnishes.
- Reassemble Fresh: Store whipped feta and cranberry sauce separately. When ready to serve, assemble tartlets fresh to keep the phyllo cups crisp and the flavors vibrant.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
