Get ready to transform your appetizer game with these mouthwatering Havarti and Cranberry Phyllo Bites that will have your guests begging for the recipe! Imagine delicate, buttery layers of crispy phyllo pastry embracing a luxurious blend of creamy Havarti cheese and sweet, tangy cranberries. These elegant little bites are not just a snack – they're a culinary experience that combines gourmet flavors with stunning presentation, perfect for everything from sophisticated cocktail parties to cozy family gatherings.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 8 oz Havarti cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your phyllo bites will bake evenly and become perfectly golden and crispy.
- Thaw the phyllo dough according to the package instructions. This usually involves leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Make sure to keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded Havarti cheese and dried cranberries. Stir well to ensure that the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
- Take a sheet of phyllo dough and lay it flat on a clean surface. Brush the entire sheet with melted butter using a pastry brush. This will add flavor and help the layers crisp up beautifully.
- Layer another sheet of phyllo dough on top of the first one and brush it again with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have a stack of 4-5 sheets of buttered phyllo dough.
- Cut the stacked phyllo dough into squares, approximately 4 inches by 4 inches. You should be able to get about 12 squares from the stacked sheets.
- Place a tablespoon of the Havarti and cranberry mixture in the center of each phyllo square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the bites to burst open while baking.
- Fold the corners of each phyllo square over the filling to create a pocket or triangle shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside. If needed, you can brush the edges with a little more melted butter to help them stick together.
- Place the filled phyllo bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each bite to allow for even cooking.
- Brush the tops of the phyllo bites with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
- Once baked, remove the phyllo bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Serve the Art Cheese Flakey Phyllo Bites with Havarti and Cranberries as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy cheese and sweet cranberries wrapped in flaky pastry!
Tips
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying out
- Use melted butter generously between layers for maximum flakiness
- Don't overfill the phyllo squares to prevent bursting during baking
- Brush with egg wash for a gorgeous golden-brown finish
- Let the bites cool slightly before serving to allow filling to set
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for easy entertaining
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavor combinations
- Serve immediately after baking for the crispiest texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
