Festive Cranberry Crab Cream Cheese Phyllo Bites
Celebrate the joyous holiday season with these delightful Festive Cranberry Crab Cream Cheese Phyllo Bites. Combining the tartness of cranberry sauce with the creamy richness of cream cheese and the delicate sweetness of crab, these elegant appetizers are perfect for holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, they will impress your guests and have them coming back for more. Perfect as a conversation starter or to complement your festive drink selections, each bite offers a symphony of flavors that capture the spirit of the season.
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1/2 cup (Smooth)
Cream Cheese
1/3 cup (Softened)
Crabmeat
1/4 cup (Minced)
Green Onions
2 tablespoons (Sliced, both white and green parts)
Miniature Phyllo Sheets
15 sheets (Thawed)
Salt
To taste (Ground)
Pepper
To taste (Ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and whisk it until it is smooth and even.
3
Next, in another mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, minced crabmeat, and sliced green onions. Mix until well combined and creamy.
4
Take each thawed phyllo sheet and place it on a baking tray. Carefully fill each shell with approximately 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5
On top of each filled shell, add about 1/2 teaspoon of the cranberry sauce for a colorful and tasty garnish.
6
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the bites are heated through and the phyllo is slightly golden.
7
Carefully remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
8
Enjoy these festive bites warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Cranberry Crab Cream Cheese Phyllo Bites?
They are elegant holiday appetizers featuring a blend of tart cranberry sauce, rich cream cheese, and sweet crabmeat inside delicate phyllo shells.
How long do I need to bake the phyllo bites?
The bites should be baked for 10 minutes or until the phyllo is slightly golden and the filling is heated through.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce, whisked until smooth.
How much filling goes into each phyllo shell?
Each shell should be filled with approximately 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese and crab mixture.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, using 1/3 cup of softened cream cheese ensures the mixture blends smoothly with the crab and onions.
How should the crabmeat be prepared?
The crabmeat should be minced before being blended into the cream cheese mixture.
Can I use imitation crab for this recipe?
Yes, minced imitation crab is a common and delicious substitute for real crabmeat in this type of appetizer.
What is used to garnish the bites?
Each bite is topped with about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce for garnish and flavor.
Which parts of the green onion should I use?
The recipe suggests using both the white and green parts of the sliced green onions.
Should I serve these appetizers warm or cold?
These festive bites can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature.
How many phyllo sheets/shells are required?
You will need 15 miniature phyllo sheets or shells, thawed according to package directions.
What seasonings are added to the mixture?
Ground salt and pepper are added to the filling mixture to taste.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, with only 10 minutes of bake time and simple assembly, it is considered a quick and easy recipe.
What is the texture of the phyllo after baking?
The phyllo should be delicate, crispy, and slightly golden.
Can I whisk the cranberry sauce if it is too thick?
Yes, the instructions specifically recommend whisking the sauce until it is smooth and even before use.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as an Appetizer.
Are these bites suitable for a crowd?
Yes, they are tagged as a 'crowd pleaser' and are perfect for holiday gatherings.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling in advance, but for the best texture, fill and bake the phyllo bites shortly before serving.
What makes these bites festive?
The combination of red cranberry sauce and green onions creates a festive color palette ideal for the holiday season.
Is there a specific way to arrange them on the tray?
Place the filled phyllo shells evenly on a baking tray to ensure uniform heating.
Can I substitute the green onions?
If you don't have green onions, chives or finely minced red onion could serve as a substitute.
How do I ensure the cream cheese mixture is smooth?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before blending with the crab and onions.
Are these bites considered finger food?
Yes, they are designed as small, easy-to-eat finger foods perfect for parties.
Can I add more crabmeat if I prefer?
While the recipe calls for 1/4 cup, you can adjust the ratio slightly as long as the mixture remains creamy enough to hold together.
Should the bites cool before serving?
The recipe recommends allowing them to cool slightly after removing them from the oven for safety and better flavor.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cranberry, crab, cream cheese, phyllo bites, appetizer, and holiday gathering.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of sauce?
Fresh cranberries would be very tart; it is better to cook them into a sweetened sauce first to match the recipe profile.
Is the crabmeat cooked before baking?
Yes, most minced crabmeat used for such recipes is either canned, pouch, or pre-cooked fresh meat.