Save to Pinterest A vibrant and festive appetizer featuring sweet-tart cranberries, spicy jalapeño, and creamy cheese in crisp, golden tart shells, perfect for holiday entertaining.
I first tried this combination at a family holiday party and was amazed by how quickly these tarts disappeared. The mix of cranberry and jalapeño with cheese was the talk of the table.
Ingredients
- Tart Shells: 12 mini phyllo or shortcrust tart shells (store-bought or homemade)
- Cranberry Jalapeño Dip: 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped; 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced; 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 (8 oz / 225 g) block cream cheese, softened
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon sliced jalapeño (optional); Zest of 1 lime (optional)
Instructions
- Make Cranberry Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes for flavors to meld and cranberries to macerate.
- Prepare Cream Cheese:
- Place softened cream cheese in a separate bowl and beat with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gently fold half of the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese until just combined. Reserve the remaining mixture for topping.
- Fill Tart Shells:
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each tart shell, filling nearly to the top.
- Add Topping:
- Top each tart with a spoonful of the reserved cranberry mixture.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with extra cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and lime zest if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for best texture.
Save to Pinterest Our family loves making these together before the big holiday meal, with everyone getting involved from prepping the dip to garnishing each tart.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, hand mixer or spatula, spoon or piping bag, small knife and cutting board are all you need for prep.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts on top. Substitute goat cheese for cream cheese if you like a tangier flavor. Best assembled just before serving so the shells stay crisp.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 2 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these vibrant tarts as a festive start to any gathering. Their sweet, spicy, and creamy layers make every bite memorable.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make the tarts ahead of time?
You can prepare the fillings ahead, but assemble just before serving to keep shells crisp.
- → What cheese works best for these tarts?
Cream cheese produces a smooth, creamy texture. Goat cheese adds tanginess if preferred.
- → How spicy are the tarts?
The jalapeño gives mild heat; adjust by adding more or less or removing seeds for lower spice.
- → Can I use store-bought tart shells?
Yes, both phyllo and shortcrust shells work well and make preparation much easier.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian if you avoid nut garnishes and check tart shell contents.
- → What’s the best way to garnish?
Top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and lime zest for extra color and flavor.