Save 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 made these tart bites for a holiday party and they became an instant hit with family and friends. The pop of cranberries and touch of heat from jalapeño strike a delicious balance everyone loves.
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
- Mix Cranberry Filling:
- Combine cranberries, jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix and set aside for 10 minutes to macerate.
- Prepare Cream Cheese:
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy with a hand mixer or spatula.
- Fold Mixture:
- Gently fold half of the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese, leaving the rest 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:
- Finish with extra cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and lime zest if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for best texture.
Save My kids love helping spoon the filling into tart shells, making this recipe a fun, hands-on holiday tradition in our home.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, hand mixer or spatula, spoon or piping bag, small knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. Tart shells may contain gluten and eggs. Not suitable for nut allergies if using nut-based garnishes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 2 g per serving
Save Serve these tarts fresh for holiday gatherings and watch them disappear fast. Their color and flavor always impress as a delightful starter.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these tarts ahead?
Assemble them just before serving to keep the shells crisp. Prep filling in advance and refrigerate.
- → Are store-bought tart shells suitable?
Yes, ready-made phyllo or shortcrust shells make preparation quick and easy while staying crisp.
- → What cheese works best?
Cream cheese provides a creamy base, but goat cheese adds tang if you prefer a sharper flavor.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian. Check tart shell labels for potential dairy or egg content.
- → How do I adjust the spiciness?
Use more or less jalapeño as desired, or omit garnished slices for a milder experience.
- → Can I add nuts for texture?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy contrast on top, but avoid if serving to those with nut allergies.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate assembled tarts for up to 2 hours; longer storage may soften the shells.