Ah, the holiday season! There’s something truly magical about gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. One of my absolute favorite parts of any holiday gathering is the *christmas orderves*—those delightful little bites that kick off the festive spirit! They’re not just food; they’re a way to bring everyone together, and trust me, these crispy phyllo cups filled with creamy goodness will have everyone talking! I’ve made these for years, and each time, they disappear faster than I can make them. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’ll make your holiday celebrations even more special and memorable!
Ingredients List
To make these festive *christmas orderves*, you’ll need a selection of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 24 small phyllo cups – these crunchy little vessels are perfect for holding all that cheesy goodness!
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – this creamy base is essential for that rich texture.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled – because let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better!
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – for a fresh, zesty kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – to bring in a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – just a hint of spice to round things out.
Feel free to get creative with your ingredient choices—this recipe is all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Mix
Let’s get this holiday cooking party started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want those little phyllo cups to get nice and crispy while the filling melts to perfection. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and start combining your ingredients. Toss in the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. I like to use a fork to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth—this really helps the flavors meld together. You want a creamy, delicious filling that’s easy to spoon into those cups!
Fill and Bake
Now, onto the fun part! Take your phyllo cups and carefully spoon the cheesy mixture right into each one, filling them about three-quarters full. It’s okay if they’re a little heaping, trust me, that just means more cheesy goodness! Once they’re all filled, place the cups on a baking sheet—this makes transferring them to the oven a breeze. Pop them in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible golden top. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly! After baking, let them cool slightly before diving in; they’ll be a hit at your holiday gathering!
Nutritional Information
These delightful *christmas orderves* are not only tasty but also fairly balanced. Each phyllo cup packs an estimated 120 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 8 grams of carbohydrates and just a touch of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. But hey, it’s the holidays—indulge a little!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings!
- Festive flavors that capture the spirit of the season.
- Gluten-free, so everyone can indulge without worry.
- Always a crowd-pleaser—watch them disappear in no time!
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *christmas orderves* turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my go-to tips! First off, make sure your cream cheese is really softened—this makes mixing so much easier and gives you that smooth filling we’re after. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap in low-fat cream cheese; it works just as well without sacrificing flavor!
Another fun idea is to add a bit of heat—diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can give these bites an exciting twist. And don’t skimp on the baking time; you want that cheese to be beautifully melty and bubbly! Lastly, let them cool for a few minutes before serving; I know it’s tempting, but trust me, the filling will be scorching hot right out of the oven!
Variations
The beauty of these *christmas orderves* is their versatility! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or impress your guests with something new. For a different flavor profile, try using different types of cheese—go for a sharp blue cheese for a bold twist, or maybe a creamy goat cheese for a tangy note. You could even mix in some grated Parmesan for a bit of a nutty flavor!
Feeling adventurous? Add fresh herbs like chopped basil or thyme to elevate the taste even further. If you want a spicy kick, diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can really amp up the flavor! And don’t forget about the seasonal veggies—diced bell peppers or even spinach can add a lovely freshness. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Serving Suggestions
These *christmas orderves* are perfect on their own, but they really shine when paired with other festive delights! Consider serving them alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. For drinks, a sparkling cider or a light white wine complements the flavors beautifully. If you want to keep it cozy, hot mulled wine can add a warm, festive touch. Whatever you choose, these little bites are sure to steal the show!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! These *christmas orderves* can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you pack them away; this helps keep them nice and fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the cheese is melty again. You could also microwave them for a quick reheat, but I recommend the oven for that perfect crispy texture!
If you want to freeze them, go ahead! Just wrap the cups tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy those festive flavors a little longer!
Print
Christmas Orderves: 5 Irresistible Bites for Joyful Gatherings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 appetizers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and festive appetizers for your holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 24 small phyllo cups
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, bacon, green onions, cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into each phyllo cup.
- Place the cups on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 phyllo cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas orderves
