Sweet and Savory Thanksgiving Snack Cups

Isn’t it the best feeling when you find an appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? That little bite that makes your guests’ eyes light up the second they walk in the door? These Sweet and Savory Thanksgiving Snack Cups are exactly that. They’re my go-to for kicking off any holiday gathering because they capture all the cozy, comforting flavors of the big meal in one adorable, handheld package. We’re talking creamy, herby filling; a sweet-tart cranberry surprise; and a salty, crunchy topping. They come together in a flash, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a million other things in the kitchen.

Top Reasons To Make It

• A total crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory, sweet, and crunchy hits all the right notes for both kids and adults.
• You can make them ahead. Prep the filling and store it separately, then assemble the cups just before your guests arrive for maximum freshness.
• They free up your oven. Since these are no-bake (or just a quick broil), they don’t compete for precious oven space with the turkey and sides.
• So versatile. I’ll give you some fun twists below, but honestly, you can adapt these with whatever you have on hand.
• They look fancy but are secretly simple. No special skills required, just a bowl and a spoon.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened: This creates the rich, creamy base that holds everything together.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a lovely tang and helps make the filling perfectly spreadable.
• 1 cup finely chopped cooked smoked turkey: Gives that classic, savory, smoky flavor we all love.
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: For a sharp, cheesy bite throughout.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herby freshness.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a warm, savory depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a little kick to balance the richness.
• 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce: The “sweet” part of our sweet and savory combo.
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped: They add the essential crunch and a toasty flavor.
• 24 mini phyllo cups (two 2.1 oz packages): The perfect edible vessel—light, crispy, and buttery.

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer on medium speed (or a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease) to beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-blended.
2. Add the chopped smoked turkey, shredded cheddar, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
3. Now for the assembly! Arrange the mini phyllo cups on a serving platter or a baking sheet for easy transport. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each cup, filling them almost to the top.
4. Top each filled cup with about a teaspoon of the whole-berry cranberry sauce. Don’t worry about spreading it; a little dollop in the center is perfect.
5. Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans over the top of all the cups. At this point, they are ready to serve as a no-bake appetizer. But if you want them a little warm and extra crisp…
6. For a warm option, preheat your broiler on high. Place the baking sheet with the assembled cups about 6 inches from the broiler for just 1-2 minutes, watching closely so the phyllo doesn’t burn. You just want the filling to be slightly warmed and the pecans to toast a bit. So, so good.

Variations & Substitutions

Honestly, this recipe is a fantastic blueprint. Feel free to get creative! For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or even plain Greek yogurt in place of the cream cheese and sour cream. Not a fan of turkey? Diced ham works wonderfully, or for a vegetarian twist, try finely chopped roasted mushrooms with a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky flavor. If pecans aren’t your thing, toasted pepitas or even crumbled pretzels make a fantastic crunchy topping. And while I love the simplicity of cranberry sauce, a dab of apple butter or a thin slice of pear would be a delicious seasonal alternative.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These snack cups are stars on their own, but they play well with others. They’re the perfect starter for your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving food spread. I love setting them out on a platter alongside other easy holiday appetizers like spiced nuts, a simple cheese board, or some crisp veggie sticks with hummus. They’re also a great addition to a larger Thanksgiving charcuterie board, offering a pre-portioned bite amidst the slices and spreads. Drink-wise, a crisp apple cider (sparkling or still), a pale ale, or a dry rosé all complement the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Thanksgiving Appetizers Ideas

If you’re looking to build a whole menu of Thanksgiving appetizers, my philosophy is to keep things simple and stress-free. You don’t need a dozen complicated dishes. Start with these snack cups as your anchor. Then, maybe add a warm dip like a baked brie with jam, a bowl of roasted red pepper and walnut spread, and a big seasonal salad. The key is to have a mix of make-ahead and last-minute items so you’re not stuck in the kitchen when your friends and family arrive. For Christmas appetizers, you could easily adapt these cups by using diced rosemary-roasted chicken and a fig jam topping for a slightly different holiday vibe.

Storage & Reheating

These are best assembled right before serving to keep the phyllo cups crisp. However, you can absolutely prep the components ahead of time. Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the cranberry sauce, pecans, and phyllo cups in their own separate containers at room temperature. Assemble within an hour of your party. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled cups, as the phyllo will get soggy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these Thanksgiving appetizers easy ahead of time? Absolutely. The filling can be made up to two days in advance. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before assembling to make it easier to spoon.
• Where can I find the mini phyllo cups? They’re usually in the freezer aisle of most major grocery stores, near the desserts and puff pastry. Just let them thaw in the package on the counter before you use them.
• Are there other Thanksgiving food ideas that use this filling? Sure! This mixture is also amazing as a spread for crackers or slathered on thick slices of a baguette. You could even roll it up in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
• My phyllo cups got soggy. What happened? This usually happens if they’re filled too far in advance. The moisture from the filling will soften the shells over time. For the best texture, try to assemble them as close to serving as possible.