Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse are a showstopper both in taste and presentation. The combination of crispy, cheesy cups with a creamy, tangy mousse is irresistible. The fresh herbs, garlic powder, and feta cheese add layers of flavor that complement the richness of the cheddar cups. Plus, they’re easy to make, and their size makes them perfect for serving at any event. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual gathering, these cups will be the star of the show.

Ingredients

For these Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cheddar Cups:

2 cups shredded aged cheddar cheese
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley), chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs

For the Avocado Feta Mousse:

1 ripe avocado
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

Fresh herbs, for garnish (like parsley or thyme)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, fresh herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Add Eggs:

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then add them to the dry mixture. Stir until fully combined, and the mixture begins to form a dough-like consistency.

4. Form Cheddar Cups:

Using a tablespoon, scoop the cheese mixture into each muffin tin section, pressing down lightly to form small cups. Ensure they are evenly distributed across the tin.

5. Bake:

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges of the cheddar cups are golden brown and crispy.

6. Cool the Cups:

Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let the cheddar cups cool for 5 minutes. Gently remove them from the tin and set aside on a cooling rack.

7. Prepare the Avocado Feta Mousse:

In a bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth. Add crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, Greek yogurt or sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it becomes a smooth, creamy mousse.

8. Fill the Cheddar Cups:

Spoon the avocado feta mousse generously into each cooled cheddar cup. Be sure to fill them up nicely but not too much, leaving a little space at the top for garnish.

9. Garnish:

Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a lovely finishing touch.

10. Serve Immediately:

These Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse are best enjoyed warm, so serve immediately while they are at their peak freshness and flavor.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 cups
Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per serving (1 cup)

Variations

Spicy Option: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the avocado feta mousse for a spicy kick.
Herb Variation: Try using basil, cilantro, or mint for a fresh twist on the herb garnish.
Vegetarian Option: These cheddar cups are already vegetarian, but you could add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies on top of the mousse for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the cups in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cheddar cheese instead of aged cheddar?

Yes, you can use regular cheddar cheese, but aged cheddar gives a sharper and more complex flavor, which is highly recommended for this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese in the cups?

You can try using other cheeses such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, though they will alter the flavor slightly. A more robust cheese like Parmesan could also work.

3. Can I make the cheddar cups in advance?

Yes, you can make the cheddar cups in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble the mousse and fill the cups just before serving.

4. Can I make these cups without a mini muffin tin?

If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can try using a regular muffin tin or shape the cups on a baking sheet by forming them into small discs. Just be sure to check the baking time as it may differ.

5. Can I freeze these cheddar cups?

Yes, you can freeze the cheddar cups after they are baked and cooled. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven before filling with the mousse.

6. Can I use store-bought guacamole instead of making the avocado feta mousse?

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought guacamole, though it may lack the creamy texture and the fresh, tangy flavor of the homemade avocado feta mousse.

7. How do I prevent the cheddar cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Make sure to grease the muffin tin well with cooking spray and let the cups cool for a few minutes before removing them. You can also run a knife around the edges of the cups to loosen them.

8. Can I use a different herb besides thyme or parsley?

Yes! You can use any fresh herbs you prefer, such as basil, cilantro, or even dill, to complement the avocado feta mousse.

9. How do I make these cups more flavorful?

For more flavor, try adding garlic or onion powder to the cheese mixture or mixing in finely chopped herbs into the avocado feta mousse.

10. Can I make the avocado feta mousse ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the mousse up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before filling the cheddar cups.

Conclusion

Cheddar Cups with Avocado Feta Mousse are a sophisticated yet simple appetizer that will wow your guests with their rich, savory flavor and creamy texture. The combination of crispy cheddar cups and creamy avocado feta mousse is a match made in heaven. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers big flavor and can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. Perfect for any occasion, these cheddar cups will surely be a favorite!