These Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups are the kind of party bite that people can’t stop talking about—they’re crunchy, colorful, cool, and absolutely bursting with big ranch flavor in every bite. Each handheld cup is filled with a refreshing, vibrant slaw livened up by ranch dressing and a tangy splash of apple cider vinegar, all nestled in a golden, crackly phyllo or wonton shell. They’re the appetizer you’ll want at every gathering because they disappear in minutes (and make you look like a hosting pro).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by the simple ingredient list for these Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups—each item is essential, making this dish a delicious symphony of textures and tastes. The colorful mix of vegetables, creamy dressing, and crisp cup make every bite a little celebration.
- Green cabbage (3 cups, shredded): Brings crunch, sweetness, and a sturdy base for the slaw.
- Purple cabbage (1 cup, shredded): Adds a pop of vibrant color and a slightly peppery flavor.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Sweet and bright, they round out the slaw and add extra texture.
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup): The signature ingredient, delivering tangy, herby creaminess everyone loves.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Offers extra smoothness and helps the dressing cling to the veggies.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a zippy tang, balancing the richness of the dressing.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle, savory depth that enhances the ranch flavor.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little zip for just the right amount of heat.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Let’s all those fresh flavors pop.
- Mini phyllo cups or wonton cups (12, baked until crisp): Your handy, edible, crunchy container—the real secret to these being so fun to eat!
- Chopped fresh chives (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Adds color and a gentle onion kick to finish.
How to Make Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups
Step 1: Whisk the Creamy Ranch Slaw Dressing
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Pour in the tangy ranch dressing, creamy mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until the mixture is completely smooth—this is your flavor-packed base that will pull the whole slaw together!
Step 2: Toss the Veggies
Add your shredded green and purple cabbage along with the carrots to the bowl. Now, using tongs or a sturdy spoon, toss the veggies until every piece is coated with that dreamy ranch dressing. You’ll want to see every ribbon glistening—this ensures every bite is ultra flavorful.
Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl and let the slaw chill in your fridge for at least 20 minutes before assembling. This step is key because the veggies soak up all the tangy, creamy goodness, and the flavors come together beautifully.
Step 4: Fill the Crunchy Cups
Just before serving, give the slaw a quick stir and then spoon generous portions into each baked and cooled phyllo or wonton cup. Packing the slaw in at the last minute keeps the cups perfectly crisp, which is the best contrast to the creamy filling.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Scatter plenty of chopped fresh chives over the top of your Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups. Not only does this look gorgeous and fresh, but it adds a hint of mild onion flavor that ties everything together. Serve immediately, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups
Garnishes
These bite-sized beauties look even better with a shower of bright green chives, but you can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika for an extra visual pop. Don’t be shy—a fun garnish takes your Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups from simple to stunning on the appetizer platter!
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these for a gathering, place the Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups alongside grilled shrimp skewers, mini sandwiches, or even classic picnic fare like deviled eggs and chips. They fit right in with a casual barbecue spread or as part of an elegant cocktail party menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive, crowd-pleasing setup, arrange the Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups on a large platter with fresh veggie sticks, additional dipping sauces, or even edible flowers tucked between the cups for color. If you want to go the extra mile, place each cup in a colorful mini cupcake liner—easy for guests to grab, and it keeps fingers clean!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups (which is rare, let’s be honest), remove the slaw from the crispy cups and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The phyllo or wonton cups can be stored separately in a sealed container at room temperature to help keep them crisp.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups. The fresh vegetables in the slaw lose their crunch and get soggy after thawing, and the crisp cups just don’t survive the freezer. Enjoy them fresh for the very best texture and taste!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dish, since the slaw is meant to be served cool and fresh. If your phyllo cups have lost a little crunch, you can re-crisp them by popping them in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes before filling.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought coleslaw mix instead of shredding cabbage?
Yes, absolutely! A pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a huge time saver and works perfectly for Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups. Just measure out the right amount and you’re good to go.
Are these gluten free?
The filling is naturally gluten free, but most phyllo dough and wonton wrappers contain wheat. Look for gluten-free alternatives or serve the slaw in lettuce cups for a 100 percent gluten-free version.
How far in advance can I make the slaw?
You can make the slaw mixture up to a day ahead—just keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble. Don’t fill the cups until just before serving so they stay perfectly crisp instead of soggy.
What else can I use for the cup if I can’t find phyllo or wonton cups?
If phyllo or wonton cups aren’t available, sturdy tortilla chips, cucumber rounds, or even small baked potato slices make great edible bases for your creamy slaw. Get creative and use whatever delivers crunch!
Is there a lighter or healthier version?
Definitely! You can substitute Greek yogurt ranch dressing and use light mayonnaise for a fresher, lower-calorie slaw. It’s still creamy, tangy, and irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so deeply satisfying about whipping up a crowd-pleasing platter of Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups and seeing everyone reach for seconds. With their cool crunch and herby ranch flavor, they’re a guaranteed favorite at every gathering. If you haven’t made these yet, grab your ingredients—your next party (or snack session!) will be so much tastier!
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Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 15 minutes, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 0 minutes, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 40 minutes
- Total Time: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling), Bourbon Bacon Jam: 50 minutes
- Yield: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 12 cups, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 2 cups
- Category: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: Appetizer, Side Dish, Bourbon Bacon Jam: Condiment, Spread
- Method: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: No-Bake, Assembling, Bourbon Bacon Jam: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: American, Bourbon Bacon Jam: American, Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your guests with these delightful and flavorful appetizers – Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups and Bourbon Bacon Jam. These recipes are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply snacking at home.
Ingredients
Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups:
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 mini phyllo cups or wonton cups baked until crisp
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives for garnish
Bourbon Bacon Jam:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Add shredded cabbages and carrots, tossing until evenly coated. Chill for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Spoon slaw mixture into baked phyllo or wonton cups just before serving. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.
- Bourbon Bacon Jam: Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan. Add onion and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add brown sugar, vinegar, coffee, bourbon, maple syrup, paprika, cayenne, and cooked bacon. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes until thick and jam-like. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor and pulse a few times until chunky but spreadable. Serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the slaw, use Greek yogurt ranch dressing.
- The slaw can be made a few hours in advance, but fill the cups right before serving to keep them crisp.
- Bourbon Bacon Jam is versatile and can be used as a burger topping, over cheese and crackers, or spread on toast.
- Reheat gently before serving if chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 1 cup, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 80, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 130
- Sugar: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 2 g, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 7 g
- Sodium: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 170 mg, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 240 mg
- Fat: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 6 g, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 1 g, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 4 g, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 5 g
- Trans Fat: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 0 g, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 6 g, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 9 g
- Fiber: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 1 g, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 0 g
- Protein: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 1 g, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 3 g
- Cholesterol: Creamy Ranch Slaw Cups: 5 mg, Bourbon Bacon Jam: 15 mg
