Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites recipe combines creamy, tangy cream cheese with the sweet and spicy kick of red pepper jelly, nestled inside crispy mini phyllo shells. Perfect for entertaining, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and bring a delightful balance of flavors and textures to any appetizer spread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 15 appetizer bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 box (15-count) mini phyllo shells
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup red pepper jelly
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the phyllo shells.
- Arrange phyllo shells: Place the mini phyllo shells evenly spaced on a baking sheet to ensure even baking.
- Fill with cream cheese: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each phyllo shell, creating a creamy base for the jelly.
- Top with pepper jelly: Add approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese in each shell to introduce a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Bake: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the phyllo shells become crisp and the cream cheese slightly warms through.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion if desired to enhance both the flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Enjoy the appetizer warm or at room temperature, perfect for any occasion or party platter.
Notes
- You can use any variety of pepper jelly—adjusting the spice level to your preference.
- To save time, pre-fill the phyllo shells with cream cheese and pepper jelly, then refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or green onions for added color and flavor.
- For a festive twist during holidays, try using cranberry-pepper jelly to add a seasonal flair.
- Serve alongside a variety of crackers and fresh vegetables to accommodate all dietary preferences.
Keywords: pepper jelly, cream cheese, appetizer bites, mini phyllo shells, party appetizers, easy appetizers, holiday snacks
