Why make this recipe
Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites are a delightful snack that brings ease and flavor to any gathering. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or a casual get-together, these bites are sure to impress your guests. They combine the creamy texture of cream cheese with the sweet heat of red pepper jelly, all housed in a flaky phyllo shell. Plus, they’re super easy to make, taking only a few minutes from start to finish!
How to make Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
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)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
- Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese.
- Top each with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes or until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or green onion, if using.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to serve Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
These bites are best served warm or at room temperature. Arrange them on a platter for your guests to enjoy. You can pair them with drinks or serve them alongside other appetizers for a festive touch. They are bite-sized and perfect for mingling, making them a great addition to any spread.
How to store Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Tips to make Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy spreading. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Feel free to experiment with different jellies or spreads if you want to try new flavors.
- If you want a little extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese before filling the shells.
Variation
You can swap out the red pepper jelly for other types of jelly, such as apricot or raspberry, for a different flavor profile. You can also add crumbled bacon or chopped nuts on top for added texture.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shells with cream cheese and jelly and bake them shortly before serving.What can I use instead of phyllo shells?
You can use mini tart shells or make your own pastry dough if you prefer.Are these bites gluten-free?
The mini phyllo shells usually contain gluten. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free shells or serve the cream cheese and jelly mixture on rice crackers.
Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
- Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese.
- Top each with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes or until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or green onion, if using.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.