Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe

Introduction

This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer is a simple yet flavorful bite that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy, these mini phyllo shell treats are easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Step 3: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each shell.
4. Step 4: Top each with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
5. Step 5: Bake for 5–7 minutes until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion if desired.
7. Step 7: Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use flavored cream cheese, like herb or garlic, to add an extra dimension of taste.
• Substitute red pepper jelly with apricot or fig preserves for a different sweetness.
• Add a small slice of jalapeño on top for an extra kick.
• Prepare the bites ahead of time and bake just before serving for a fresh, warm appetizer.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–5 minutes before serving to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shells with cream cheese and jelly and store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh just before serving to keep the shells crisp.

What can I use if I don’t have mini phyllo shells?

You can substitute with small puff pastry cups or even sturdy crackers, though baking times and texture may vary.

Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer features crispy mini phyllo shells filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with sweet and spicy red pepper jelly. Garnished with fresh thyme or green onions, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, serving warm or at room temperature.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 15 appetizer bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Appetizer Bites

• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for warming the appetizer bites.
2. Arrange Phyllo Shells: Place the 15 mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet to ensure even heating.
3. Fill with Cream Cheese: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each mini phyllo shell, creating a smooth base layer.
4. Add Pepper Jelly: Dollop approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese in each shell to add a sweet and spicy flavor contrast.
5. Bake: Bake the assembled phyllo shells in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes, until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and garnish each bite with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion if desired. Serve the appetizer warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

• For a stronger flavor, use flavored cream cheese such as garlic or herb.
• Mini phyllo shells can be found in the frozen section of many grocery stores or specialty food shops.
• You can prepare these bites ahead of time by assembling them and refrigerating before baking to save time during your event.
• Serve with additional red pepper jelly on the side for dipping if desired.
• Make sure cream cheese is softened to easily fill the shells and ensure a smooth texture.

Keywords: pepper jelly appetizer, cream cheese bites, phyllo shell appetizers, party appetizers, quick appetizers, warm appetizers