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Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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