Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer features crispy mini phyllo shells filled with smooth, softened cream cheese and topped with sweet and spicy red pepper jelly. Garnished with fresh thyme or green onion, these bite-sized treats are perfect for serving warm or at room temperature as an elegant and easy crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
- 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
Appetizer 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crisping the phyllo shells evenly.
- Arrange phyllo shells: Place the mini phyllo shells evenly spaced on a baking sheet to prepare for filling and baking.
- Fill with cream cheese: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each phyllo shell, spreading gently to fill the base without overflowing.
- Add pepper jelly topping: Carefully top each filled shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly, balancing sweetness and spice.
- Bake until crisp and warm: Bake the filled shells in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through, ensuring a delightful texture contrast.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion for a fresh herbal note. Serve these appetizers warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For a milder version, use less red pepper jelly or substitute with a mild pepper jelly.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Phyllo shells should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness.
- Optionally garnish with finely chopped chives or parsley if thyme or green onion are unavailable.
- These appetizers pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage.
Keywords: pepper jelly, cream cheese, appetizer, phyllo shells, party bites, easy appetizer, finger food
