Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
Introduction
This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites recipe is a simple and delicious way to impress your guests. Combining creamy cheese with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly creates a perfect balance of flavors in a convenient bite-sized phyllo shell.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Step 3: Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese.
- Step 4: Top each filled shell with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
- Step 5: Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion, if desired.
- Step 7: Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Tips & Variations
- Use flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb for an extra savory twist.
- For a milder bite, substitute red pepper jelly with apricot or peach preserves.
- Try adding a small piece of cooked bacon or a slice of jalapeño inside the shell for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore crispness, or serve cold as a chilled appetizer.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bites ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add the cream cheese and jelly to the shells, cover, and bake when ready to serve.
What can I use if I don’t have mini phyllo shells?
You can substitute mini tart shells or small wonton wrappers baked until crisp. Just adjust the baking time accordingly to avoid burning.
PrintQuick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
A quick and easy appetizer featuring mini phyllo shells filled with creamy cream cheese and sweet-spicy red pepper jelly, baked until crisp and topped with fresh herbs for an elegant bite-sized treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 15 appetizer bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Appetizer 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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the appetizer bites.
- Arrange Phyllo Shells: Place the mini phyllo shells evenly spaced on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Fill Shells: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each phyllo shell carefully to avoid overfilling.
- Add Red Pepper Jelly: Top each cream cheese-filled shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly for a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Bake: Bake the filled shells in the preheated oven for 5–7 minutes until the phyllo shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy filling and smooth texture.
- You can substitute mini tart shells if phyllo shells are not available.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper jelly to your preferred level of sweetness and spice.
- These appetizers are best served fresh but can be prepared shortly in advance and warmed before serving.
- For a vegetarian option, confirm that the phyllo shells do not contain any animal fats.
Keywords: pepper jelly, cream cheese appetizer, phyllo shells, party bites, quick appetizers, easy baking, sweet and spicy dip
