Follow Me On Social Media!
Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
Quick and Delicious Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
There’s something undeniably delightful about an easy appetizer that impresses guests and tantalizes taste buds, and that’s exactly what you get with Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites. This recipe combines the creamy goodness of cream cheese with the sweet and tangy flavor of red pepper jelly, all nestled in a crispy phyllo shell. Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering, these bites serve as a show-stopping starter that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Trust me; your friends and family will be raving about them!
Reasons You’ll Love Making It
What sets this appetizer apart from others? For starters, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal last-minute treat. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or attending a potluck, these bites are not only budget-friendly but guarantee to please both kids and adults alike. The flavor profile is wonderfully balanced — the creaminess of the cheese meets the zesty kick of the red pepper jelly, creating a delectable bite that’s hard to resist.
"I whipped these up for a game night, and they disappeared within minutes! The combination of flavors is just perfect. Everyone asked for the recipe!" – A satisfied home cook
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Making Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites is a breeze, and with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delectable appetizer ready to serve. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, arrange the phyllo shells on a baking sheet — these miniature delights form the perfect crispy vessel for the creamy goodness to come. After that, fill each shell with cream cheese, top with red pepper jelly, and pop them in the oven. In only 5-7 minutes, you’ll have warm, golden bites that are ready to garnish and serve!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these stunning bites, gather the following 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)
Note: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out the red pepper jelly for a different flavor like apricot or jalapeño jelly for a unique twist!
🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts
A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:
- ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
- 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
- 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
- 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
- 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups
Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grab a baking sheet and arrange the mini phyllo shells on it, making sure they are spaced out evenly.
- Using a spoon, fill each phyllo shell with about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese. Don’t overfill to prevent any spills!
- Top each shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly, ensuring a sweet layer sits atop the creamy base.
- Bake in the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until the phyllo shells become crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and, if desired, garnish your bites with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion for an additional flavor kick.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful appetizer.
Tips for Serving
You can serve these Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Bites on a lovely platter to create an inviting appetizer display. Pair them with a selection of drinks, such as chilled white wine or refreshing iced tea for a delightful contrast. For added flair, consider including some sliced cucumber, crackers, or even a charcuterie board to provide guests with variety. Make sure to have napkins on hand, as these bites can be enjoyed in one satisfying bite!
Storage Tips
Have leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 2-3 days. If you want to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the phyllo shells soggy. If you plan to make these ahead for a party, you can assemble and refrigerate them without baking, then pop them in the oven right before guests arrive for optimal freshness.
Pro Chef Tips
For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is genuinely softened before using — this will make it easier to fill the phyllo shells smoothly. If you find yourself with extra jelly, don’t hesitate to drizzle more on top right before serving for extra flavor and presentation. Finally, feel free to experiment with herbs. If you don’t have fresh thyme, chives or dill can also work beautifully to enhance the dish.
Creative Twists
Thinking about spicing things up? Consider incorporating different types of cream cheese, such as herb and garlic or spicy jalapeño for an extra kick. You could also include some crumbled bacon or chopped nuts for textural contrast. If you’re looking for a lighter option, using low-fat cream cheese or sugar-free jelly can keep this appetizer delicious yet lighter!
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare and cook these bites?
Expect a preparation and cooking time of approximately 30 minutes, making these quick to whip up at a moment’s notice.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for a delicious vegan version of this recipe.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, or freeze unbaked phyllo shells for later enjoyment.
So, are you ready to create a delightful appetizer that’ll wow your crowd? With these Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites, a world of flavor awaits you!
Print
Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delightful appetizer featuring cream cheese and red pepper jelly in crispy phyllo shells, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Fill each phyllo shell with about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese.
- Top each shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes until the phyllo shells are crisp and cream cheese is warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For added variety, try different flavors of jelly or cream cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: appetizer, cream cheese, pepper jelly, party bites, quick recipe
