Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
Introduction
This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer combines creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors in bite-sized phyllo shells. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser perfect for parties or casual snacking.
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 phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet.
- Step 3: Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese.
- Step 4: Top each filled shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 5–7 minutes, 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 and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Choose any pepper jelly you prefer to adjust the heat level to your taste.
- For convenience, pre-fill the phyllo shells and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or green onion to add color and a flavor boost.
- Try cranberry-pepper jelly during the holidays for a festive twist.
- Serve alongside a variety of crackers and fresh veggies for diverse dipping options.
Storage
Store any leftover baked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to crisp the shells again before serving. For best texture, enjoy freshly baked.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can fill the phyllo shells with cream cheese and pepper jelly ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add the garnish after baking.
Are mini phyllo shells gluten-free?
Most mini phyllo shells contain wheat, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with gluten-free mini pastry shells if available to make this dish gluten-free.
PrintQuick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer combines creamy, spicy, and crisp textures for an irresistible party bite. Mini phyllo shells are filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with sweet and tangy red pepper jelly, then baked briefly until warm and slightly crisp. Garnished with fresh thyme or green onion, these appetizers are perfectly suited for entertaining or simple snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 15 appetizer bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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 the shells: Place the mini phyllo shells evenly spaced on a baking sheet to allow them to crisp during baking without sticking.
- Fill with cream cheese: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each phyllo shell, spreading gently to fill the cavity.
- Add pepper jelly: Top each cream cheese-filled shell with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly for a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion on top if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can use any variety of pepper jelly—adjust the spice level to your preference.
- To save time, pre-fill phyllo shells and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for color and a flavor boost.
- For a festive twist, use cranberry-pepper jelly during the holidays.
- Serve the dip with a mix of crackers and veggies to suit all diets.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and easily adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free phyllo shells.
Keywords: pepper jelly, cream cheese dip, appetizer, phyllo shells, party bites, easy appetizer, baked appetizers
