Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
Introduction
This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy and sweet-spicy flavors. Ideal for parties or a simple snack, these bite-sized treats come together quickly and impress every time.
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 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 for 5–7 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 best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use flavored cream cheese such as herb or garlic to add an extra dimension of taste.
- Try different pepper jellies like jalapeño or habanero for varied heat levels.
- For a vegetarian garnish option, finely chopped roasted red peppers add color and taste.
Storage
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes before serving to restore crispness and warmth.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these bites in advance?
You can assemble the bites ahead of time and refrigerate them unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed. However, it’s best to bake just before serving for optimal texture.
What can I substitute for mini phyllo shells?
If mini phyllo shells are unavailable, small wonton wrappers or baked mini tart shells work well as alternatives.
PrintQuick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
A quick and easy appetizer featuring crisp mini phyllo shells filled with creamy cream cheese and sweet, spicy red pepper jelly, garnished with fresh herbs for a flavorful bite-sized treat perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 15 appetizer bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mini phyllo shells.
- Arrange the shells: Place the 15 mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are upright and spaced to allow heat circulation.
- Fill with cream cheese: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each shell, filling them gently but completely.
- Add red pepper jelly: Top each cream cheese-filled shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Bake the bites: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the phyllo shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately garnish each bite with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy filling.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to add color and a hint of freshness.
- Serve immediately after baking for the crispest texture.
- Can be prepared ahead by assembling and baking just before serving.
- Substitute cream cheese with a vegan option to make this appetizer dairy-free.
Keywords: mini phyllo shells, cream cheese appetizer, red pepper jelly bites, easy party snack, warm dips
