Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe

Introduction

This Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer is a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors all tucked into crisp mini phyllo shells. Perfect for last-minute entertaining, these bite-sized treats come together quickly and impress with minimal effort.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Arrange the mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese.
4. Step 4: Top each filled shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
5. Step 5: Bake the shells for 5–7 minutes, or until they are crisp and the cream cheese has warmed through.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion, if desired.
7. Step 7: Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use flavored cream cheese such as herb or garlic for an extra twist.
• Swap red pepper jelly with apricot or blackberry jelly for a different sweetness profile.
• Make these ahead and warm just before serving to save time.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to return the shells to crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized phyllo dough instead of mini shells?

Regular phyllo dough can be used but will require more preparation and shaping. Mini phyllo shells are convenient for easy filling and portion control.

Is this appetizer suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe contains no meat or animal-derived rennet and is suitable for vegetarians.

Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

This quick and easy appetizer features creamy, soft cream cheese paired with sweet and tangy red pepper jelly, all served in crispy mini phyllo shells. Perfect for entertaining, these bite-sized treats are garnished with fresh thyme or chopped green onion for an added burst of flavor. Ready in under 15 minutes, they make a delightful party snack to serve warm or at room temperature.

• Author: Natalie
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Appetizer Bites

• 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

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the appetizer bites.
2. Arrange Phyllo Shells: Spread the mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are stable and upright for filling.
3. Fill with Cream Cheese: Using a teaspoon, add about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each phyllo shell, filling them gently but fully.
4. Add Red Pepper Jelly: Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese in each shell to provide a sweet and spicy contrast.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the phyllo shells turn crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion over the top if desired. Serve these bites warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Notes

• Make sure cream cheese is softened for easy dolloping and smooth texture.
• Phyllo shells are fragile; handle gently to avoid breaking them during filling.
• You can prepare these ahead of time and bake just before serving.
• Substitute red pepper jelly with other flavored jellies or preserves for variety.
• Garnishes are optional but add a fresh flavor and visual appeal.

Keywords: pepper jelly appetizer, cream cheese bites, phyllo shell appetizers, party snacks, easy appetizer recipe, baked appetizers