Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the appetizer bites.
- Arrange Phyllo Shells: Spread the mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are stable and upright for filling.
- Fill with Cream Cheese: Using a teaspoon, add about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each phyllo shell, filling them gently but fully.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
