When it comes to entertaining, I can’t think of a quicker and more crowd-pleasing appetizer than Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites. Picture this: a crispy phyllo shell cradling a warm, creamy core of cream cheese, topped with a delightful dollop of red pepper jelly. The symphony of textures and flavors is enough to make your taste buds sing! Plus, this recipe comes together in the blink of an eye—perfect for when surprise guests drop by or for that last-minute gathering.
Why Cooking This Recipe Tonight
Why will you love these little bites? They’re the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy with a crispy crunch that’s utterly addictive. Red pepper jelly adds a layer of sweetness with a hint of spice, while cream cheese gives that luscious richness we all crave. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dish that practically screams "party"?
These bites aren’t just crowd-pleasers; they also let you experiment with creativity. Swap out the cream cheese for a herbed variety, or throw in a hit of garlic for extra flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, top each bite with your favorite fresh herb—perhaps a sprinkle of chives or basil might tickle your fancy?
Gather These Ingredients
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Mini Phyllo Shells: These delightful shells are like tiny edible cups that add that incredible crunch. You’ll want to grab a box with about 15 pieces—enough to delight your guests without breaking the bank. If you can’t find phyllo shells, you could also use small tart shells or even make your own!
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Cream Cheese: Grab an 8 oz block of cream cheese, letting it soften a bit before using. This is the heart of this dish. It complements the sweet pepper jelly beautifully, creating a balance that’s just right. If cream cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
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Red Pepper Jelly: About a 1/4 cup will do. This sweet, slightly spicy jelly lifts the whole dish to new heights with its vibrant flavor. If you want to turn up the heat, look for a spicy version, or make your own if you’re the ambitious type!
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Fresh Thyme or Green Onion: Think of these as the finishing touch. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh note, brightening the whole affair beautifully! You could also consider fresh parsley for an equally lovely garnish.
Preparing Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the magic number where the phyllo shells will get crispy.
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Arrange the phyllo shells on a baking sheet. Line them up like little soldiers ready for a party!
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Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese. Get a little generous here; the creaminess is meant to shine!
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Top each one with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly. Drip that delightful jelly right on top for extra flavor happiness.
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Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for crisp, golden edges and warm cream cheese. Don’t walk away—this is a quick process!
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Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or green onions, if you’re using them.
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Serve them warm or at room temperature. Can you hear the applause?
Best Way to Enjoy It
These little bites are practically a culinary hug but pair them with some paired wines or refreshing cocktails for a truly festive vibe—think a sparkling wine or a chilled white! They also go beautifully alongside a simple green salad if you’re aiming for a more elaborate spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If by chance you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence), let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll keep fresh for a few days. Reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F (about 5-10 minutes) to bring back that crispy touch, or enjoy them cold if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pro Chef Tips
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Don’t skip letting your cream cheese soften—this will make it so much easier to scoop and spread into those phyllo shells.
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If you have fresh herbs on hand, chop up some and mix them into the cream cheese for an herby twist.
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Want to add a touch of elegance? Drizzle with some balsamic reduction right before serving!
Creative Twists
Feel free to mix and match! Consider using a fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, or even a spicy peach jam for a fruity exchange. Feeling herbal? Infuse your cream cheese with garlic and herbs for a more savory bite.
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)
Directions to Follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
- Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese.
- Top each with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or green onion, if using.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Common Questions
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Can I prep these ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the shells up to a day in advance and bake right before serving.
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What can I serve with these? They pair beautifully with just about any drink—try them with a crisp white wine or fancy sparkling lemonade!
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Can I freeze these bites? While I don’t recommend freezing already baked bites, you could prepare the shells, fill them, and freeze unbaked—just add extra baking time when you’re ready to serve.
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How many does this recipe serve? Depending on the hunger level, it can serve around 4-6 people as an appetizer. More if you have a spread!
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What to do if I don’t have mini phyllo shells? Don’t sweat it! Use small tart shells or even make your own using puff pastry if you’re feeling adventurous.
There’s something so beautiful about sharing a dish that is not just easy to make, but full of flavor and charm. I can’t wait for you to give these Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites a whirl. Experiment, add your flair, and make it your own! Let’s elevate those gatherings to a spectacular level—get cooking, and don’t forget to share your stories and twists down in the comments. Happy cooking, friend!
Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
Description
Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites are crispy phyllo shells filled with cream cheese and topped with red pepper jelly, perfect for any gathering.Ingredients
Appetizer Ingredients
Preparation Instructions
Baking Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Arrange Phyllo Shells
Arrange the phyllo shells on a baking sheet. -
Fill Shells
Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese. -
Top with Jelly
Top each with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly. -
Bake
Bake for 5–7 minutes until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed. -
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or green onion, if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4-6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 250mg11%
- Potassium 100mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 2 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 2 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
