Introduction

Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. This easy recipe offers two delightful ways to serve: as a creamy dip or elegant phyllo cup bites, ideal for holidays, game days, or last-minute guests. Ready in minutes, they make an impressive and crowd-pleasing starter.

The image shows five small tartlets on a white marbled surface, each with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a golden, crispy, ruffled phyllo dough shell. The middle layer is soft and creamy white cheese that fills the shell. The top layer is a shiny, amber-orange jelly or jam with a glossy, textured look, garnished with tiny green herb pieces sprinkled on top. Small green parsley leaves are scattered around the tartlets, adding a fresh touch. The focus is on the front tartlet, with the others softly blurred in the background, creating depth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 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, until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is slightly warmed.
Step 6: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme or chopped green onion, if desired.
Step 7: Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your flavorful bites.

Tips & Variations

Swap red pepper jelly with jalapeño, habanero, pineapple-habanero, or cranberry-pepper jelly to adjust heat and flavor.
Try goat cheese or brie instead of cream cheese for a richer taste.
Add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for extra sweetness and crunch.
Use mini cucumber rounds or gluten-free pastry shells as a gluten-free alternative to phyllo cups.
Pre-fill the phyllo shells and refrigerate for up to one day before baking to save time.

Storage

Assemble unbaked phyllo bites and store covered in the refrigerator for up to one day before baking. After baking, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness. The dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add pepper jelly and garnishes just before serving. Avoid freezing fully assembled bites to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows six small tartlets arranged close together on a white marbled surface. Each tartlet has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown, crispy pastry shell with a delicate, flaky texture and ruffled edges. On top of the pastry shell is a thick, creamy white cheese layer that looks soft and smooth. The final top layer is a glossy, deep reddish-orange jelly or jam with small chunks, adding a shiny texture. The tartlets are garnished with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top of the jelly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jelly instead of pepper jelly?

Yes, you can substitute pepper jelly with fruit-based jellies like cranberry, apricot, or pineapple. Just keep in mind the sweetness level may vary.

Can I serve this cold?

Absolutely. Both the dip and the phyllo bites can be served cold or at room temperature without losing their bold, satisfying flavors.

Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 50 reviews

A quick and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy softened cream cheese paired with sweet and spicy red pepper jelly, served in crisp mini phyllo shells. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, and elegant gatherings, this versatile recipe can be served warm or at room temperature, with options to customize the heat and cheese type for varied taste experiences.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 15 mini phyllo bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the phyllo bites.
Arrange Phyllo Shells: Place the mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced for even crisping.
Fill with Cream Cheese: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each phyllo shell, filling them carefully without overstuffing.
Add Pepper Jelly: Top each cream cheese-filled shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly, adding the signature sweet and spicy flavor.
Bake the Bites: Bake the filled shells for 5 to 7 minutes until the phyllo is crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through but not melted apart.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste and texture.

Notes

You can use any variety of pepper jelly—adjust the spice level from mild to hot according to your preference.
To save time, pre-fill phyllo shells and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to enhance both color and flavor.
For a festive holiday twist, try cranberry-pepper jelly instead of red pepper jelly.
Serve the dip version with a selection of crackers and raw vegetables to accommodate various dietary preferences.
The recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be adapted to gluten-free by choosing gluten-free phyllo or alternative bases like mini cucumber rounds.
Reheat baked bites at 325°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness if needed.

Keywords: pepper jelly, cream cheese appetizer, phyllo shells, party bites, holiday appetizer, easy snack, sweet and spicy appetizer