Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
Introduction
The moment these little bites hit the oven, your kitchen fills with the warm, buttery aroma of baked phyllo and the bright, sweet-spicy perfume of red pepper jelly. One bite delivers a satisfying contrast: the crisp, flaky shell yields to a luxuriously creamy center, and the pepper jelly sings with a lively, slightly spicy sweetness that wakes the tongue. Texturally and flavor-wise, it’s a tiny rollercoaster—crunch, cream, sparkle.
This recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings, holiday trays, potlucks, or an elegant weeknight nibble. They’re fast to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and customizable, so you can serve them at cozy brunches, cocktail hours, or busy game-day spreads. If you like simple, high-impact hors d’oeuvres that travel well and require almost no cleanup, you’ll want to keep these in your repertoire. For more bite-sized inspiration, check out this cranberry twist on a cream-cheese bite: cranberry cream cheese crescent bites.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Total Time: 10–12 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 15 mini bites (one per phyllo shell)
- Difficulty Level: Very easy — great for beginners and hosts who need fast results
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (one bite). These are approximate values calculated using USDA FoodData Central values for cream cheese and phyllo products, and typical jam/jelly nutrition profiles. For precise values refer to your product labels.
Per serving (~1 mini phyllo shell with filling):
- Calories: ~56 kcal
- Protein: ~1.0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~5.4 g
- Sugars: ~3.1 g
- Fat: ~3.6 g
- Fiber: ~0.2 g
Notes: - Estimates were derived from sum totals for 15 shells, 4 oz (113 g) full-fat cream cheese, and 1/4 cup (≈60 g) red pepper jelly, divided by 15 servings. Sources consulted include USDA FoodData Central and standard nutrition profiles for jams/jellies. If you need exact counts (for dietary restrictions or tracking), use your product labels or a nutrition calculator and input the exact brands you use.
Why You’ll Love It
This appetizer checks several boxes at once:
- Instant flavor payoff: sweet-heat pepper jelly plus rich cream cheese is a classic contrast that delights every time.
- Crowd-pleasing and nostalgic: these bites feel indulgent yet familiar—perfect for social occasions where simple, sharable food fosters conversation.
- Speed and convenience: from box to tray in minutes. Ideal when you want to spend more time with guests and less at the stove.
- Versatile and customizable: swap garnishes, cheeses, or shells to suit seasons, themes, or dietary needs.
How to Make Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
Ingredients
- 1 box (15-count) mini phyllo shells
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup red pepper jelly
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Use goat cheese or Boursin instead of cream cheese for a tangier bite
- Substitute jalapeño jelly for a spicier kick
- For vegan: use vegan cream cheese and a low-sugar fruit spread
- Gluten-free option: fill cucumber rounds or gluten-free cracker cups instead of phyllo shells
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Using a teaspoon, fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese. Level gently with the back of the spoon.
- Top each filled shell with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through. Watch closely: phyllo can brown quickly.
- Remove from oven and immediately garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves or a sprinkle of chopped green onion, if using.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Practical tips
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it spreads easily without tearing the phyllo.
- Don’t overfill the shells—too much filling will make bites messy and can cause the phyllo to lose crispness.
- If your jelly is very stiff, warm it briefly (10–15 seconds) in the microwave to make it spoonable.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and make cleanup quicker.
Serve It Up
Presentation and pairing ideas
- Arrange bites on a pretty platter with sprigs of thyme or microgreens for contrast.
- Add a small bowl of extra pepper jelly on the side for guests who want more sweetness.
- For a more substantial appetizer board, pair with cured meats, olives, and crackers.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread alongside coffee or tea, or offer with sparkling wine or a light-bodied rosé during evening gatherings.
Explore other appetizer ideas and build a full party spread by checking out these curated recipes: 35 best appetizer recipes ever.
Keeping it Fresh
- Room temperature: Because these bites contain cream cheese, do not leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (per USDA guidance for perishable foods).
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To preserve shell texture, place parchment between layers.
- Freezer: Not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture of both the phyllo shells and the cream cheese filling; assembled bites become soggy when thawed. You can freeze the components separately (cream cheese filling or jelly) but not the assembled shell bites.
Insider Secrets
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creaminess and mouthfeel; low-fat versions can taste grainy when warmed.
- For extra visual pop, dot a tiny bit of jelly and then a tiny sprinkle of finely chopped roasted red pepper on top.
- If you want a slightly melted-top look without over-baking, pop bites under the broiler for 20–30 seconds—watch constantly to avoid burning.
- If you’re transporting these, bake the shells at the last minute and pack the filling separately; fill on-site for the crispiest result.
- For elegant plating, place each bite on a small lettuce leaf or endive spear—adds a refreshing crunch and makes them easier to pick up.
Creative Twists
- Savory swap: Replace cream cheese with herbed goat cheese and top with jalapeño or red pepper jelly for a tangy, slightly spicy version.
- Vegan option: Use a plant-based cream cheese and agave-sweetened pepper jam; serve in gluten-free cups if needed.
- Lux upgrade: Top each warmed bite with a tiny sliver of smoked salmon and a dill sprig—swap jelly for a thin smear of honey-mustard for a complementary profile.
- Sweet-savory: Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon or toasted pecans on top of each jelly dollop for extra texture and flavor contrast.
- Gluten-free alternative: Hollowed cucumber rounds or baked polenta cups make great gluten-free vessels.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Assemble the filling and jelly in separate containers up to 24 hours ahead. Fill shells and bake just before serving for best texture.
Q: My shells went soggy—how do I prevent that?
A: Avoid overfilling and bake just long enough to warm the filling. If storing filled bites, keep them refrigerated and re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: You can, but full-fat cream cheese provides better mouthfeel when warmed. If using low-fat, consider mixing in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Q: How spicy is red pepper jelly?
A: Heat levels vary by brand. If you want predictable spice, taste your jelly first or choose a mild variety. You can always add a pinch of cayenne to the cream cheese if you want more heat.
Q: Are there healthier swaps?
A: Use reduced-sugar pepper spread, low-fat or whipped cream cheese, and smaller phyllo shells to reduce calories per bite. However, flavor and texture may change.
Conclusion
These Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites are proof that a few quality ingredients and a little finesse can make a memorable dish. They’re easy to scale, endlessly adaptable, and designed to disappear once guests arrive—so give them a try and share how you customized yours. For more inspiration or similar recipes, check out this Easy Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites Recipe and this collection of Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Phyllo Cups. Enjoy, and don’t forget to tell us how your batch turned out—photos and tips always welcome!
Print
Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring crispy phyllo shells filled with creamy cheese and topped with sweet-spicy red pepper jelly.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15-count) mini phyllo shells
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup red pepper jelly
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Using a teaspoon, fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese, leveling gently with the back of the spoon.
- Top each filled shell with about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through. Watch closely as phyllo can brown quickly.
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves or a sprinkle of chopped green onion, if using.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For portable servings, bake the phyllo shells just before serving and fill them on-site for optimal crispness. These bites are perfect for gatherings and can be customized based on preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 56
- Sugar: 3.1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5.4g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
