Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites are a delightful mix of flaky puff pastry, smooth cream cheese, and a sweet-spicy pepper jelly topping. They’re quick to make and perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any event.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 (14-oz.) package puff pastry, thawed
• 1 (8-oz.) block cold cream cheese
• 1/2 cup pepper jelly
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease 2 (24-cup) mini muffin pans with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface and cut it into 24 equal pieces. Press each piece into a muffin cup, forming a small cup shape.
3. Step 3: Bake the puff pastry cups for 12 minutes, or until lightly golden and puffed. Remove and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Cut the cold cream cheese into 24 small pieces. Gently press one piece into the center of each puff pastry cup, separating the pastry slightly if needed to make space.
5. Step 5: Top each cream cheese-filled pastry with about 1 heaping teaspoon of pepper jelly.
6. Step 6: Return the filled bites to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cream cheese is warmed through.
7. Step 7: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added color and flavor. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try substituting the pepper jelly with apricot or fig preserves.
• Use a mild or flavored cream cheese, like garlic and herb, for added depth.
• If fresh thyme is unavailable, a small pinch of dried thyme or rosemary works well as a garnish.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites up to the step before the final bake, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. Then bake them fresh before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have mini muffin pans?

You can use a regular muffin pan, but the bites will be larger. Adjust the puff pastry pieces accordingly and increase baking time slightly to ensure they cook through.

Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 131 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 24 bites 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites feature crispy, buttery puff pastry filled with creamy cream cheese and topped with sweet and spicy pepper jelly. These warm, savory appetizers are quick and easy to make, perfect for parties and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bites

• Cooking spray, for greasing
• 1 (14-oz.) package puff pastry, thawed
• 1 (8-oz.) block cold cream cheese
• 1/2 cup pepper jelly
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Pans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 24-cup mini muffin pans thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Cut it into 24 equal squares. Gently press each square into the wells of the prepared mini muffin pans, shaping the pastry to fit.
3. Bake the Pastry: Place the muffin pans in the oven and bake the puff pastry for 12 minutes until they puff up and turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Bites: Cut the cold cream cheese into 24 small pieces. Gently press one piece into the center of each baked puff pastry cup. If needed, carefully separate the pastry edges to make space. Then, spoon about one heaping teaspoon of pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese in each cup.
5. Finish Baking: Return the assembled bites to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, until the puff pastry is a rich golden brown and the cream cheese is warmed through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for added flavor and visual appeal. Let the bites cool for around 10 minutes before serving to ensure they hold their shape and are safe to eat.

Notes

• Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before cutting to avoid cracking.
• Use cold cream cheese for easier handling and better texture.
• You can substitute pepper jelly with any fruit jelly that has a bit of spice for a different flavor profile.
• Fresh thyme garnish is optional but adds a nice herbal note and color contrast.
• Serve these bites warm for the best taste and texture experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pepper jelly bites, puff pastry appetizers, cream cheese appetizers, party appetizers, easy baked bites