Quick Pepper Jelly Recipe

Introduction

Quick pepper jelly bites are a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Combining creamy cheese with sweet and spicy jelly in crisp phyllo shells, they offer a delightful bite-sized treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Arrange the mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese.
4. Step 4: Spoon roughly 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese in each shell.
5. Step 5: Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the shells become crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or chopped green onion, if desired.
7. Step 7: Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the spice level by choosing your preferred variety of pepper jelly, from mild to hot.
• Pre-fill the phyllo shells ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake to save time.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or green onion for an extra burst of flavor and appealing color.
• For a festive twist, try cranberry-pepper jelly especially during the holiday season.
• Pair these bites with a selection of crackers and veggies to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore crispness before serving, or enjoy chilled at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized phyllo dough instead of mini shells?

While this recipe calls for mini phyllo shells for convenient bite-sized portions, you can create similar appetizers by shaping regular phyllo dough into small cups and baking them before filling.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use mini phyllo shells made with gluten-free ingredients; otherwise, look for gluten-free alternatives or substitute with gluten-free crackers or cups.

Quick Pepper Jelly Recipe

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4.4 from 142 reviews

Quick Pepper Jelly Mini Phyllo Shells are a delightful appetizer perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats combine creamy softened cream cheese with sweet and spicy red pepper jelly, baked until warm and crisp. Garnished with fresh thyme or green onion, they offer a beautiful burst of flavor and a colorful presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Appetizer

• 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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the phyllo shells evenly.
2. Arrange Phyllo Shells: Place the mini phyllo shells evenly spaced on a baking sheet to prepare them for filling.
3. Fill with Cream Cheese: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into each phyllo shell, spreading it gently to fill the center.
4. Add Pepper Jelly: Top each cream cheese-filled shell with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly to add sweetness and a mild kick.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the phyllo shells turn crisp and the cream cheese is warmed through to enhance flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked shells from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped green onion to add color and a fresh flavor boost. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• You can use any variety of pepper jelly—adjust the spice level to match your preference, from mild to hot.
• To save time, pre-fill the phyllo shells with cream cheese and pepper jelly, then refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or green onion add both a vibrant color and an extra flavor dimension when garnishing.
• For a festive holiday twist, substitute cranberry-pepper jelly for a seasonal flavor.
• This appetizer is naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted to gluten-free by selecting gluten-free phyllo shells.
• Serve alongside a platter of mixed crackers and fresh vegetables to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Keywords: pepper jelly, cream cheese appetizer, mini phyllo shells, party appetizers, easy baked appetizers, vegetarian snacks