Quick & Easy

Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites

Name: Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Chef Olivia

December 25, 2025
3 min read

Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites

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introduction

This quick pepper jelly cream cheese appetizer makes a fast and tasty starter. It mixes smooth cream cheese with sweet-spicy red pepper jelly. You can make small bites in phyllo shells or a dip to scoop with crackers. It works well for parties, game days, or a quick snack. Try it with other simple bites like bacon cream cheese bagels for a mix of flavors.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe because it is fast, low effort, and loved by many. You need only a few ingredients and little time. The cream cheese cools the pepper jelly heat. The phyllo shells add a crisp, light bite. It looks nice on a platter and tastes great warm or at room temp.

how to make Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites

You can make this as a dip or as little phyllo bites.

For bites: fill mini phyllo shells and bake a few minutes until warm and crisp.
For dip: mix cream cheese and red pepper jelly well, warm gently in microwave or oven, and serve with crackers.

Keep steps simple and work quickly so shells stay crisp.

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 :

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 or until the shells are crisp and the cream cheese is warmed.
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme or green onion, if using.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites

how to serve Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites

Serve the bites warm on a platter. For dip, put it in a small bowl and place crackers, sliced baguette, or veggies around it. You can also pair sweet bites like Boston cream pie cookie bites on the same table for a sweet and savory mix.

how to store Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites

Store leftovers in the fridge. Keep the dip or unused filled shells in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you make the dip and want to reheat, warm gently in the microwave for short bursts, stirring in between. Do not store baked phyllo shells for long; they lose crispness.

tips to make Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip and Bites

Soften cream cheese first for easy filling or mixing.
Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill phyllo shells neatly.
Warm shells for best texture, but serve at room temp if you need to hold them.
Garnish with small herb leaves or chopped green onion for color.

variation (if any)

Add a small piece of cooked bacon on top for a smoky bite.
Swap red pepper jelly for apricot or fig jam for different sweetness.
Use mini wonton cups if you cannot find phyllo shells.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: You can fill shells ahead but bake just before serving so they stay crisp. Store filled shells in the fridge up to a few hours.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use a dairy-free cream cheese spread and check that phyllo shells are vegan.

Q: Can I make a bigger dip batch?
A: Yes. Mix more cream cheese and jelly in a bowl and warm before serving.