Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites Recipe
Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites are an effortless and delicious party snack combining the sweet and spicy notes of pepper jelly with creamy, tangy cream cheese spread on a crunchy base. Perfect for gatherings, these bite-sized treats offer a customizable and impressive appetizer option that comes together in just 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base Options
- Crackers such as Ritz, wheat crackers, or your favorite savory variety
- Mini toasts or crostini for a more substantial bite
- Sliced cucumber (optional, for a fresh and gluten-free base)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for tanginess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
- Jalapeño jelly (optional, for added heat)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives
- Sliced fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature to ensure easy spreading. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sour cream (if using) until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, blending thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful base.
- Prepare the Bases: Arrange your choice of crackers, mini toasts, or crostini neatly on a serving platter. For a gluten-free or fresh alternative, lay out the sliced cucumber rounds as a base.
- Assemble the Appetizer Bites: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each cracker, toast, or cucumber slice. This provides a creamy contrast to the crunchy or fresh base.
- Top with Pepper Jelly: Add a spoonful of pepper jelly on top of each cream cheese layer. For those who want extra spice, drizzle jalapeño jelly over the cream cheese for a delightful kick.
- Garnish and Serve: Enhance the bites with garnishes such as chopped fresh herbs, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and additional flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and tastes.
Notes
- Always soften cream cheese before mixing to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Try different types of pepper jelly—sweet, spicy, or fruity—to customize the flavor to your preference.
- Use cucumber slices as a low-carb, gluten-free base option, or choose crackers and crostini for a classic presentation.
- This appetizer can be made ahead by preparing the cream cheese mixture and refrigerating it until ready to assemble.
Keywords: pepper jelly, cream cheese appetizer, party snacks, no cook appetizers, easy appetizers, bite-sized snacks, pepper jelly cream cheese bites
