Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites are the ultimate combination of creamy cheese and a sweet, spicy kick that make them an irresistible appetizer. These little bites are perfect for gatherings and parties, and they come together so easily that you’ll find yourself making them often. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that will impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites
These Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile and easy to make. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore them:
- They offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making them a hit at any gathering.
- These bites are made with simple ingredients like cream cheese and puff pastry, making them accessible for anyone to whip up.
- Perfect for entertaining, these cheesy pepper jelly appetizers can be made in advance.
- They are vegetarian-friendly, accommodating various dietary preferences.
- Each bite is a savory cheesy jelly treat that burst with flavor.
- Ideal for pairing with your favorite wine or cocktails, these bites enhance any drink.
This recipe is classified as an Appetizer, so you can serve it at parties, game nights, or family get-togethers.
Ingredients for Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites
Gather these items:
- Cooking spray
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cold
- ½ cup pepper jelly
- Fresh thyme or chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously coat a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll to smooth the seams. Cut into 24 equal squares.
- Step 3: Press one pastry square into each muffin cup.
- Step 4: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the pastry is lightly puffed and pale golden.
- Step 5: Cut the cold cream cheese into 24 small cubes. Press one cube into the center of each pastry cup.
- Step 6: Top each with about 1 teaspoon pepper jelly.
- Step 7: Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the cheese is warmed through.
- Step 8: Let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites
Keep these in mind:
- These bites are great for parties.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of pepper jelly to your taste, depending on how spicy you want your cheese bites with pepper jelly topping.
- If you’re making these ahead of time, prepare them up to step 6 and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites
Consider these serving suggestions:
- Serve as part of a cheese platter, incorporating a variety of cheeses to pair with pepper jelly.
- Offer them alongside a spicy cheese jelly dip for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with fresh vegetables or crackers for a complete appetizer spread.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites
To store, place the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. These make for an easy cheesy pepper jelly recipe that can be prepped in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites
What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites?
The secret lies in using high-quality pepper jelly and ensuring your puff pastry is fresh. This combination creates that delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Can I make Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to step 6 and refrigerate. Just bake them right before serving for the best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites?
Ensure that the cream cheese is cold and cut into uniform pieces. This way, they melt evenly in the oven, providing a creamy filling in each bite.
Variations of Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites You Can Try
Explore these creative cheesy snacks with pepper jelly:
- Try different flavors of pepper jelly, such as jalapeño or garlic.
- Incorporate herbs like basil or rosemary into the cream cheese for added flavor.
- Experiment with various cheeses, such as goat cheese or cheddar, to create unique pepper jelly cheese canapés.
- For a twist, add chopped nuts for crunch and texture.
For more delicious appetizer ideas, check out Cranberry Brie Bites or Creamy Peppercorn Steak Bites. You can also explore Loaded Baked Potato Soup for a comforting dish that pairs well with these bites.
Print
Delicious Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites You Must Try
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites are easy to make and offer a delightful combination of flavors.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cold
- ½ cup pepper jelly
- Fresh thyme or chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously coat a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll to smooth the seams. Cut into 24 equal squares.
- Press one pastry square into each muffin cup.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the pastry is lightly puffed and pale golden.
- Cut the cold cream cheese into 24 small cubes. Press one cube into the center of each pastry cup.
- Top each with about 1 teaspoon pepper jelly.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the cheese is warmed through.
- Let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- These bites are great for parties.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of pepper jelly to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Cheesy Pepper Jelly Bites










