Quick Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer – Easy Party Dip & Bites

Hey There! Let’s Make Some Yummy Cream Cheese and Red Pepper Jelly Bites

If you’re like me, you love snacks that are quick to prepare but impress everyone at the party. These cream cheese and red pepper jelly bites are exactly that! They’re delicious little flavor bombs wrapped up in crispy, flaky cups that are perfect for munching alongside your favorite crackers or chips. The combo of creamy cheese, a sweet and spicy jelly, and that crisp cup? Oh, so good!

I first tried these at a friend’s gathering, and I was hooked right away. Now, I love making them when I want to share something easy but fancy-looking with my guests. Plus, they come together in just about 20 minutes. Let me walk you through how I do it—and offer some tips along the way so you can make the best bites ever.

Why These Cream Cheese Bites Are a Snack Win

First off, cream cheese is a smooth, tasty base that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy zing of red pepper jelly. The phyllo or wonton cups bring a crunchy, buttery flair that just makes the whole bite pop with texture. You’re getting creamy, sweet, spicy, and crispy all in one little hug of yum.

What’s more, these bites are fantastic for any occasion—whether it’s a casual get-together, a fancy party, or just an afternoon snack craving. With minimal ingredients and no need for complicated techniques, they’re a fantastic choice for anyone who wants something easy but impressive.

Small Tweaks to Suit Your Taste or Needs

• Make it garlic-y: I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to my cream cheese to give it a little savory depth. You can skip it if you want to keep the flavors simple or add some fresh minced garlic if you love bold tastes.
• Customize your cups: If you can’t find mini phyllo cups or prefer not to buy pre-made ones, forming your own wonton wrappers in a mini muffin tin works perfectly. Or, for a gluten-free option, try small baked sweet potato rounds as a base for the cream cheese and jelly topper!
• Adjust the spice level: The red pepper jelly I use has a nice balance of sweet and spice. Feel free to swap it for a sweeter jelly if you want to tone down the heat, or a spicier one if you want to kick it up a notch.
• Herbal twists: While fresh thyme gives a lovely fresh herbal note, you can experiment with rosemary, basil, or even a sprinkle of chives for different flavors and looks.

Ready for the Easy Cream Cheese and Red Pepper Jelly Bites Recipe?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
• 24 mini phyllo dough cups or wonton wrappers (shaped into cups)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing cups)
• Crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips (for serving)
• Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If you’re using wonton wrappers, lightly brush each with melted butter and gently press them into a mini muffin tin to shape little cups. If you have pre-made mini phyllo cups, you can skip this step and move on.
3. In a bowl, soften the cream cheese until it’s smooth and easy to spread. Stir in the optional garlic powder, salt, and pepper if you like. I always add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors!
4. Spoon the cream cheese mix evenly into each cup—don’t fill all the way to the top, but close!
5. Place the filled cups on a baking sheet or leave them in the muffin tin, then bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges golden and crisp and the cream cheese to be warm and inviting.
6. While the cups bake, put the remaining cream cheese into a small bowl.
7. Once the cups are done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes.
8. Top each cup generously with a spoonful of red pepper jelly. Do the same for the cream cheese in your serving bowl.
9. Garnish your dip with fresh thyme sprigs for that lovely, fresh touch.
10. Arrange the baked cups and your favorite crackers or chips on a serving platter, with the dip bowl in the middle. Serve right away, and watch everyone dive in!

Handy Tips for Best Results

• Softened cream cheese is key: Make sure your cream cheese is soft before mixing. I usually leave it out for about 30 minutes or zap it in the microwave for 10 seconds to get it nice and smooth.
• Don’t overfill: Leave some space at the top of each cup so the jelly sits on top without spilling over.
• Butter those cups: Brushing the cups with butter helps them crisp up beautifully and adds extra flavor.
• Serve warm: These bites are best enjoyed warm but not piping hot so the flavors really shine and nobody burns their mouth.
• Storage hint: If you want to prep ahead, fill and bake the cups but add the jelly just before serving. Store the baked cream cheese cups in an airtight container in the fridge and warm briefly before topping with jelly.

Equipment You’ll Find Useful

• Mini muffin tin (especially if using wonton wrappers)
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or small cookie scoop (for filling cups)
• Basting brush (for melting butter on cups)
• Baking sheet or tray
• Small serving bowl (for leftover cream cheese dip)

Common Questions About These Bites

1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can form and bake the cups up to a day ahead. Just keep them stored airtight in the fridge and add the red pepper jelly right before serving.
2. What if I’m gluten-free? You can try gluten-free wonton wrappers or use baked vegetable slices like sweet potato or zucchini rounds as a base.
3. Can I use another cheese? Cream cheese is best for the texture and mild flavor, but you could blend in some goat cheese or ricotta for an extra tangy twist.
4. How spicy is the red pepper jelly? It varies by brand, but in general, it’s mildly spicy with a nice sweetness. If you want more heat, try topping with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
5. What else can I serve these bites with? They’re great with pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks like cucumber or bell peppers.

Let’s Snack and Share!

I hope you’ll give these cream cheese and red pepper jelly bites a try — they’re a simple little treat that always wins smiles! If you do, I’d love for you to share your pics and stories with me on Pinterest. It’s so much fun to see your take on these recipes and swap ideas. Happy snacking!