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Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 31 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bites
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These delightful Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Bites are the perfect appetizer to wow your guests. Featuring a flaky, buttery puff pastry base filled with rich cream cheese and topped with a spicy-sweet red pepper jelly, these bites are baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh thyme for an aromatic finish. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for entertaining or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Base

  • 1 sheet Puff pastry (flaky and buttery)
  • 1 cup Flour (for dusting)
  • 1 spray Nonstick cooking spray (for muffin tin)

Filling and Topping

  • 8 oz Cream cheese (rich and creamy texture)
  • 1/2 cup Red pepper jelly (spicy-sweet flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Puff Pastry: Let the puff pastry sheet sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften. Unfold it gently and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out lightly and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  2. Prepare Muffin Tin: Generously spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully press each piece of puff pastry into the muffin cups, ensuring they fit snugly against the sides.
  3. First Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the puff pastry shells for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crispy. If the centers puff up excessively during baking, press them down gently with a spoon.
  4. Add Filling: Spoon a generous amount of cream cheese into each pre-baked puff pastry shell, gently packing it in. Then spoon a vibrant dollop of red pepper jelly over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Second Bake: Return the muffin tin to the preheated 400°F oven for an additional 6 to 8 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the bites to warm through thoroughly.
  6. Cool and Garnish: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes. Carefully lift each bite from the tin, then sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for an aromatic, attractive finish.

Notes

  • Resting puff pastry at room temperature makes it easier to roll and shape.
  • Use flour sparingly to avoid toughening the pastry.
  • Nonstick spray ensures easy removal from the muffin tin without the bites breaking.
  • If your puff pastry puffs up unevenly, gently press the centers down to create a nice hollow for filling.
  • Fresh thyme enhances both flavor and presentation but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Serve these bites warm or at room temperature for best texture and taste.

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Find it online: https://amsterdamfoodstories.com/pepper-jelly-and-cream-cheese-bites-recipe/