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Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Bites 1

Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Bites

These delightful Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Bites combine creamy, tangy, and sweet-spicy flavors in perfect balance. The contrast between the smooth cream cheese and the vibrant pepper jelly creates an irresistible bite that disappears from serving trays in minutes at any gathering.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 20 bites
Calories 115 kcal

Equipment

  • Serving Platter

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 blocks cream cheese 8 oz each, chilled
  • 1 jar pepper jelly 10-12 oz, red or green jalapeño
  • 2 sleeves buttery crackers like Ritz or Town House
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest optional, for brightness

Instructions
 

  • Slice the chilled cream cheese into 1/4-inch thick squares or rectangles, sized appropriately for your crackers. Pro tip: Use dental floss (unflavored) to create clean slices through the cream cheese without it sticking to your knife.
  • Place your crackers on a serving platter or tray, leaving about 1/2 inch between each one to allow for easy picking.
  • Place one piece of cream cheese on each cracker, pressing down gently so it adheres without breaking the cracker.
  • Stir the pepper jelly in its jar to ensure even consistency, then spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of pepper jelly onto each cream cheese-topped cracker.
  • Sprinkle the assembled bites with finely chopped fresh chives to add color contrast and a subtle onion flavor. For special occasions, add a tiny sprinkle of lemon zest over the top to brighten the flavors.

Notes

Keep cream cheese refrigerated until right before cutting to maintain firmness. For best results, assemble within 30-60 minutes of serving for optimal texture. You can prepare components ahead of time - cut cream cheese up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
For a lighter version, substitute with Neufchâtel cheese (33% less fat). Cracker alternatives include water crackers for a neutral base or pretzel thins for a salty contrast.
Plan for 3-4 bites per person for a cocktail party with multiple appetizers, or 5-6 per person if serving as a featured appetizer.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 170mgSugar: 5g
Keyword Cream Cheese, Pepper Jelly, Appetizer, Party Food, Holiday Appetizer, No-Cook
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