These Easy 5-Minute Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Bites are the ultimate last-minute appetizer sweet, spicy, creamy, and impossibly quick to throw together. With just a handful of ingredients and zero cooking required, they bring big flavor to any party platter. Perfect for holidays, game nights, or casual snacking, these little bites deliver a delicious pop of tangy heat in every crunchy, creamy mouthful.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package crackers (any variety you love)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, pepper jelly, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
- Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each cracker.
- Add a small extra dollop of pepper jelly on top for a sweet-heat finish.
- Arrange the bites on a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped chives if desired.
- Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes for a refreshing cool bite.
Variation
- Use a Spicier Jelly: Swap the standard pepper jelly for a habanero or jalapeño jelly. It adds a deeper kick and creates a bold contrast against the creamy cheese.
- Try Flavored Cream Cheese: Herb, chive, or even roasted red pepper cream cheese can layer in extra flavor without any additional prep.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Crushed nuts like pecans or pistachios add texture and a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy jelly.
- Make It Savory-Forward: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot honey to shift the flavor profile and bring a smoky-sweet twist.
Cooking Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature this helps it blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Mix Gently: Avoid over-mixing, which can make the cream cheese too loose. A soft, spreadable consistency is ideal.
- Cracker Choice Matters: Sturdier crackers hold up best, especially if you’re preparing the bites ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair With a Cheese Board: These bites make a great companion to charcuterie, bringing a sweet-spicy pop alongside meats, fruits, and cheeses.
- Serve With Fresh Veggies: Add them to a colorful platter with cucumbers, carrots, and celery to balance the richness with crisp freshness.
- Perfect for Brunch: Their bright flavor and quick prep make them an easy, elegant addition to brunch spreads or potlucks.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Pepper Jelly: A good jelly makes all the difference. Look for jars with visible pepper pieces for the best flavor payoff.
- Assemble Last Minute: Crackers stay crisp longer when topped just before serving, especially in warm or humid environments.
- Customize the Ratio: Add more jelly for extra sweetness or more cream cheese for a milder, creamier bite this recipe is very forgiving.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~170 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead of time?
You can mix the cream cheese filling ahead, but assemble the bites just before serving to keep the crackers crisp. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes low-fat or Neufchâtel works fine, though the texture may be slightly softer. - What type of crackers works best?
Sturdy varieties like wheat crackers, butter crackers, or multigrain crisps hold up best under the creamy topping. - Can I serve this as a dip instead?
Absolutely! Serve the cream cheese mixture in a bowl with crackers, pretzels, and veggies on the side.
Conclusion
These Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Bites prove that a simple appetizer can still be unforgettable. With their creamy texture, sweet-spicy punch, and effortless prep, they’re the perfect go-to for any gathering. Whip up a batch in minutes and watch them disappear just as quickly!
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Easy 5 Minute Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Bites
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy 5-Minute Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Bites are the ultimate last-minute appetizer sweet, spicy, creamy, and impossibly quick to throw together. With just a handful of ingredients and zero cooking required, they bring big flavor to any party platter. Perfect for holidays, game nights, or casual snacking, these little bites deliver a delicious pop of tangy heat in every crunchy, creamy mouthful.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package crackers (any variety you love)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, pepper jelly, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
- Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each cracker.
- Add a small extra dollop of pepper jelly on top for a sweet-heat finish.
- Arrange the bites on a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped chives if desired.
- Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes for a refreshing cool bite.
Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature this helps it blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Mix Gently: Avoid over-mixing, which can make the cream cheese too loose. A soft, spreadable consistency is ideal.
- Cracker Choice Matters: Sturdier crackers hold up best, especially if you’re preparing the bites ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook / Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: ~8 g
- Sodium: ~170 mg
- Fat: ~11 g
- Saturated Fat: ~6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~11 g
- Fiber: ~0 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~30 mg
Keywords: pepper jelly cream cheese bites, quick appetizer, no-cook snacks, party bites, easy holiday appetizer