Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups

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These Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups are the perfect bite-sized appetizer that brings together creamy, tangy, and sweet-spicy flavors in every mouthful. With a buttery phyllo base, smooth cream cheese filling, and a jewel-like dollop of cranberry hot pepper jelly, they’re a delightful mix of elegance and comfort. Perfect for holiday parties, festive gatherings, or anytime you want a quick yet impressive snack, these cups are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup cranberry hot pepper jelly
  • 1 package (12 count) mini phyllo cups
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven (Optional): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’d like to serve your cups warm.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
  3. Fill the Phyllo Cups: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture evenly into each mini phyllo cup, filling them generously.
  4. Add the Jelly: Top each filled cup with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry hot pepper jelly, letting it drizzle slightly over the edges.
  5. Garnish and Warm: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives on top. If desired, warm the filled cups in the oven for 5–7 minutes for a toasty touch.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Variation:

  1. Swap the Jelly: Try this recipe with different pepper jellies jalapeño, pineapple-habanero, or mango-pepper for a fun flavor twist. Each adds a unique level of sweetness and spice.
  2. Add a Crunchy Element: Sprinkle crushed pecans, candied walnuts, or crispy bacon bits on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
  3. Herb Variations: Instead of chives, try finely chopped dill, basil, or thyme for a slightly different aromatic profile that complements the cream cheese.

Cooking Notes:

  1. Phyllo Cups: You can find ready-to-use phyllo cups in the freezer section of most grocery stores. No need to bake them unless you prefer extra crispiness.
  2. Softening Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing for a smoother texture.
  3. Storage: These cups are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. If chilled, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Holiday Appetizer Tray: Arrange the cups on a festive platter with rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries for an eye-catching holiday display.
  2. Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a glass of crisp white wine, rosé, or sparkling champagne to balance the spicy-sweet notes.
  3. Party Bites: These cups make the perfect two-bite hors d’oeuvres for game nights, cocktail parties, or bridal showers.

Tips:

  1. Don’t Overfill the Cups: A heaping teaspoon of cream cheese is just enough too much can make the filling spill over when baking.
  2. Make Ahead: Prepare the cream cheese mixture and jelly topping in advance. Assemble the cups right before serving to keep them crispy.
  3. Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using more or less hot pepper jelly or mixing it with plain cranberry jelly for a milder version.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Total Time: 17 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and refrigerate it up to a day ahead. Assemble the cups just before serving to keep them crisp.
  2. What if I can’t find cranberry hot pepper jelly?
    Substitute with regular hot pepper jelly and a spoonful of cranberry sauce it’ll give a similar sweet-spicy flavor combo.
  3. Can I serve them cold?
    Absolutely. These taste delicious cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm, depending on your preference.
  4. How do I keep the phyllo cups from getting soggy?
    Assemble the cups just before serving and avoid storing them with the jelly already added for too long the moisture can soften the phyllo.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups are a festive, flavorful, and effortless appetizer that never fails to impress. With their perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy-sweet notes, they’re ideal for entertaining or adding a touch of gourmet flair to any gathering. Simple to prepare, beautiful to serve, and irresistibly tasty this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite all year round.

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Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings (1 phyllo cup per serving) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups are the perfect bite-sized appetizer that brings together creamy, tangy, and sweet-spicy flavors in every mouthful. With a buttery phyllo base, smooth cream cheese filling, and a jewel-like dollop of cranberry hot pepper jelly, they’re a delightful mix of elegance and comfort. Perfect for holiday parties, festive gatherings, or anytime you want a quick yet impressive snack, these cups are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup cranberry hot pepper jelly
  • 1 package (12 count) mini phyllo cups
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven (Optional): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’d like to serve your cups warm.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
  3. Fill the Phyllo Cups: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture evenly into each mini phyllo cup, filling them generously.
  4. Add the Jelly: Top each filled cup with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry hot pepper jelly, letting it drizzle slightly over the edges.
  5. Garnish and Warm: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives on top. If desired, warm the filled cups in the oven for 5–7 minutes for a toasty touch.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Notes

  1. Phyllo Cups: You can find ready-to-use phyllo cups in the freezer section of most grocery stores. No need to bake them unless you prefer extra crispiness.
  2. Softening Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing for a smoother texture.
  3. Storage: These cups are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. If chilled, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-bake or baked (optional warming)
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cup
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: cranberry hot pepper jelly, cream cheese cups, phyllo appetizer, holiday bites, spicy sweet appetizer

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