Buttery, golden crescent rolls are filled with a tangy, creamy blend of cream cheese, sweet pepper jelly, and fresh chives making these little bites perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack. Quick to prep and packed with flavor, they strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, pepper jelly, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up the dough from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling.
- Arrange the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Variation
- Add a Sweet-Heat Twist:
Use hot pepper jelly instead of regular pepper jelly for a bolder bite. The heat plays beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese and buttery dough, adding a little extra kick for those who enjoy a sweet and spicy combo. - Make It Meaty:
Fold in crumbled bacon or finely chopped prosciutto into the cream cheese mixture before rolling. The saltiness of the meat enhances the richness of the filling and creates a heartier appetizer perfect for more filling finger food. - Try Different Herbs:
Swap chives for fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to change up the flavor profile. Herbs can totally transform the vibe try rosemary for a holiday touch or dill for a fresh, summery bite.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overfill:
Be generous but mindful too much filling can cause the crescents to burst open while baking. A heaping tablespoon is usually the sweet spot to ensure they stay intact and easy to handle. - Seal the Edges Well:
Pinch or press the ends of the dough lightly after rolling to help prevent leaks. A small squeeze helps keep the gooey center contained while they bake to golden perfection. - Egg Wash Matters:
Brushing the tops with egg wash gives them a beautiful golden sheen and a slight crispiness on top. Don’t skip this step it adds that polished, bakery-style finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Warm with Extra Jelly on the Side:
Offer a small bowl of pepper jelly or hot pepper jelly for dipping. It gives guests the option to amp up the sweetness or spice, and it adds a fun, interactive element to your appetizer table. - Pair with a Cheese Board or Charcuterie Platter:
These bites complement a spread of meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits perfectly. The buttery crescent and creamy filling contrast nicely with salty or sharp elements, rounding out a beautiful party board. - Use as a Holiday Appetizer:
These crescent bites make a festive and fuss-free holiday starter. Garnish with extra chives or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and flair think red and green for Christmas or fresh herbs for spring celebrations.
Tips
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly:
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This makes it much easier to combine with the jelly and herbs, giving you a smooth and evenly blended filling. - Use Parchment for Easy Cleanup:
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Plus, it helps the bottoms crisp up without overbaking. - Store & Reheat Smart:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to maintain the flaky texture avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Crescent Bite)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these crescent bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray. Just brush with egg wash right before baking. They’re best fresh out of the oven, but you can reheat them at 300°F for a few minutes to crisp them back up. - What type of pepper jelly works best?
Any store-bought red or green pepper jelly will work great. For a milder flavor, go with sweet pepper jelly; for a kick, choose a hot or spicy version. You can also mix sweet and spicy to customize the heat level. - Can I freeze them?
Yes freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding an extra 3–5 minutes to the baking time. Freezing after baking is possible too, but the texture is best when baked fresh. - What’s a good substitute for crescent roll dough?
If you don’t have crescent dough, puff pastry cut into triangles or small squares is a great alternative. Just make sure to seal the edges and adjust baking time as needed (puff pastry may take a bit longer to bake).
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese & Pepper Jelly Crescent Bites are everything you want in a party appetizer: quick to make, bursting with flavor, and always a hit. The mix of creamy, sweet, and savory in a buttery, golden crescent makes them irresistibly snackable. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want something deliciously different, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!
Print
Cream Cheese & Pepper Jelly Crescent Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (1 crescent bite per serving) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery, golden crescent rolls are filled with a tangy, creamy blend of cream cheese, sweet pepper jelly, and fresh chives making these little bites perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack. Quick to prep and packed with flavor, they strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, pepper jelly, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up the dough from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling.
- Arrange the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Swap pepper jelly for hot pepper jelly for a spicy kick.
- Add crumbled bacon to the filling for an extra savory layer.
- These are best served warm, but can also be reheated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: crescent bites, cream cheese crescent rolls, pepper jelly appetizer, party snacks, easy appetizer, savory crescent roll recipe