Description
These delicious bites combine the crisp, buttery texture of puff pastry with the creamy richness of cream cheese and the sweet-spicy kick of pepper jelly. A quick and easy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- Cooking spray
- 1 (14-oz.) package puff pastry, thawed
- 1 (8-oz.) block cold cream cheese
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Pans:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 2 (24-cup) mini muffin pans with cooking spray. - Prepare Puff Pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry on a clean surface and cut it into 24 equal pieces. Press each piece into a muffin cup in the prepared pans. - Bake the Pastry:
Bake for 12 minutes, or until the puff pastry is lightly golden and puffed. Let it cool slightly. - Assemble the Bites:
Cut the cream cheese into 24 small pieces and gently press one piece into the center of each puff pastry cup. If needed, separate the pastry slightly to create space for the cream cheese. Top each with about 1 heaping teaspoon of pepper jelly. - Finish Baking:
Return the bites to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cream cheese is warmed through. - Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added flavor and color. Let the bites cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a couple of days. Just reheat before serving.
- For an extra kick, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the cream cheese before adding the jelly.
- Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary could also be used as an alternative to thyme.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: puff pastry, cream cheese, pepper jelly, appetizer, easy bites, party food, savory-sweet