Description
These Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites are a quick and tasty appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining the creamy richness of softened cream cheese with the sweet and spicy kick of pepper jelly atop a crispy cracker creates a delightful bite-sized treat that’s both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing. Garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch of color and flavor, this no-cook appetizer is ideal for parties, potlucks, or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or green)
- 24 crackers (such as Ritz or water crackers)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as chopped chives or parsley)
Instructions
- Spread Cream Cheese: Take each cracker and evenly spread about 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese on top, ensuring a smooth layer as the base for the pepper jelly.
- Add Pepper Jelly: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of pepper jelly onto the cream cheese layer of each cracker, adding a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley on top of each bite to enhance flavors and presentation.
- Serve: Arrange the prepared bites on a serving platter. Serve immediately for best texture or cover and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easy spreading and better texture.
- Choose your preferred pepper jelly flavor—red pepper jelly offers a fruitier taste, while green pepper jelly often has a tangier kick.
- Crackers like Ritz provide a buttery base, but water crackers work well for a lighter bite.
- These bites are best when served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs is optional but recommended for added freshness and visual appeal.
