Name: Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup pepper jelly (choose your preferred heat level); 16-20 crackers (such as Ritz, saltines, or any other plain cracker); Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional); Cream Cheese: The cream cheese forms the rich and creamy base for this recipe, providing a smooth texture that contrasts perfectly with the jelly’s spiciness.; Pepper Jelly: The pepper jelly is the star of the show, with its balance of sweet and spicy flavors. It adds an exciting kick to the cream cheese, making the bites more than just your average snack.; Crackers: The crackers provide the perfect base for these bites, offering a crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling. Choose crackers that are sturdy enough to support the toppings.; Fresh Garnish: A sprig of parsley or some finely chopped chives adds color and a fresh touch, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup pepper jelly (choose your preferred heat level)
16–20 crackers (such as Ritz, saltines, or any other plain cracker)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights for Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bites

Cream Cheese: The cream cheese forms the rich and creamy base for this recipe, providing a smooth texture that contrasts perfectly with the jelly’s spiciness.
Pepper Jelly: The pepper jelly is the star of the show, with its balance of sweet and spicy flavors. It adds an exciting kick to the cream cheese, making the bites more than just your average snack.
Crackers: The crackers provide the perfect base for these bites, offering a crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling. Choose crackers that are sturdy enough to support the toppings.
Fresh Garnish: A sprig of parsley or some finely chopped chives adds color and a fresh touch, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor.

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Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:

Soften the Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese in a small bowl and allow it to soften for about 10 minutes at room temperature. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it more quickly.
Mix the Cream Cheese: Using a fork or a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. If you’re using a hand mixer, start at a low speed to avoid splattering the cream cheese.
Spread the Cream Cheese: Take your crackers and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each cracker. You want to ensure there’s enough to create a thick layer but not so much that it overflows the edges.

Add the Pepper Jelly:

Top with Pepper Jelly: Once you’ve spread the cream cheese onto each cracker, spoon a dollop of pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese. You can adjust the amount of jelly depending on how spicy or sweet you like your bites. The jelly should cover the entire surface of the cream cheese.
Smooth the Jelly: If the jelly doesn’t spread easily, use the back of a spoon to smooth it out across the cream cheese layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish each Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Bite with a small sprig of parsley or finely chopped chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Serve Immediately: Arrange the bites on a serving platter and serve immediately. These bites are best enjoyed fresh, as the crackers can become soggy if they sit too long.

Prep Time: 15minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 20
Calories: 70
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g