Sweet–spicy, melty, crowd-pleasing appetizer
These Hot Pepper Jelly Cheese Bites are the perfect quick appetizer for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings. They’re sweet, spicy, creamy, and unbelievably easy—just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes in the oven. The crispy shell, gooey cheese center, and glossy pepper jelly topping make them look fancy, but they’re totally beginner-friendly. Plus, they’re ideal for busy hosts because you can prep them ahead and bake right before guests arrive. Whether you serve them at a potluck or keep them for a cozy snack night, these little bites always disappear fast!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 24 bites
📝 Ingredients
- 2 boxes mini phyllo shells (24 total)
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ⅔ cup hot pepper jelly
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spoon or small cookie scoop
- Rubber spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Prep the phyllo shells:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place phyllo shells on a baking sheet. - Make the cheese filling:
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, honey, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Fill the shells:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture into each shell. (A mini scoop makes this super fast! 😄) - Add pepper jelly:
Top each bite with a small dollop of hot pepper jelly—about ½ teaspoon. - Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the shells turn lightly golden. - Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve warm. The bites should be crisp, creamy, and glossy ✨.
💡 Pro Tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours early, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Heat level swap: Use mild pepper jelly for kids, or a habanero jelly for a fiery version.
- Cheese options: Brie, goat cheese, or pepper jack work beautifully for fun variations.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to re-crisp the shells.