Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups are the perfect bite-sized party starters creamy, tangy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. Nestled in crisp mini phyllo shells and topped with green onions and crunchy pecans, they come together in minutes and disappear even faster.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry hot pepper jelly
- 1 package (1 oz) mini phyllo pastry cups
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’d like to warm and crisp the phyllo cups slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and cranberry hot pepper jelly. Stir or beat until smooth, creamy, and fully blended.
- Arrange the mini phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- If desired, place the empty cups in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes to lightly warm and crisp them. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, filling them generously to the top.
- Sprinkle each cup with finely chopped green onions and, if using, chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Garnish each cup with a small sprig or leaf of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Variation
- Swap the cranberry hot pepper jelly for apricot or raspberry hot pepper jelly for a different fruity twist with the same sweet heat.
- Add a tiny cube of brie or white cheddar in the bottom of each cup before filling for an ultra-creamy, cheesy bite.
- Make it savory-sweet by skipping the pecans and topping with crumbled cooked bacon instead.
Cooking Notes
- Let the cream cheese soften fully at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the jelly and doesn’t stay lumpy.
- If you warm the phyllo cups, keep a close eye on them— they brown quickly and can burn if left unattended.
- For the cleanest look, use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped to pipe the filling neatly into each shell.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange the cups on a tiered stand or platter for an elegant holiday or cocktail party display.
- Serve alongside sparkling wine, prosecco, or a crisp rosé to balance the creamy, spicy-sweet flavors.
- Add them to a cheese and charcuterie board as a colorful, ready-to-grab bite with a sweet-heat kick.
Tips
- Make the cream cheese and jelly mixture ahead of time and chill; fill the cups just before serving to keep them crisp.
- If your jelly is very thick, microwave it for 5–10 seconds to loosen slightly before mixing with the cream cheese.
- To keep herbs fresh and vibrant, garnish with parsley right before bringing the tray to the table.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these cranberry hot pepper jelly cups ahead of time?
– Yes. You can make the cream cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. For best texture, fill the phyllo cups just 1–2 hours before serving so they stay crisp. - How long can the filled phyllo cups sit out at room temperature?
– They can sit out for about 2 hours at normal room temperature. After that, refrigerate any leftovers to keep the dairy-based filling safe and fresh. - What can I use instead of mini phyllo pastry cups?
– You can use toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, or cucumber rounds. Fill or spread with the cream cheese mixture just before serving so they don’t get soggy. - Can I make these without nuts for guests with allergies?
– Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans and add extra green onions or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for crunch, or leave them plain for a nut-free version.
Conclusion
Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups deliver big flavor in one effortless bite. Crisp phyllo shells cradle cool, tangy cream cheese swirled with sweet heat, then finished with fresh herbs and optional crunch. Ready in minutes and perfect for making ahead, they’re a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that turns any gathering into a celebration without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.
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Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (about 24–30 mini cups, depending on package) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetarian-friendly jelly)
Description
Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups are the perfect bite-sized party starters creamy, tangy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. Nestled in crisp mini phyllo shells and topped with green onions and crunchy pecans, they come together in minutes and disappear even faster.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry hot pepper jelly
- 1 package (1 oz) mini phyllo pastry cups
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’d like to warm and crisp the phyllo cups slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and cranberry hot pepper jelly. Stir or beat until smooth, creamy, and fully blended.
- Arrange the mini phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- If desired, place the empty cups in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes to lightly warm and crisp them. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, filling them generously to the top.
- Sprinkle each cup with finely chopped green onions and, if using, chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Garnish each cup with a small sprig or leaf of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Warming the phyllo cups is optional, but it does enhance their crispiness and flavor.
- Taste the filling before spooning and adjust by adding a bit more jelly for sweetness or heat if desired.
- For best texture, serve the filled cups the same day so the shells stay nice and crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook with optional baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: cranberry hot pepper jelly, cream cheese cups, phyllo appetizers, holiday appetizers, party bites, easy finger food
