Description
These Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Puff Pastry Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, tangy blend of cream cheese and spicy pepper jelly, accented by fresh thyme for an aromatic touch. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they combine sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 16 ounces store-bought puff pastry (or ½ batch of homemade rough puff pastry)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting the work surface)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon water or cream (for egg wash)
Filling
- 1 cup hot pepper jelly
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cold
- 6-10 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the puff pastry to smooth any folds and to an even thickness about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the puff pastry into small squares or desired shapes suitable for bite-sized appetizers.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and 1 teaspoon of water or cream until well combined. This will help the pastry achieve a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Add Filling: Place a small dollop of cold cream cheese in the center of each pastry square. Top the cream cheese with a spoonful of hot pepper jelly, and add a small sprig or a few leaves of fresh thyme for fragrance and flavor.
- Seal the Pastries: If desired, fold the pastry squares over or cover with another square, gently press the edges to seal, or leave open-faced for a rustic look. Brush the edges or top of the pastries with the prepared egg wash to enhance browning.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the prepared pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature as elegant appetizer bites that pair perfectly with cocktails or as party snacks.
Notes
- You can substitute hot pepper jelly with mild or medium pepper jelly for a less spicy version.
- Make sure the cream cheese is cold to help it hold its shape during baking.
- Fresh thyme adds a wonderful herbal note, but you can substitute with rosemary or basil if preferred.
- These bites can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and check jelly ingredients accordingly.
