Description
These Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Puff Pastry Bites are a delightful appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with creamy cheese and a sweet-spicy pepper jelly topping. Perfect for parties or gatherings, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
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, whisked with 1 teaspoon of water or cream)
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup hot pepper jelly
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cold
- 6-10 sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace: Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour to prevent the puff pastry from sticking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll and cut puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet to an even thickness (about 1/8 inch). Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the pastry into 20 equal squares or rectangles suitable for bite-sized portions.
- Apply cream cheese: Place a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of cold, full-fat cream cheese into the center of each puff pastry square. Make sure not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
- Add pepper jelly: Spoon a small amount (about ¼ teaspoon) of hot pepper jelly over the cream cheese on each square. The jelly adds a sweet and spicy kick to the bites.
- Shape the bites: Optionally, fold the corners of the puff pastry slightly toward the center or leave them open as preferred.
- Brush with egg wash: Using a pastry brush, gently brush the edges or entire surface of the puff pastry bites with the prepared egg wash. This helps achieve a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake: Arrange the pastry bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh thyme for a fragrant finish. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is cold to maintain shape during baking.
- Use fresh thyme sprigs for best aroma and presentation.
- Adjust the amount of pepper jelly based on desired spiciness.
- You can prepare the puff pastry bites ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking.
- For a twist, try using different flavored jellies or adding finely chopped nuts.
