Easy Jalapeño and Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

Crafting irresistible jalapeno and cranberry cream cheese bites can turn any ordinary gathering into a memorable feast.

Sharp flavors dance across your palate with unexpected harmony.

Creamy textures merge seamlessly with spicy undertones that spark curiosity.

Bright red cranberries peek through smooth cream cheese, hinting at a delightful surprise.

Quick preparation means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Guests will marvel at these elegant yet simple appetizers.

Let the culinary adventure begin with these mouthwatering little delights that promise to impress everyone at the table.

Bites That Mix Sweet Heat in One Go

• Burst with Flavor: Combine sweet cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese for an explosion of taste that'll wow your taste buds.
• Super Quick Prep: Whip up these elegant appetizers in mere minutes with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills required.
• Party-Perfect Bite-Sized Delight: Compact phyllo cups make these treats ideal for gatherings, game days, or holiday celebrations where guests can easily grab and enjoy.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works as an impressive starter, snack, or unexpected appetizer that appeals to different palates and dietary preferences.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Bites Ingredients

• Mini Phyllo Pastry Cups: Delicate and crispy pastry shells perfect for holding the filling.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base for the mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor to the filling.

• Jalapeno, Cranberries, Cilantro: Provide fresh, tangy, and spicy notes.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.

How to Make Jalapeño Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and line up those adorable mini phyllo pastry cups like tiny soldiers ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Tart cranberries
• Spicy chopped jalapenos
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Sweet honey
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until it becomes a smooth, irresistible mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Stuff the Cups

Carefully spoon the creamy concoction into each delicate phyllo cup. Don’t be shy – fill them right to the brim for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let these little bites transform for 10-12 minutes until the phyllo turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling starts to bubble with excitement.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Give your jalapeno cranberry bites a few minutes to chill out. Serve them warm or at room temperature for an appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Bite Tips for Cream Cheese with Jalapeño and Cranberry Punch

• Spice Control: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat preference by removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Cheese Variation: Swap cheddar with alternatives like gouda, pepper jack, or feta to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare filling mixture up to 2 days in advance and store covered in refrigerator for quick assembly before serving.
• Freeze and Reheat: These bites freeze wonderfully when pre-baked; reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
• Dietary Swap: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar for plant-based friendly version without compromising taste.

Save Jalapeno Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm bites at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy phyllo texture and heat filling evenly. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy pastry.
• Freeze unbaked filled phyllo cups for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking as directed in original recipe.
• Let cold bites sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften cream cheese and enhance flavors.

Tasty Matches for Jalapeno Cranberry Bites

• Complement Spicy-Sweet Bites with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the jalapeno's heat and cranberry's tartness, creating a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Pair with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with arugula, parsley, and mint to complement the cream cheese bites' rich texture and provide a cool, crisp contrast.
• Serve Alongside Sparkling Apple Cider: The effervescent and slightly sweet apple cider will enhance the honey notes and cut through the creamy cheese, offering a delightful non-alcoholic option.
• Match with Charcuterie Board Favorites: Include mild salami, prosciutto, and soft goat cheese to create a diverse appetizer spread that highlights the bites' complex flavor profile.

Cream Cheese Bite Flavors

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace phyllo cups with gluten-free mini tart shells made from almond or rice flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive guests.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cashew cream cheese, use plant-based cheddar, and replace honey with maple syrup for a completely vegan appetizer.
• Low-Spice Option: Reduce jalapeno quantity or substitute with roasted bell peppers for a milder version that's kid-friendly and less heat-intense.
• Keto-Adapted Version: Use almond flour cups, full-fat cream cheese, and omit honey to create a low-carb appetizer that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or dried cranberries?

You can use either fresh or dried cranberries in this recipe. If using fresh, chop them finely. Dried cranberries work great and add a concentrated sweet-tart flavor.

• How spicy will these bites be?

The heat level depends on the jalapeno. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder bite, or keep them for extra spice. You can also adjust the amount of jalapeno to suit your taste preference.

• Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or soft goat cheese as alternatives. Each will slightly change the texture and flavor, but they’ll still create delicious bites.

• Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can mix the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Fill the phyllo cups and bake just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and fresh.

Jalapeno And Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet jalapeno and cranberry cream cheese bites deliver a perfect party appetizer that blends zesty heat with festive tang. Guests will savor these quick, elegant morsels that balance creamy richness with bold flavor profiles.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) fresh cranberries, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (28 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pastry:

• 1 package of mini phyllo pastry cups (about 15)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with mini phyllo pastry cups, spacing them evenly to ensure consistent heating.
2. Create a vibrant filling by blending cream cheese with a medley of finely chopped cranberries, diced jalapenos, shredded cheddar, fragrant honey, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Carefully spoon the zesty cream cheese blend into each delicate phyllo cup, ensuring they are completely filled to the brim for maximum flavor.
4. Transfer the loaded pastry cups to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a golden-brown phyllo exterior and a bubbling, heated filling.
5. Remove from the oven and let the bites rest momentarily, allowing them to cool slightly and set. Serve these tantalizing appetizers warm or at room temperature for a delightful flavor experience.

Notes

• Keep phyllo cups frozen until ready to fill for maximum crispiness and easier handling.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder heat or adding more for extra kick.
• Use low-fat cream cheese for lighter version without compromising flavor profile.
• Prep ingredients in advance and assemble quickly for stress-free entertaining or last-minute appetizers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg