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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with mini phyllo pastry cups, spacing them evenly to ensure consistent heating.
- 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.
- Carefully spoon the zesty cream cheese blend into each delicate phyllo cup, ensuring they are completely filled to the brim for maximum flavor.
- 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.
- 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