Save to Pinterest A festive, creamy appetizer featuring tangy cream cheese topped with sweet and spicy pepper jelly, shaped into a beautiful star for a party-ready presentation.
This appetizer was a hit at my last holiday party, everyone loved the balance of creamy and sweet with a little spice.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 225 g (8 oz), softened
- Red pepper jelly: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Fresh herbs: e.g. chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Assorted crackers or baguette slices: for serving
Instructions
- Mold cream cheese:
- Place the softened cream cheese on a sheet of plastic wrap Using clean hands or a spatula gently mold it into a star shape alternatively use a star-shaped cookie cutter as a mold
- Transfer to platter:
- Carefully transfer the shaped cream cheese onto a serving platter
- Add pepper jelly:
- Spoon the pepper jelly evenly over the top of the cream cheese allowing some to drip attractively down the sides
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if desired
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this simple yet elegant appetizer during holidays, sharing stories and laughter.
Tips for Serving
Serve chilled with a variety of crackers or fresh baguette slices to suit different tastes.
Variations
Experiment with flavored cream cheeses or add chopped nuts to the pepper jelly for extra texture.
Storage
Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer never fails to impress and adds a festive touch to any occasion.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the cream cheese into a star?
Use clean hands or a spatula to mold softened cream cheese into a star shape on plastic wrap. Alternatively, press it into a star-shaped cookie cutter for cleaner edges.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, shape and chill the cream cheese for 10–15 minutes before adding the pepper jelly to maintain firmness and neatness.
- → What types of pepper jelly work best?
Classic red pepper jelly works well, but jalapeño, hot pepper, or fruit-infused jellies offer tasty variations.
- → What should I serve this with?
Serve alongside assorted crackers or baguette slices to complement the creamy texture and sweet-spicy topping.
- → Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?
This dish is vegetarian and can be gluten-free if paired with gluten-free crackers. Always check labels for allergens.