Save 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 quickly became my go-to for gatherings because it looks impressive yet is so simple to prepare.
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
- Step 1:
- 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).
- Step 2:
- Carefully transfer the shaped cream cheese onto a serving platter.
- Step 3:
- Spoon the pepper jelly evenly over the top of the cream cheese, allowing some to drip attractively down the sides.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices.
Save This recipe brings back warm memories of festive family parties where everyone gathered around to enjoy the star appetizer.
Notes
Pairs well with light white wines or sparkling wines. Plastic wrap and spatula or butter knife will make shaping easier.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cream cheese. Serve with gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option. Always check pepper jelly and cracker labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 120 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 8 g Protein 2 g per serving.
Save This star appetizer is a simple yet elegant addition to any party menu guaranteed to impress your guests.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I shape the cream cheese into a star?
Use clean hands or a spatula to mold softened cream cheese onto plastic wrap into a star shape, or press it into a star-shaped cookie cutter for precise form.
- → What types of pepper jelly work best?
Red pepper jelly is classic, but variations like jalapeño, hot pepper, or fruit-infused jellies offer unique sweet and spicy flavor profiles.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the shaped cream cheese for 10–15 minutes before adding pepper jelly helps maintain its shape and makes assembly easier.
- → What should I serve it with?
Pair with assorted crackers or baguette slices to complement the creamy texture and spicy-sweet topping, offering a perfect bite-sized snack.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as gluten-free crackers or bread are selected for serving, this dish fits gluten-free preferences.