Pin It 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 has quickly become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it’s simple yet always gets compliments.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 225 g (8 oz), softened
- Red pepper jelly: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Fresh herbs (optional): finely chopped chives or parsley
- 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.
Pin It My family loves assembling this appetizer together, especially shaping the star and deciding on herb garnishes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this appetizer with light white or sparkling wines for a perfect party starter.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers covered with plastic wrap and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Variations
Experiment with different pepper jellies such as jalapeño or fruit-infused types to match your taste preferences.
Pin It 
This simple appetizer adds a festive and flavorful touch to any gathering with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I achieve a perfect star shape?
Use plastic wrap to shape the softened cream cheese by hand, or press it into a star-shaped cookie cutter for cleaner edges. Chilling the shaped cheese before adding the topping helps maintain form.
- → Can I substitute the pepper jelly?
Yes, various pepper jelly types such as jalapeño, hot pepper, or fruit-infused varieties can be used to alter the flavor profile while maintaining the spicy-sweet balance.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley add color and a mild herbal note that enhances the smooth cheese and jelly layers.
- → What serving options work best?
Serve alongside assorted crackers or sliced baguette to add crunch and provide a convenient base for spreading the creamy star topping.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
This preparation is vegetarian and can be gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers. Always verify ingredient labels to ensure compliance.