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Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Crescent Bites on a serving plate

Cream Cheese & Pepper Jelly Crescent Bites

These Cream Cheese & Pepper Jelly Crescent Bites are a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining sweet and spicy flavors for a delightful treat ready in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough and Spreads
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 oz) For creamier bites, use full-fat cream cheese.
  • 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz) Or a tube of crescent rolls.
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup pepper jelly Red pepper jelly or jalapeño jelly - your call.
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Optional; adds savory depth.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley Optional, for garnish.
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten For egg wash, optional.
Baking Supplies
  • as needed Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper For lining the baking sheet.

Method
 

Preheat and prep
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with nonstick spray.
Soften the cream cheese
  1. Leave the cream cheese out for 20–30 minutes to soften. If you're in a rush, microwave it for 8–10 seconds until softened, not runny.
Roll out the crescent dough
  1. Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean work surface. If the dough is in triangles, separate them along the perforations. If using a sheet of dough, gently press the seams together.
Assemble the bites
  1. Spread 1–1 1/2 teaspoons of softened cream cheese onto the wide end of each crescent triangle, leaving a small border near the edges.
  2. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese. If you like it cheesier, add a pinch of shredded cheddar over the jelly.
  3. Roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point to form a crescent. Tuck the point under slightly to prevent unrolling while baking.
Optional egg wash and garnish
  1. Brush each crescent lightly with beaten egg for a golden finish, skipping if serving guests with egg allergies.
  2. Sprinkle with extra cheddar or chopped chives if desired.
Bake
  1. Arrange crescents 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 10–14 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Monitor closely to prevent jelly from bubbling too much.
Cool and serve
  1. Let the bites cool for 3–4 minutes on the baking sheet.
  2. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with more chives if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For a make-ahead option, you can assemble the bites and refrigerate covered for up to 6 hours before baking. Increase bake time by 1–2 minutes if chilled. Leftover bites can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.