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.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- Red Pepper Jelly: 120 ml (½ cup) red pepper jelly
- Fresh Herbs: e.g., chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 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
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Save Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do I shape the cream cheese neatly?
Use plastic wrap to mold softened cream cheese by hand or press into a star-shaped cookie cutter for a clean shape. Chilling helps firm it up.
- → Can I use different kinds of pepper jelly?
Yes, try hot pepper, jalapeño, or fruit-infused varieties to customize the sweet-spicy balance to your liking.
- → What should I serve alongside this spread?
Assorted crackers, baguette slices, or gluten-free alternatives complement the creamy and tangy flavors perfectly.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
Yes, it fits vegetarian diets and can be gluten-free if paired with gluten-free crackers.
- → How long does preparation take?
The entire process takes about 10 minutes with no cooking required, making it quick for last-minute gatherings.