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Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Star

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This festive appetizer features smooth cream cheese molded into a charming star shape, topped generously with tangy and sweet pepper jelly. The visual appeal combined with the balance of creamy and spicy flavors makes it perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers. Optionally garnished with fresh herbs, it pairs wonderfully with assorted crackers or baguette slices and requires no cooking—just simple assembly and chilling for a neat presentation.

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Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:20:00 GMT
Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Star Appetizer, a vibrant star shape, ready to serve with crackers. Save
Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Star Appetizer, a vibrant star shape, ready to serve with crackers. | ovenharmony.com

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 cozy chicken stew is one of my favorite comfort foods that I love to make on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

  • 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese: softened
  • 120 ml (½ cup) red pepper jelly:
  • 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
Tangy cream cheese star, beautifully topped with pepper jelly, offering a perfect appetizer for guests. Save
Tangy cream cheese star, beautifully topped with pepper jelly, offering a perfect appetizer for guests. | ovenharmony.com

This appetizer always impresses guests during our family gatherings and is a hit each time.

Notes

Pairs well with light white wines or sparkling wines

Required Tools

Plastic wrap spatula or butter knife star shaped cookie cutter (optional) serving platter

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

This Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Star Appetizer showcases a delightful combination of sweet, spicy flavors and textures. Save
This Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Star Appetizer showcases a delightful combination of sweet, spicy flavors and textures. | ovenharmony.com

This star appetizer is quick to prepare and perfect for any holiday party or casual get together.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I shape the cream cheese into a star?

Use plastic wrap to shape the softened cream cheese by hand or press it into a star-shaped cookie cutter for a clean form.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, chill the molded cream cheese for 10-15 minutes before adding pepper jelly to maintain its shape and fresh flavor.

→ What types of pepper jelly work best?

Red pepper jelly is traditional, but jalapeño, hot pepper, or fruit-infused varieties add unique twists.

→ What should I serve it with?

Assorted crackers, baguette slices, or gluten-free alternatives complement the creamy and sweet-spicy flavors perfectly.

→ Is this suitable for specific diets?

It fits vegetarian diets and can be gluten-free if paired with gluten-free crackers.

Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Star

Creamy star-shaped spread topped with sweet-spicy pepper jelly, ideal for gatherings and snacking.

Prep duration
10 min
0
Complete duration
10 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Vegetarian Picks

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Dairy

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Condiments

01 ½ cup red pepper jelly

Garnishes & Serving

01 Fresh herbs (chives or parsley), finely chopped, optional
02 Assorted crackers or baguette slices for serving

Directions

Phase 01

Shape Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese on plastic wrap and gently mold into a star shape using clean hands, a spatula, or a star-shaped cookie cutter.

Phase 02

Transfer to Platter: Carefully move the shaped cream cheese onto a serving platter.

Phase 03

Add Pepper Jelly: Spoon the red pepper jelly evenly over the cream cheese, allowing some to drip down the sides.

Phase 04

Garnish: Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Phase 05

Serve: Serve immediately with crackers or sliced baguette.

Necessary tools

  • Plastic wrap
  • Spatula or butter knife
  • Star-shaped cookie cutter (optional)
  • Serving platter

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese).
  • Ensure pepper jelly and crackers are gluten-free if needed.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 120
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 2 g