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Cranberry Jalapeno Bites – Bite sized appetizer with a bit of tart from the cranberries and a touch of heat from the jalapenos.
The holidays seems like a perfect time to showcase all kinds of appetizers. They get served at parties, family gatherings, or when getting together with a few friends. These cranberry bites are perfect for any occasion.
The cream cheese, cranberries and jalapenos are a delicious combination. Of course, I do love jalapenos and cheese – remember these jalapeno poppers and this popper dip? The added cranberries are a fun addition.
Easy to make
- Combine softened cream cheese with sliced cranberries and chopped jalapenos
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into small squares
- Line a mini muffin tin with the cut squares
- Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10 minutes
- Remove from oven and allow shells to cool slightly in pan. Push down center of puff pastry shells to allow room for the filling
- Add a spoonful of prepared cream cheese mixture to each shell
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes
I used my homemade puff pastry, but you could also used purchased puff pastry. Just roll out the puff pastry, cut into two inch squares and put into a mini muffin tin.
You can make these cranberry jalapeno bites a few hours ahead of time and serve at room temperature. They are also delicious eaten straight out of the oven.
Tips for making
- For spicier bites, add a whole jalapeno
- For milder bites, add just a bit of the jalapeno
- Use fresh cranberries. Sliced adds a nice presentation, but you could chop them too.
- Serve while still warm or at room temperature
- These are best eaten the same day they are made
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If you loved this recipe you’ll LOVE all the others in this category. Check out all my appetizers here!
Cranberry Jalapeno Bites
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup cranberries (sliced)
- 1/2 jalapeno (seeded and finely diced)
Instructions
- Roll puff pastry slightly.
- Cut pastry into two inch squares.
- Place each square into a mini muffin tin. Push dough down so it lines the tin.
- Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Poke down center of each pastry cup so the dough deflates. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- While pastry is baking, place cream cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Stir in cranberries and jalapenos.
- Remove pastry cups from the oven. Place 1-2 teaspoons of filling in each cup.
- Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Bake filled cups for 15 minutes.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from muffin tin.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For spicier bites, add a whole jalapeno
- For milder bites, add just a bit of the jalapeno
- Use fresh cranberries. Sliced adds a nice presentation, but you could chop them too.
- Serve while still warm or at room temperature
- These are best eaten the same day they are made
14 Comments
David @ Spiced
December 21, 2020 at 5:54 amI totally remember you posting these before – and they still sound just as delicious to me! I actually just grabbed a couple bags of cranberries at the store while they are still in stock. (Cranberries can be near impossible to find out of season!) I think some of them might need to be used for these bites – I bet they go well with a cocktail! 🙂
Kathy
December 21, 2020 at 6:09 amPerfect for nibbling on with a cocktail! 🙂 Cheers
Fred G
December 6, 2018 at 6:26 amInteresting combo of ingredients
Kathy
December 19, 2020 at 7:38 amThe cranberries and jalapenos are a delicious combination!
Alix @A Hedgehog in the Kitchen
November 15, 2017 at 7:21 amWe absolutely LOVE puff pastry too! These look delicious – and perfect for Thanksgiving!
Kathy
November 15, 2017 at 6:54 pmPuff pastry is kind of a magic ingredient! It is so versatile!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
November 15, 2017 at 2:10 amPuff pastry always makes such a great appetizer! I’m loving this jalopeno and cranberry combo. Saving this one to make over the holidays for sure!
CakePants
November 14, 2017 at 9:21 pmWhat an intriguing flavor combination! I’ve never tried cranberries and jalapenos together, but these bites look and sound wonderful! I love their simplicity.
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November 14, 2017 at 10:37 amThis will be a big hit in our house! Anything with puff pastry gets my vote!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage
November 14, 2017 at 6:03 amWhat a great appetizer and I looove puff pastry!! And those flavors together are spot on! Yum! Take care.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
November 13, 2017 at 6:18 amAnother great use of that puff pastry, Kathy! Love how festive they look with red and green components. Plus, I’m a big fan of sweet/spicy combos. Perfect for the holidays 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
November 13, 2017 at 5:59 amThese bites are just perfect for the holidays, Kathy!! I love jalapeno anything and puff pastry makes my heart go pitter patter, so these are screaming my name! So yum! Cheers!
David @ Spiced
November 13, 2017 at 5:45 amThese sound like the perfect holiday appetizer, Kathy! Almost like a jalapeno popper with a cranberry twist. I could totally see serving these up on Thanksgiving before the big meal…or honestly anytime during the holidays. I love holiday appetizer parties, and I’m definitely going to keep these in mind! Hope you have a great week ahead, my friend!