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
More delicious holiday appetizers
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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)
- ½ cup cranberries (sliced)
- ½ 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
David @ Spiced says
I 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 says
Perfect for nibbling on with a cocktail! 🙂 Cheers
Fred G says
Interesting combo of ingredients
Kathy says
The cranberries and jalapenos are a delicious combination!
Alix @A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
We absolutely LOVE puff pastry too! These look delicious - and perfect for Thanksgiving!
Kathy says
Puff pastry is kind of a magic ingredient! It is so versatile!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
Puff 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 says
What an intriguing flavor combination! I've never tried cranberries and jalapenos together, but these bites look and sound wonderful! I love their simplicity.
annie@ciaochowbambina says
This will be a big hit in our house! Anything with puff pastry gets my vote!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
What a great appetizer and I looove puff pastry!! And those flavors together are spot on! Yum! Take care.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Another 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 says
These 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 says
These 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!