Pin this 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 appetizer is always a hit at parties and perfect for quick preparation with just a few simple ingredients
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: 225 g (8 oz) softened
- Red Pepper Jelly: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Fresh Herbs: finely chopped (optional)
- Crackers or Baguette Slices: for serving
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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
Pin this Our family enjoys gathering around this star appetizer especially during holiday celebrations
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Notes
Try different types of pepper jelly such as jalapeño hot pepper or fruit-infused for varied flavor
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
Pin this 
This easy star appetizer brings elegance and flavor to any occasion
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the cream cheese neatly?
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter as a mold or shape it gently with hands on plastic wrap. For a firmer shape, chill for 10–15 minutes before adding jelly.
- → What types of pepper jelly work best?
Red pepper jelly is traditional, but jalapeño, hot pepper, or fruit-infused varieties offer exciting flavor twists.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, shape the cream cheese and chill it first, then add the pepper jelly and herbs just before serving to keep fresh texture and appearance.
- → What to serve alongside this star shape?
Assorted crackers, gluten-free if needed, or baguette slices complement the creamy and spicy flavors perfectly.
- → Are there any dietary considerations?
This dish contains dairy but can be gluten-free if paired with appropriate crackers. Always check labels for allergens in pepper jelly and crackers.
