Description

Festive Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Bruschetta is a delightful appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese and fresh chives, finished with a sweet and spicy cranberry pepper jelly. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion, this easy-to-make bruschetta combines crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors for a crowd-pleasing bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bruschetta

1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cream Cheese Topping

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

1/2 cup cranberry pepper jelly
Optional: additional chives for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for toasting the baguette slices evenly.
Prepare Baguette Slices. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, then brush each slice lightly with olive oil to help them crisp beautifully during toasting.
Toast the Bread. Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the baguette slices for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and develop a crunchy texture.
Mix Cream Cheese Topping. While the bread toasts, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh chives, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Cool the Toasted Baguette. Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and allow them to cool slightly to prevent the cream cheese from melting when spread.
Spread Cream Cheese Mixture. Generously spread the prepared cream cheese mixture on each of the toasted baguette slices, covering them evenly.
Add Cranberry Pepper Jelly. Spoon a dollop of cranberry pepper jelly onto each slice, letting it drizzle over the sides for an attractive and flavorful finish.
Garnish and Serve. Optionally sprinkle additional chopped chives on top for a fresh color contrast and serve the bruschetta immediately to maintain the texture.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and spreading.
Use fresh chives for the best flavor; dried chives may not provide the same freshness.
Brushing the baguette slices with olive oil before toasting helps achieve a perfectly crisp texture.
This recipe is best served immediately after assembly to keep the bread crisp.
Can be made ahead by preparing the cream cheese mixture and toasting the bread separately; assemble just before serving.