Are you hoping to host a stellar New Year Party?

This appetizer is the perfect way to ring in 2022 with style and flair!

To say that the last few years were… a lot would probably be the understatement of the century. This New Year ushers in a unique and exciting opportunity to acknowledge everything we’ve dealt with lately while celebrating the promise of the future and its endless possibilities!

It would be frowned upon by most to spend the last few moments of the year in any way other than having a blast, which is why Table & Thyme is helping you host the perfect New Year's party! 

A great party needs great food, and appetizers and starters are the perfect way to keep spirits raised for any occasion! If you’re looking to mix elegance with unmatched flavor, we’ve got just the recipe for you! 

How to Make These Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Shrimp and Pita Crisps

The sweet, savory taste of shrimp matched with the satisfying crunch of baked pita, topped with fresh and zesty parsley and a hint of lemon is guaranteed to have you and every party-goer coming back for more! 

These are incredibly easy to make, which is part of what makes them so irresistible, aside from their flavor, of course. To make them, you need a decent amount of shrimp which can be raw or pre-cooked. Depending on your needs and preferences, the shrimp can even be made with a variety of seasonings to add a sparkle to your New Year’s appetizer. A fan of a spicy kick? Toss your shrimp in a chili-lime or cajun blend of spices! For the adventurous types that love trying new things, this recipe features a pairing of cream cheese and tangy pepper jelly for a full-bodied flavor experience! Pre-cooked shrimp are also great for anyone looking to reserve their time and energy for other fun festivities, but taking the time to cook the shrimp yourself gives you more control over what flavor you’re after! 

Aside from the shrimp, you’ll need some pita bread as well as a variety of fresh garden herbs such as parsley, dill, and chives, a lemon, and a few other ingredients listed below. 

This low-effort dish takes little time to prepare, which is great for the busy holiday season! Once the shrimp is cooked thoroughly, give them a bath in a concoction made from the herbs and lemon juices. While the shrimp are taking some time to cool down and coat themselves in the juice, begin preparing the pita bread by slicing wedges. You will get better results when using pita bread that does not have a pocket, and if you section each bread into eight small wedges. 

The pita chips can be prepared by frying or baking, depending on the method you prefer. 

If baking the pita chips, each wedge should be brushed with olive oil, dusted with salt, and baked for 5-10 minutes, or until a crisp and golden brown, at 425℉.

If frying the pita chips, prepare the cooking oil in your fryer by heating the oil to 400℉. Then, place the wedges in the fryer for about 30 seconds before flipping and repeating. Once they reach the desired color and texture, remove from the oil and let cool on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. 

Once your pita has been crispified, it’s time to assemble the appetizer of the year!

If making Table & Thyme’s Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Shrimp and Pita Crisps, combine the cream cheese and jelly pepper into a sweet and spicy paste. Place a dollop on each crisp, top each dollop with a shrimp, and sprinkle with any remaining herbs as garnish and voila! 

For a more detailed instructions on putting together these tasty snacks, check out the recipe below! 

*This makes 24-30 crisps, depending on the number of shrimp and pita you prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound jumbo peeled, deveined (raw or pre-cooked)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
• 6 rounds of Pita bread (without pockets) 
• ½ cup cream cheese, at room temperature 
• ¼ cup red pepper jelly, at room temperature

Directions

1. Begin by preparing the shrimp if raw or thawing pre-cooked shrimp and bringing them to room temperature. 
2. Combine parsley, lemon juice, chives, dill, and the shrimp, and stir until the shrimp are evenly coated. Let sit in the fridge while you prepare the pita crisps.
3. Take each pita round and divide it into even sections. Cut the pita so that you have 8 small wedges. 
4. If baking the pita chips, each wedge should be brushed with olive oil, dusted with salt, and baked for 5-10 minutes, or until a crisp and golden brown, at 425℉.
5. If frying the pita chips, prepare the cooking oil in your fryer by heating the oil to 400℉. Then, place the wedges in the fryer for about 30 seconds before flipping and repeating. Once they reach the desired color and texture, remove from the oil and let cool on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil.
6. Mix the Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly into a paste and place a spoonful on each pita crisp. 
7. Top each crisp with a shrimp, a sprinkle of herb garnish, and serve!

We hope this recipe is a highlight to your New Year’s festivities. If you tried this recipe, or a variation of it, we would love to hear about your experience! Don’t forget to share it with us by tagging us on social media! 

For more information on Table and Thyme, contact them today! Follow us on our social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest to see the other amazing events, lavishing grazing tables and beautiful graze boxes we have created.