Fiery Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe: A Zesty Party Pleaser

Creamy cheese blends perfectly with spicy pepper jelly in a mouthwatering appetizer that sparks conversation at any gathering.

This simple yet bold dip combines sharp cream cheese with zesty pepper jelly for an irresistible flavor combination.

Tangy and smooth textures dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in mere minutes.

Guests will be impressed by the elegant yet uncomplicated presentation of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Serve this dip alongside crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices for a guaranteed hit at your next party.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this appetizer becomes an instant favorite.

Melting and Mixing Pepper Jelly Dip

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees, getting ready for a flavor explosion.

• Whip Together Cheese

Grab a mixing bowl and blend cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a sprinkle of garlic and onion until silky smooth.

• Spread the Cheesy Goodness

Pour the creamy mixture into a baking dish, creating a delicious canvas.

• Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let it transform for 15-20 minutes until it’s dancing with bubbles and warmth.

• Drizzle Pepper Jelly Excitement

Zap the pepper jelly for a quick 15 seconds to make it flow like liquid gold. Pour the vibrant jelly over the steaming cheese landscape.

• Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle chopped chives across the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with crispy crackers or toasted baguette slices for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips for Balancing Sweet and Savory Notes

• Simple tweaks to elevate your appetizer game!
• Replace traditional crackers with cucumber slices or bell pepper strips for a lighter, low-carb friendly option that keeps the flavor punch intact.
• Experiment with different pepper jelly varieties – from mild jalapeño to fiery habanero – to match your heat tolerance and create a personalized flavor experience.
• Prepare the cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake and add pepper jelly right before serving to save time during party prep.
• Swap cream cheese for cashew-based cream cheese and use vegan cheddar alternative to make this dip completely dairy-free without compromising rich, creamy texture.
• Top the finished dip with crumbled bacon, chopped rotisserie chicken, or diced ham to transform it from simple appetizer to more substantial party snack.

Pepper Jelly Dip: Best Serving Ideas

• Party Platter Pairing: Create a stunning appetizer spread with an array of crispy crackers, rustic bread slices, and fresh vegetable sticks for dipping into this delectable cheese blend.
• Spicy Twist Accompaniment: Complement the pepper jelly's heat by serving alongside pickled jalapeños, spicy olives, or pepper-infused charcuterie for adventurous food lovers.
• Cocktail Companion: Pair this warm cheese dip with chilled white wine, craft beer, or a zesty margarita to elevate your entertaining experience and balance the rich, tangy flavors.
• Breakfast Brunch Surprise: Transform leftovers into a morning delight by spreading on toasted english muffins or using as a savory topping for scrambled eggs and breakfast sandwiches.

Save and Reheat This Dip with Ease

• Keep the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm the dip in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk if the texture seems dry.
• Mix the cheese base up to 2 days before baking. Store covered in the refrigerator and add the pepper jelly just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Wrap the unbaked cheese mixture tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and adding pepper jelly.

FAQs

• What are the key flavors in this Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip?

The dip combines tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spicy-sweet pepper jelly, creating a perfect balance of creamy, sharp, and slightly hot flavors that complement each other beautifully.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake the dip and add the pepper jelly just before serving to maintain the best texture and temperature.

• What type of pepper jelly works best for this recipe?

Red or green pepper jelly both work well. Choose a jelly with a good balance of sweetness and heat that matches your spice preference. Homemade or store-bought versions will work perfectly.

• Is this dip suitable for different dietary needs?

The recipe is vegetarian-friendly. For a lower-fat version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar. However, it’s not suitable for dairy-free or vegan diets due to the cheese base.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 144 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Cream Cheese: Luxurious foundation that creates a silky, smooth texture with rich tangy undertones, select full-fat version for maximum creaminess.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold, zesty flavor complexity and melts beautifully, opt for freshly grated block cheese for superior taste.

• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity, choose high-quality powder for consistent flavor.
• Onion Powder: Delivers gentle sweet-savory background notes, select fine-ground variety for even distribution.
• Salt: Elevates overall taste profile and balances other ingredients, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild spicy undertones and gentle heat, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.

• Pepper Jelly: Brings sweet-spicy dimension and vibrant color, select medium-heat version for balanced kick.
• Fresh Chives: Provides fresh, mild onion-like garnish with bright green visual appeal, choose crisp, bright green stems.
• Crackers or Baguette Slices: Perfect vehicle for scooping and enjoying dip, select sturdy options that can hold substantial cheese mixture.

Tools to Make This Bold Cheese Dip

• Medium Bowl: Essential for mixing cream cheese and other ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Perfect for precise seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to shred sharp cheddar cheese for the dip.
• Small Oven-Safe Baking Dish: Crucial for baking and presenting the cheese mixture.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used to warm pepper jelly before spreading.
• Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and spread jelly evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Required for chopping fresh chives as garnish.

Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Pepper jelly cheese dip blends creamy textures with spicy-sweet Southern charm. Tangy cream cheese and zesty pepper jelly create an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to share at gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup (120g) pepper jelly
• 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Crackers or toasted baguette slices (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C), creating an ideal thermal environment for the cheese dip’s transformation.
2. Cheese Fusion: Blend softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and homogeneous, ensuring a rich, creamy base with balanced seasoning.
3. Baking Ritual: Transfer the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish, spreading evenly to promote consistent heating and optimal texture development.
4. Thermal Alchemy: Bake for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble, developing a luxurious, golden-edged surface that promises decadent flavor.
5. Jelly Enhancement: Gently warm pepper jelly in the microwave, creating a more fluid consistency that will gracefully drape over the molten cheese foundation.
6. Final Flourish: Remove the baked cheese from the oven and artfully drizzle the warmed pepper jelly across the surface, creating a vibrant, sweet-and-spicy layer that adds visual and gustatory complexity.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the dip, adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note, then immediately present with crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices for an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

• Cheese Temperature Check: Ensure cream cheese is genuinely softened at room temperature for smooth blending, preventing lumpy texture and promoting even mixing.
• Jelly Consistency Control: Microwave pepper jelly in short 10-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning and maintain perfect drizzling consistency.
• Flavor Balancing Trick: Adjust spice levels by selecting mild or hot pepper jelly based on personal heat preference, allowing customizable taste experience.
• Serving Strategy: Keep dip warm in a small slow cooker or chafing dish during parties to maintain ideal melted texture and prevent rapid cooling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 144
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 156mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg