Zesty Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe: A Snack Worth Sharing

Smooth and tangy creamy pepper jelly cheese dip strikes the perfect balance between zesty and rich flavors.

Cheese lovers adore this simple yet sophisticated appetizer that comes together in minutes.

Every party guest will be talking about this creamy, addictive spread.

The combination of smooth cream cheese and vibrant pepper jelly creates an irresistible texture that begs to be scooped up.

Crackers, fresh vegetables, and crusty bread become exciting vehicles for this delectable dip.

Warm or chilled, this crowd-pleasing recipe promises to be the star of any gathering.

Steps To Mix Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Right

• Whip Up Cheese Base

Blend cream cheese and sharp cheddar until silky smooth, adding a dash of garlic and onion seasoning for extra zest.

• Prep for Baking

Transfer the creamy mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a delectable canvas for flavor.

• Melt and Transform

Slide the dish into a toasty 350F oven, letting the cheese bubble and become irresistibly golden for about 15-20 minutes.

• Drizzle With Spicy Sweetness

Gently warm pepper jelly in the microwave, then lavish it over the hot cheese surface, creating a vibrant, tangy layer.

• Finish With Flair

Sprinkle fresh chives across the top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous kick. Serve immediately with crispy crackers or crunchy baguette slices.

Tips To Spice Up Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Quick Oven Temp Trick: Let your oven fully preheat to ensure even heating and perfect cheese melting without cold spots.
• Cheese Blend Flexibility: Swap sharp cheddar with pepper jack, gouda, or monterey jack for different flavor profiles that complement the pepper jelly's spiciness.
• Dietary Swap Options: Make this dip gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for dipping. For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduce the cheese quantity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake and top with warmed pepper jelly for a quick appetizer.
• Spice Level Control: Choose mild or hot pepper jelly based on your heat preference. Local farmers markets often carry unique homemade jellies that can elevate this simple dip into a gourmet experience.

Fun Ways To Serve Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Dip and Dive Party Platter: Create a vibrant appetizer spread by arranging the cheese dip alongside various crackers, toasted bread slices, and fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful and inviting presentation.
• Spicy Brunch Companion: Transform this dip into a brunch star by serving it alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or as a spread on warm, freshly baked bagels for an unexpected morning treat.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Elevate your sports viewing experience by presenting the dip in a festive serving dish with an assortment of crunchy chips, pretzels, and hearty tortilla chips for dipping and sharing.
• Elegant Cheese Board Star: Incorporate the dip into a sophisticated cheese board, complementing it with aged cheddars, soft brie, olives, cured meats, and a selection of artisan crackers for a gourmet appetizer experience.

Storage Tips For Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Quick Chill Strategy: Transfer leftover dip into an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of preparation to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Fridge Lifespan Tracker: Store the cheese dip in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture quality during refrigeration.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm the dip in the microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
• Make-Ahead Genius: Prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator, then bake and add pepper jelly just before serving for a fresh, hot appetizer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 162 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients List For Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy foundation that creates a luxurious texture and smooth backdrop for the dip.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds robust, tangy flavor and melty richness that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering other ingredients.
• Onion Powder: Provides delicate, savory undertones that complement the cheese beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor complexity.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a gentle, spicy kick that adds depth to the dip.

• Pepper Jelly: Delivers a sweet-spicy punch with vibrant color and exciting flavor contrast.
• Fresh Chives: Brings a delicate, fresh green note and elegant visual appeal to the finished dish.
• Crackers or Baguette Slices: Perfect crispy vehicles for scooping and enjoying the warm, creamy dip.

Tools To Make Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing cream cheese and other ingredients smoothly.
• Oven-safe baking dish: Essential for baking the cheese mixture evenly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Used to warm pepper jelly quickly.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred sharp cheddar cheese effortlessly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with garlic and onion powder.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Great for combining cheese ingredients thoroughly.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping fresh chives for garnish.

Creamy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Pepper jelly cheese dip combines creamy cream cheese with zesty jalapeño jelly for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Southern hospitality shines through this simple, delicious spread that welcomes guests with bold flavors and easy preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup (120g) pepper jelly
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 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. Cheese Blend Preparation: Blend softened cream cheese with cheddar, infusing garlic and onion powder for complex flavor profiles, seasoning with salt and black pepper until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
2. Dish Assembly: Transfer the cheese mixture into a compact oven-safe ceramic dish, ensuring smooth, uniform distribution across the surface with precise, gentle movements.
3. Baking Process: Position the prepared dish in a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing the cheese mixture to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece for 15-20 minutes, developing rich, caramelized edges.
4. Jelly Preparation and Finishing: While the cheese bakes, warm pepper jelly in short microwave intervals to create a fluid consistency, then elegantly drape over the hot cheese base, creating a vibrant crimson and ivory marbled effect.
5. Garnish and Serving: Sprinkle finely chopped chives across the surface for a fresh, herbaceous accent, then serve immediately alongside crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices, presenting a harmonious blend of creamy and spicy flavors.

Notes

• Temperature Control: Maintain precise 350°F for even melting and preventing cheese from burning or becoming grainy, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cheese Selection: Use room temperature cream cheese and freshly grated cheddar for optimal blending and preventing lumpy consistency; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Jelly Warming Technique: Microwave pepper jelly in 10-second intervals, stirring between bursts to prevent overheating and maintain a silky, pourable consistency for elegant drizzling.
• Garnish Strategy: Chop chives finely and sprinkle immediately before serving to preserve their bright color and crisp flavor, adding a fresh contrast to the rich, warm cheese base.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 205mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg