The Ultimate Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe – Tangy, Sweet Bliss

Creamy and zesty, this ultimate pepper jelly cheese dip brings a burst of excitement to any gathering.

Unexpected flavor combinations dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Soft cream cheese provides a luxurious base that perfectly complements the sweet-spicy pepper jelly.

Bold jalapeño notes mingle with subtle sweetness, creating a complex taste profile.

Simple ingredients come together in mere minutes for an impressive appetizer.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will adore this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Serve this irresistible dip and watch friends devour every last delectable spoonful.

Ultimate Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Spice Up Your Appetizer Game: Transform your boring cheese dip into a mouthwatering sensation with a zesty pepper jelly topping that brings exciting flavors and visual appeal.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix quickly, and bake for a short time, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Ideal for gatherings, game nights, and casual get-togethers, this dip offers a perfect balance of creamy cheese and spicy kick that will impress guests and spark conversation.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with multiple dipping choices like crispy crackers, crunchy tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks, ensuring there's something for everyone's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed in Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy foundation that provides rich texture and tangy flavor to the dip.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds depth and classic cheese flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Flakes, Salt: Blend of savory spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the cheese mixture.

• Pepper Jelly: A sweet and spicy condiment that adds vibrant color and zesty kick to the cheese dip.

• Crackers, Tortilla Chips, Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy accompaniments that provide perfect vehicles for scooping and enjoying the dip.

Step-by-Step Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), preparing it for your cheesy adventure.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Cheese Goodness

• Softened cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion flakes
• Salt

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-mixed.

Step 3: Spread the Cheese Mixture

Transfer the creamy blend into an oven-safe dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out across the surface.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become hot and start bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 5: Melt the Pepper Jelly

While the cheese bakes, grab your pepper jelly and microwave it in a microwave-safe container.

Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until the jelly becomes smooth and liquid.

Step 6: Create the Spicy Topping

Once the cheese dip looks perfectly heated, drizzle the melted pepper jelly over the top.

Use a spoon to spread it evenly, creating a beautiful spicy layer.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Grab your favorite dippers like crispy crackers, crunchy tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Dive into this mouthwatering spicy cheese dip and savor every bite!

Tips to Make Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Perfect

• Remove cream cheese from refrigerator 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Choose mild or hot pepper jelly based on your heat preference, adjusting the intensity of the dip's flavor.
• Watch the dip closely while baking to avoid over-browning, removing from oven when cheese is just melted and bubbly.
• Experiment with homemade pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités for a gourmet touch.
• Prepare cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate, then bake and add pepper jelly just before serving for stress-free entertaining.

Flavor Variations for Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Jalapeño Popper Pepper Jelly Dip: Add diced jalapeños and crispy bacon bits to the cheese mixture for a spicier, crunchier version.
• Mediterranean Herb Pepper Jelly Dip: Mix in crumbled feta, chopped fresh basil, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky Southwest Pepper Jelly Dip: Incorporate smoked paprika, green chiles, and a touch of cumin to give the dip a southwestern kick.
• Green Chile Pepper Jelly Dip: Blend roasted green chiles into the cheese mixture and top with green chile pepper jelly for an extra zesty taste.

Suggested Pairings With Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the spicy-sweet pepper jelly and creamy cheese dip with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the richness and balances the heat.
• Elevate with Charcuterie Board: Create a stunning appetizer spread by adding cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo around the dip, enhancing the flavor complexity and providing textural variety.
• Match with Crunchy Dippers: Select sturdy corn tortilla chips, rustic rye crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like bell pepper strips and cucumber rounds to provide satisfying crunch and contrast to the smooth, warm cheese base.

Proper Storage for Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

• Store the pepper jelly cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Warm the dip in short 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Check the temperature and consistency, adding a splash of milk if the mixture seems too thick.
• Place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to help restore the top's original texture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

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

Any red or green pepper jelly works great, but jalapeño or habanero jellies add extra heat and flavor complexity.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate. Just bake and add pepper jelly right before serving to maintain the best texture and temperature.

• Is this dip considered spicy?

The spice level depends on the pepper jelly you choose. Mild jellies will be gentle, while jalapeño or hot pepper jellies will have more kick.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this dip?

No special equipment is needed – just a mixing bowl, oven-safe dish, and basic kitchen tools like a microwave and measuring cups.

The Ultimate Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pepper jelly cheese dip brings zesty Southern charm to any gathering, blending creamy cheese with sweet-spicy pepper jelly. Cool cream cheese meets bold jalapeño notes, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer that sparks conversation and delights your taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) sharp cheddar cheese
• 7 ounces (198 grams) pepper jelly

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) onion flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for the cheesy creation.
2. Combine cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt in a mixing bowl, blending until the ingredients form a uniform mixture.
3. Transfer the cheese blend into an oven-safe dish, carefully spreading it to create an even layer that will ensure consistent heating.
4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for the surface to become bubbly and heated through.
5. During the baking process, gently warm the pepper jelly in the microwave, heating in short 30-second bursts and stirring between intervals until the jelly becomes smooth and liquid.
6. Remove the cheese dip from the oven and immediately drizzle the melted pepper jelly across the top, using a spatula to distribute the spicy glaze evenly.
7. Present the dip alongside an array of dipping companions like crisp crackers, crunchy tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer experience.

Notes

• Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to create a lighter, diet-friendly version of this appetizer.
• Adjust the pepper jelly quantity based on your spice tolerance, gradually adding more for a bolder kick or less for a milder experience.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda to personalize the flavor profile and add complexity to the dip.
• Prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for enhanced taste and convenience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg