Savory Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe for Zesty Gatherings

Creamy cheese lovers always go wild for this unexpected pepper jelly cheese dip that combines zesty and smooth flavors in one irresistible appetizer.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet spectacular combination of ingredients.

Tangy cream cheese provides a silky base for the sweet-hot pepper jelly swirled across the top.

Each spoonful delivers a delightful contrast between cool and spicy elements that dance on your palate.

Crackers, pretzels, and fresh vegetable sticks make perfect companions for scooping up this addictive spread.

Small gatherings will appreciate how quickly you can assemble this crowd-pleasing starter that looks much more complicated than its easy preparation suggests.

You won’t be able to resist going back for just one more bite of this delectable dip.

What Makes Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Irresistible

• Combine creamy cheese with zesty pepper jelly for a tantalizing sweet-and-spicy combination that will surprise and delight taste buds.
• Use just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills to create a restaurant-worthy appetizer that looks and tastes impressive.
• Serve as a game day snack, holiday appetizer, or casual party dip that appeals to different palates and works for nearly any social occasion.

What Goes Into This Zesty Cheese Dip

• Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy foundation that creates smooth texture and rich flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, tangy cheese taste and helps create melty consistency.

• Garlic Powder: Adds mild, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Offers subtle, savory undertone to cheese mixture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Gives gentle spicy kick and depth to the dip.

• Pepper Jelly: Sweet and spicy condiment that adds vibrant color and zesty contrast to cheese base.
• Fresh Chives: Light, onion-like herb that provides fresh green garnish and delicate flavor accent.

• Crackers: Crisp accompaniment for scooping the warm dip.
• Toasted Baguette Slices: Crunchy, slightly charred bread perfect for dipping.

Directions for a Cheesy Pepper Jelly Party Dip

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Get ready for cheesy magic!

Step 2: Whip Together Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until it’s silky smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Spread the Cheesy Goodness

Transfer your creamy mixture into a small baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it dance and bubble for 15-20 minutes until it’s hot and irresistible.

Step 5: Drizzle Pepper Jelly Magic

Pop the pepper jelly into the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make it flow easily. Once your cheese dip emerges from the oven, generously pour the warm jelly right on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Dive In

Sprinkle some freshly chopped chives over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately with crispy crackers or toasted baguette slices. Watch your guests go crazy for this crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Tips for Keeping This Dip and Warm

• Cheese Softening Trick: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Jelly Warming Hack: Microwave pepper jelly in short bursts to prevent overheating and maintain its vibrant flavor and consistency.
• Cheese Blend Upgrade: Use high-quality sharp cheddar for deeper, richer flavor that elevates the entire dip's taste profile.
• Customize Spice Level: Experiment with different pepper jellies like jalapeño or habanero to adjust heat intensity according to preference.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers or vegetable sticks for wider dietary accommodations.

How to Store and Reheat Cheese Dip Properly

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavor and texture intact.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.
• Restore the dip's original warmth by placing it in an oven-safe dish, covering with foil, and heating at 350F for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
• Add a small splash of milk while reheating to prevent drying and help restore the original smooth texture.

Best Snacks to Scoop This Dip With

• Pair Crisp White Wines like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the spicy-sweet pepper jelly and cut through the rich, creamy cheese.
• Match Sparkling Rosé for a refreshing contrast that balances the dip's tangy and creamy flavors while adding elegant effervescence.
• Serve with Rustic Artisan Crackers like rosemary sea salt crisps or multi-grain options to provide delightful textural crunch and earthy undertones.
• Select Charcuterie Board Companions such as prosciutto or salami to create a sophisticated appetizer experience that highlights the dip's complex flavor profile.

Fun Twists for Your Cheese Dip Game

• Healthier Herb-Infused Option: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt and add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a lighter, protein-rich version with reduced calories.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew-based cheese and use vegan cream cheese, maintaining the creamy texture while catering to plant-based diets.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap pepper jelly with salsa verde, and add Mexican blend cheese for a zesty, southwest-inspired transformation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell pepper slices for serving, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dip.

Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy pepper jelly cheese dip brings Southern charm to party appetizers with creamy cream cheese and zesty jalapeño jam. Guests will devour this simple, irresistible spread that delivers bold flavors and easy entertaining magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Finishing and Serving Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120g) pepper jelly
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Crackers or toasted baguette slices (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the culinary workspace to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C), ensuring an even heating environment for the upcoming cheese creation.
2. Craft a luxurious cheese blend by thoroughly combining softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar, infusing subtle depth through garlic and onion powders, and seasoning with salt and black pepper until achieving a seamless, velvety consistency.
3. Transfer the meticulously prepared cheese mixture into a compact oven-safe vessel, distributing the blend evenly to guarantee uniform heating and optimal texture.
4. Position the dish within the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to transform into a molten, bubbling masterpiece over approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. While the cheese base undergoes its thermal metamorphosis, gently liquefy the pepper jelly through brief microwave exposure, rendering it more spreadable and vibrant.
6. Upon removing the bubbling cheese foundation, delicately cascade the warmed pepper jelly across the surface, creating an enticing ruby-hued layer that promises a sweet and spicy contrast.
7. Elevate the visual appeal by scattering freshly chopped chives atop the glistening creation, providing a verdant garnish that hints at fresh, herbaceous notes.
8. Present the dip immediately alongside crisp crackers or elegantly toasted baguette slices, inviting guests to indulge in this harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and creamy texture.
• Choose high-quality sharp cheddar for deeper, more robust cheese flavor that elevates the entire dip.
• Adjust pepper jelly heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or hot varieties to match personal spice preferences.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store assembled dip in refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient entertaining.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 245mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg