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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the culinary workspace to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C), ensuring an even heating environment for the upcoming cheese creation.
- 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.
- Transfer the meticulously prepared cheese mixture into a compact oven-safe vessel, distributing the blend evenly to guarantee uniform heating and optimal texture.
- Position the dish within the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to transform into a molten, bubbling masterpiece over approximately 15-20 minutes.
- While the cheese base undergoes its thermal metamorphosis, gently liquefy the pepper jelly through brief microwave exposure, rendering it more spreadable and vibrant.
- 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.
- Elevate the visual appeal by scattering freshly chopped chives atop the glistening creation, providing a verdant garnish that hints at fresh, herbaceous notes.
- 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