Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread

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Looking for an effortless crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory? This Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread is your go-to appetizer for holidays, game day, or any time you need a warm, flavorful bite to share. The combination of melty cheddar and cream cheese, zesty green onions, and the irresistible sweetness of pepper jelly makes this baked dip downright addictive. Add some chopped pecans for crunch, and you’ve got a standout starter that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or green)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • Crackers or baguette slices for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe serving bowl.
  2. Combine the base: In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, pepper jelly, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until creamy and well incorporated.
  3. Transfer and smooth the mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Top with pecans, if using, for that irresistible crunchy finish.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving just enough so it’s not too hot to dip!
  7. Serve warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices. Get ready for compliments!

Variations

  1. Spicy Kick: Use hot pepper jelly or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix for extra heat.
  2. Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a smoked gouda for a twist on flavor.
  3. Meaty Mix-In: Crumble in some cooked bacon or diced ham before baking for a heartier dip.
  4. Fruit Fusion: For a slightly sweeter version, mix in a tablespoon of apricot preserves or cranberry sauce with the pepper jelly.
  5. Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans entirely or replace them with crispy fried onions for a different texture.

Cooking Notes

  1. Softening the cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make mixing a breeze.
  2. Shredding matters: For the best melt and flavor, shred your cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded.
  3. Bakeware size: A small 1-quart baking dish or 6–8″ round dish works perfectly. If doubling the recipe, use a larger dish and add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette: Choose sturdy dippers that can hold up to the warm, creamy spread.
  2. Add color to your platter: Serve alongside fresh veggies like celery sticks, sweet bell pepper strips, or cucumber rounds for a crisp contrast.
  3. Make it a spread bar: Offer a few different pepper jellies or jams on the side for variety guests can spoon extra over their serving for a custom bite.

Tips

  1. Double up: This recipe is easy to scale simply double all ingredients for a bigger crowd and use a larger baking dish.
  2. Prep ahead: You can mix and assemble the spread up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
  3. Leftovers: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and spread over toast or a bagel for a delicious snack the next day.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on brands and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
    Yes, low-fat cream cheese will work, though the texture may be slightly less rich. Avoid fat-free for best results.
  2. What kind of pepper jelly should I use?
    Red or green pepper jelly both work beautifully green tends to be milder, while red often has a touch more heat. Choose based on your flavor preference!
  3. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Absolutely. Mix and assemble it ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
  4. Can this be served cold?
    Technically yes, but it really shines when served warm and melty. The flavors blend better and the texture is much more inviting when baked.

Conclusion

This Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread is one of those magic recipes: minimal effort, maximum flavor, and always a hit. It’s creamy, cheesy, sweet, and savory with a little crunch what’s not to love? Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this warm dip is guaranteed to steal the show.

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Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Looking for an effortless crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory? This Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread is your go-to appetizer for holidays, game day, or any time you need a warm, flavorful bite to share. The combination of melty cheddar and cream cheese, zesty green onions, and the irresistible sweetness of pepper jelly makes this baked dip downright addictive. Add some chopped pecans for crunch, and you’ve got a standout starter that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or green)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • Crackers or baguette slices for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe serving bowl.
  2. Combine the base: In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, pepper jelly, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until creamy and well incorporated.
  3. Transfer and smooth the mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Top with pecans, if using, for that irresistible crunchy finish.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving just enough so it’s not too hot to dip!
  7. Serve warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices. Get ready for compliments!

Notes

  1. Softening the cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make mixing a breeze.
  2. Shredding matters: For the best melt and flavor, shred your cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded.
  3. Bakeware size: A small 1-quart baking dish or 6–8″ round dish works perfectly. If doubling the recipe, use a larger dish and add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approx. 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g (depends on jelly used)
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: cream cheese dip, pepper jelly appetizer, baked cheese spread, easy holiday appetizer, sweet and savory spread

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