This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy-sweet goodness. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, it comes together in under 30 minutes ideal for parties, game day, or whenever you’re craving a warm, savory snack with a zesty kick. Serve it up with your favorite crackers, chips, or toasted bread slices, and watch it disappear fast!

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion flakes
½ teaspoon salt
7 ounces pepper jelly

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Bake the Dip:
Spoon the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish or pie pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and hot throughout.
Melt the Pepper Jelly:
While the dip is baking, place the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s fully melted and pourable.
Top with Jelly:
Once the dip is out of the oven, pour the melted pepper jelly over the hot cheese, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Serve:
Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or slices of crusty bread. Dig in and enjoy!

Variations

Add Crumbled Bacon:
For a smoky, savory twist, mix ¼ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon into the cheese mixture before baking. The crispiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy texture and sweet heat of the pepper jelly.
Use a Different Cheese Blend:
Try swapping sharp cheddar for a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or pepper jack. Each will lend a different depth of flavor from mild and melty to bold and spicy.
Swap the Jelly Flavor:
Pepper jelly comes in many varieties red pepper, green pepper, jalapeño, or even mango-habanero. Use your favorite or mix two types for a more complex sweet-heat combo. Just be mindful of heat levels if you’re serving a crowd!

Cooking Notes

Soften Cream Cheese for Easy Mixing:
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures it blends smoothly with the shredded cheese and seasonings without clumps.
Avoid Overbaking the Dip:
Bake just until the cheese is hot and slightly bubbling about 15 minutes. Overbaking can cause the dip to separate or become greasy, so keep an eye on it toward the end.
Microwave Jelly Gently:
Melt the jelly in short 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval. This prevents scorching and keeps the jelly smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water or apple cider vinegar to loosen it.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Crunchy Dippers:
This dip is delicious with buttery crackers, crostini, pita chips, or pretzel thins. The creamy, warm base contrasts beautifully with a crisp bite.
Serve in a Bread Bowl:
For a rustic touch, hollow out a small round loaf of sourdough and bake the cheese mixture directly inside. Once baked, top with jelly and serve surrounded by torn bread pieces for dipping.
Include it on a Holiday Appetizer Board:
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip makes a festive centerpiece on a holiday grazing board. Surround it with cured meats, olives, fruit, nuts, and more for a colorful and inviting spread.

Tips

Make Ahead for Easy Entertaining:
You can mix the cheese base up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature and bake when you’re ready to serve, then top with jelly as directed.
Double the Recipe for a Crowd:
If you’re hosting a party or game night, this dip goes fast! Double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to ensure there’s enough to go around.
Customize the Heat Level:
Not all pepper jellies are created equal some are quite mild, while others pack serious heat. Taste your jelly first, and if it’s too spicy, mix it with a bit of honey or apple jelly to mellow it out before topping the dip.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)

Calories: 170
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 280mg

Frequently Asked Questions (with expanded answers)

Can I use low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese?
Yes! Low-fat cream cheese will still give you a creamy dip, though the texture may be slightly less rich. Dairy-free alternatives work too just make sure they melt well and have a neutral or savory flavor to balance the sweet jelly topping.
What kind of pepper jelly works best?
Red or green pepper jelly are both great options. Red tends to be a bit sweeter, while green may have a slightly sharper heat. You can also experiment with flavored versions like jalapeño, habanero, or even fruit-blended jellies for a unique spin.
Can I make this dip in advance?
Absolutely! Mix and refrigerate the cheese base up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, bake as directed, then top with melted pepper jelly right before serving. It’s a great time-saver for entertaining.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 300°F oven until warmed through. The jelly may melt into the cheese, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is the ultimate appetizer mash-up comforting, creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy-sweet. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, game day, or just having a cozy night in, this dip is sure to be a hit. It’s simple, quick, endlessly adaptable, and above all, ridiculously good. So grab your favorite crackers and dig in this one won’t last long!

Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

Author: Avery
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 1½ cups of dip (serves 6–8 as an appetizer) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion flakes
½ teaspoon salt
7 ounces pepper jelly

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Bake the Dip:
Spoon the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish or pie pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and hot throughout.
Melt the Pepper Jelly:
While the dip is baking, place the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s fully melted and pourable.
Top with Jelly:
Once the dip is out of the oven, pour the melted pepper jelly over the hot cheese, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Serve:
Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or slices of crusty bread. Dig in and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe works beautifully with red or green pepper jelly—pick your favorite for color and flavor.
Want a little extra kick? Stir in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
Make it ahead! Mix the cheese base in advance and bake just before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Dip
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: ~3 tablespoons
Calories: 170
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cheese dip, pepper jelly, cream cheese dip, party appetizer, hot dip, spicy cheese dip