Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a perfect balance of creamy, sharp, and sweet with a hint of heat. It’s easy to prepare and makes a fantastic appetizer for any gathering or a cozy night in.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish or pie pan, smoothing the top. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and hot.
4. Step 4: While the cheese is baking, microwave the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe container in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Once the cheese dip is baked, pour the melted pepper jelly over the top, spreading it evenly across the surface.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately with crackers, chips, or sliced bread.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
• Use a variety of pepper jellies such as jalapeño or habanero to adjust the spice level.
• Serve with an assortment of dippers like sliced baguette, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for variety.

Storage

Store any leftover dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, but avoid overheating to prevent separation. Pepper jelly topping is best added fresh each time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead and refrigerate it. Bake and add the pepper jelly just before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have onion flakes?

You can substitute onion flakes with a small amount of finely chopped fresh onion or onion powder, adjusting to taste.

Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a delightful blend of creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and sweet-spicy pepper jelly. Baked to perfection and topped with warm pepper jelly, it’s an irresistible appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings, served with crackers, chips, or sliced bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Base

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

Topping

• 7 ounces pepper jelly

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheese dip evenly.
2. Mix the Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Bake the Cheese Dip: Transfer the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish or pie pan, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and heated through.
4. Prepare the Pepper Jelly: While the cheese mixture is baking, place the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe container. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the jelly is melted and smooth for easy topping.
5. Top with Pepper Jelly: Once the baked cheese dip is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the melted pepper jelly over the top. Spread it evenly to cover the surface completely.
6. Serve: Serve the warm Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip immediately with your choice of crackers, chips, or sliced bread for dipping.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can substitute sharp cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
• The pepper jelly can be replaced with any favorite jelly or jam to customize sweetness and spice level.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened completely for easier mixing and a smoother dip texture.
• This dip can be served warm or at room temperature; reheat gently if needed.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

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

Keywords: pepper jelly cheese dip, baked cheese dip, party appetizer, creamy cheese dip, sweet and spicy dip