If you are searching for an irresistibly creamy and slightly spicy appetizer, this Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and pepper jack cheeses with the vibrant kick of pepper jelly drizzled right on top. Whether you’re hosting a party or just in need of a quick crowd-pleaser, this dip brings bold flavors with effortless preparation that will have everyone reaching for another bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, well-rounded ingredients is key to hitting that perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and spice in this Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe. Each element brings something special, so be sure to use fresh cheese and quality pepper jelly to make this dip truly shine.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve an easy cleanup after baking.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 ounces each): The rich base that makes the dip velvety and smooth.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds a little tang and extra moisture for perfect consistency.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors wonderfully.
- Worcestershire sauce (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a complex savory note.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): For a hint of smoky color and flavor.
- Cayenne pepper (pinch, optional): Adds a touch of heat if you like a little extra kick.
- Green onion (1, thinly sliced): Brightens the dip with fresh herbaceous bites.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, grated): Contributes melty, tangy richness.
- Pepper jack cheese (1 cup, grated): Brings creamy texture with spicy undertones.
- Pepper jelly (10-ounce jar): Sweeter spicy topping that ties all flavors together beautifully.
- Crackers or fresh vegetables: For serving and enjoying the dip with a delightful crunch and freshness.
How to Make Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Assemble
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and spraying your baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the dip doesn’t stick. This step simplifies the cleanup and keeps the cheesy layer intact.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine the room temperature cream cheese with mayonnaise, garlic powder, kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes completely smooth—this usually takes about a minute. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides with a spatula to fully incorporate everything evenly.
Step 3: Fold in Cheeses and Onion
Next, gently fold in the thinly sliced green onion along with the grated sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. This combination ensures each scoop is filled with gooey melty cheese and fresh zest from the onions.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Press the creamy mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and just starting to bubble around the edges. That bubbling is your cue that it’s perfectly melted and ready for the final touch.
Step 5: Add the Pepper Jelly
While the dip bakes, warm your pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl for about 40 seconds until it becomes loose and pourable. Once your dip is out of the oven, spoon and spread the warm pepper jelly evenly over the top to create that irresistible glossy, sweet-spicy crown.
How to Serve Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe even more inviting, consider adding a few more sliced green onions or a sprinkle of paprika on top. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley also add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs amazingly well with a variety of dippers. Crunchy crackers are the classic choice, but you can also serve it with an assortment of fresh vegetables such as crisp cucumbers, celery sticks, carrot batons, or radish slices. These not only add texture but also brighten the plate with vibrant colors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the dip in a shallow decorative bowl surrounded by an array of colorful veggies and crackers arranged like a flower. Alternatively, you can stuff small toasted bread rounds or mini bell pepper boats with the dip for individual servings that wow your guests visually and tastefully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe, no worries! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 3 to 4 days. It keeps well and flavors meld together overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
This dip isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the cream cheese and mayonnaise base, which can separate and become grainy after thawing. It’s best to prepare fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for short-term enjoyment.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in a microwave-safe dish and warm in short bursts of 20 to 30 seconds, stirring gently until heated through. This prevents overheating and helps maintain the smooth, creamy texture without breaking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and pepper jack are classic choices for their flavor and meltability, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch or gouda for a smokier taste. Just keep the cheese quantities consistent to maintain the right texture.
Is pepper jelly spicy?
The spice level depends on the brand and variety you select. Most pepper jellies strike a nice balance between sweet and mild heat, but some can be spicier, so choose one that matches your personal heat preference.
Can I prepare this dip without an oven?
While baking enhances the flavor and texture, you can create a no-bake version by simply mixing the cream cheese and other ingredients together, then chilling before topping with pepper jelly. The flavor is still great, though the melted, bubbly finish is missed.
What are the best dippers for this dip?
Classic crackers are popular, but vegetables like celery, cucumbers, carrots, and radishes add freshness and crunch that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy dip and sweet pepper jelly.
How spicy is the dip if I use cayenne?
A pinch of cayenne adds just a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer your dip milder, you can easily omit it and still enjoy a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy notes.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe when you want a quick, flavorful appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Its fusion of smooth cheeses and sweet heat from the pepper jelly makes it a standout at any gathering. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dip as much as I do—it’s simply a guaranteed hit every single time!
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Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and flavorful Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip that combines tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spicy pepper jack cheeses with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly topping. Baked until warm and bubbly, this dip is perfect for serving with crackers or fresh vegetables as an appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking dish
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
Topping and Serving
- 1 (10-ounce) jar pepper jelly
- Crackers or fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, celery, carrots, and radishes, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Lightly spray an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the cream cheese base: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is completely smooth. Scrape down the bowl sides and fold in the thinly sliced green onion, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and grated pepper jack cheese until evenly combined.
- Bake the dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until the dip is heated through and just starting to bubble at the edges, roughly 15 minutes.
- Prepare and add pepper jelly topping: Place the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave for about 40 seconds until loose and pourable. Pour the melted jelly evenly over the warm baked dip and spread it into an even layer.
- Serve: Serve the warm dip immediately with crackers or a variety of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, celery, carrots, and radishes for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or use a hotter pepper jack cheese.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture and even baking.
- The pepper jelly can be substituted with any other sweet-spicy jelly to customize flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm and bubbly for best taste and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
