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
Scale
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
