Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

This 6-ingredient Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip is insanely delicious and will be your new favorite appetizer. It's gooey and warm with cheddar cheese, bacon, and has some heat thanks to store-bought pepper jelly. It's sure to be a hit at your next party!

Being from the South, I love some pepper jelly! It's sweet, a little tangy, and has a hint of spice. Basically it's the perfect thing for pairing with any sort of cheesy appetizer, like this amazing Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip!

If you need an easy appetizer to serve to a crowd any time of the year, this cream cheese dip with pepper jelly will be your go-to recipe with just 6 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time.

Plus it's great to assemble ahead of time and then bake right when the guests arrive. It's truly the ideal appetizer! We love making appetizers, you should also try our BBQ Chicken Sliders, Taco Cups, and viral Pimento Cheese.

What is Pepper Jelly?

You may not have seen pepper jelly around much if you don't live in the South, but it happens to be one of our favorite condiments! The store-bought version is made with red bell peppers, sugar, and vinegar. They sell spicy varieties as well. It's also very easy to make at home!

We also recommend to look at your local farmers' market for different types of pepper jelly, they often sell it there too! You'll want to always have a jar of this in the fridge to spread on toast, sandwiches, and burgers.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• 6 Ingredient Appetizer: With just a handful of ingredients, this gourmet snack recipe is prepped in just 10 minutes.
• Crowd-pleasing Starter: No matter what the occasion is, as long as everyone likes a warm cheesy dip, they'll love this pepper jelly cheese dip.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble this dip up to a day in advance, then bake before guests arrive.
• Customize the Jelly: Look at your grocery store, online, or the farmers' market for different spicy and savory jellies to use!

Ingredients for Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Dip

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Pepper jelly: We use store-bought in this recipe but use whatever kind you can find or make your own!
• Cream cheese: The creamy base to this gooey dip, make sure it's room temperature before combining the ingredients for ease.
• Garlic cloves: Flavors the cream cheese with that garlic flavor we all love.
• Green onion: Adds a night, light onion flavor with a hint of freshness too.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: We had to use two cheeses in this dip! Cheddar cheese adds another flavor and saltiness to the cream cheese.
• Bacon: Everything is better with bacon, this can be optional to add too.
• Crackers and/or Frito Scoops for dipping.

TOOLS YOU'LL NEED

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to Make Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8"x8" square dish or 1 quart baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 5 ounces of the pepper jelly, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic, the white section of the sliced green onion, bacon, and salt until well blended.

3. Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

4. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and heated through.
5. Carefully remove from the oven. Heat 2-4 tablespoons of the pepper jelly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until it's slightly melted. Dollop over top of the baked cheese dip.

6. Sprinkle the sliced green section of the green onion on top.
7. Serve warm with crackers and/or scoops for dipping.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Soften the cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature for easy mixing. If you forgot, just microwave it in 10 second intervals until easy to stir.
• Don't buy pre-shredded cheese. Be sure to grate your own from a block. The pre-shredded has a coating on the cheese that makes the dip grainy.
• Swap out the cheese. Try a different shredded cheese instead of cheddar. Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, and gouda would all be delicious.
• Add spices and seasonings. Jazz the dip up with different spices like Cajun, Creole, smoked paprika, cayenne, and mustard powder for a different spin!

Storing & Make Ahead Instructions

Both storing leftovers and making this cream cheese dip with pepper jelly ahead of time work like a dream! Here are our suggestions:

• When storing in the fridge, simply let the dip cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes until gooey and warm again.
• To keep in the freezer, repeat the same process and be sure to wrap well with plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To serve the dip after freezing, thaw the dip in the fridge overnight, then warm through again in the microwave or oven for a few minutes until hot and delicious!
• Making this dip ahead of time is perfect too. Assemble the dip and keep in it in the fridge for up to a day before baking and serving to family and friends.

What to Serve with Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

So many things! That's why we always have a jar of this delicious jelly our fridge. Here are some great things to pair with pepper jelly. Use it as a glaze on vegetables, salmon, chicken, or even in a salad dressing to add some sweet and tangy flavors. As always, it's perfect as a dip or spread.

• Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
• Roasted Chicken Drumsticks
• Salmon Patties
• Marinated Vegetable Salad
• Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
• Easy Slow Cooker Pork
• Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Dip Recipes

• Pimento Cheese
• Herb and Onion Dip
• 4-Ingredient Guacamole
• Crockpot White Queso

Post written by Laura Arnold.