Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

Can I make this ahead?

This is a great appetizer recipe not only because it comes together so quickly, but that it can be made ahead as well. Making it the perfect party food!

Make the cheese dip a day or two ahead of time. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it up, and add the pepper jelly right before serving.

Baked pepper jelly cheese dip with cream cheese is one of those appetizers to always keep on hand.

Also, be sure to check out this Crack Dip and Black Olive Tapenade for other delicious appetizers!

How to make

This 6-ingredient pepper jelly dip is always welcome at a holiday party, snack, table, or game day nosh. It’s super quick and easy to make. First, let’s look at the simple ingredients.

And, if you find yourself with some leftover pepper jelly, be sure to check out more Ways to Use Pepper Jelly!

Pepper Jelly

I highly recommend that you make some homemade Pepper Jelly. If you’re using homemade pepper jelly, you’ll want about a cup of pepper jelly for this recipe.

If you can’t make your own or don’t want to, check out your local grocery store or farmer’s market. I’m a big believer in using ingredients that are easy to find. Check in the deli section of the store as well as the jams section.

I know that Trader Joe’s and Sprouts often carry pepper jelly in jars.

I got the pepper jelly that you see in the pictures here at the local cheese and wine shop. They’re good places to look for pepper jelly as well.

This recipe was developed using a 7-ounce jar. Really though, a little more or a little less pepper jelly will work just fine.

I recommend that if you’ve never tried the brand before, taste a little of it before spreading it on the cheese. Sometimes it’s really spicy hot, and sometimes it’s sweet. Tasting it before hand can give you an idea if you need to cut back on the amount or not.

What is the best store-bought pepper jelly for cream cheese?

I’ve read that Braswell’s Red Pepper Jelly is the best-selling pepper jelly in the US, however I’ve never seen it at my local store. They do carry it on {affiliate link} Amazon.

But again, I think the best pepper jelly is homemade and second choice would be something that your local store carries.

Cream cheese

Full fat Philadelphia cream cheese is best here. Though if you want to use a reduced fat version it’ll still work.

You’ll want to make sure the cream cheese is softened. Usually that means pulling it out of the fridge 30-40 minutes before using it and letting it sit at room temperature.

If you forget or don’t have time to let it sit, you can soften cream cheese in the microwave.

How to quickly soften cream cheese

Here’s how to soften it in the microwave: Remove the cream cheese packaging completely. Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the cream cheese in 10-second intervals until it’s soft but not melted.

Cheddar cheese

Normally I always recommend shredding your own cheese, but as I’m still without a kitchen, I’m using pre-shredded bagged sharp cheddar. And you know what? It worked just fine. Maybe it isn’t quite as creamy as it could be, but if you want to go with convenience, you certainly can.

Spices

I love the ease of using dried spices like onion flakes and garlic powder in this dip. Also, I added a little salt for flavor.

Make the cheese dip

Place the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt in a mixing bowl and mix together. You can do this by hand, or use a hand mixer to whip it if you prefer.

Spread the cheese mixture in an oven safe dish, a pie plate, or pie pan.

Bake the cheese dip for about 15 minutes, or until everything is nice and melty hot.

Just before the cheese dip is done baking, put the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl, or microwave in the glass jar it came in after removing the lid, if the glass jar is microwave safe. Microwave in 30-second intervals until the jelly is melted and soft, stirring after each interval. Be sure to heat the jelly before spreading it on top so that it spreads evenly over all of the cheese.

Once the cheese dip is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven, and pour the melted pepper jelly on top, spreading it as needed.

Air Fryer directions:

You’ll follow the same directions, but cook the cheese dip at 325° F for about 12 minutes, or until hot.

Storage and reheating

Store any leftover pepper jelly cheese dip tightly covered, or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave on high for 30-second increments, stirring between, until hot.

Can I freeze this?

I don’t typically recommend freezing cream cheese based foods. The freezing process changes the texture, and the result isn’t as smooth and nice.

Serving suggestions

There are so many things this cream cheese pepper jelly dip goes well with. You could even consider a variety platter. Try some:

• Crackers like Triscuits or Wheat Thins
• Pita chips
• Tortilla chips
• Veggie sticks
• Pretzels, especially those thin pretzel crisps
• Toasted sliced bread
• Butter crackers like Ritz crackers

Switch it up

Want to experiment with this dip. Try some of the following swaps.

Make a baked goat cheese dip by swapping the cream cheese out for goat cheese.

Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, or use a blend. Try a blend of Mexican cheeses, add a pinch of cumin, and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Use cranberry pepper jelly or pineapple pepper jelly for a sweet fruity flavor. Try using cranberry sauce instead of pepper jelly.

Crumble some cooked chopped bacon over the top of the pepper jelly after the dip is baked.

Garnish with chopped green onion for a pop of color.

Add in some different spices to change it up. Cajun, chili powder, smoked paprika, chipotle, taco seasoning, or mustard powder.

Looking for more of the best dip recipes?

Try my baked until hot and bubbly Caprese Dip,  Skillet Pull-Apart Pretzel Buns with Creamy Cheese Dip, a delectable Crock Pot Hot Crab Dip, or my healthy Vegan Nacho Cheese Dip.