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You’ll love this delightful blend of sweet and savory with this easy baked Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip. This appetizer recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy cheese and zesty pepper jelly, creating a flavorful twist that’s perfect for snacking.
Made with cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, it’s baked, then topped with Pepper Jelly for an amazing creamy and flavorful game day snack that the whole team will enjoy! And, it’s perfect for eating while watching the big football game (or even just the commercials) on tv!
In addition to the oven directions for this easy appetizer dip recipe, I also have air fryer directions for you. This recipe was one of my Most Popular Recipes of 2024!
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Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.
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!
Ingredient notes
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.
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Recipe
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar shredded (4 ounces is about 1 cup)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 7 ounces pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Place the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt in a bowl and mix together.
- Spread the mixture in an oven safe dish or a 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.
- 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:
- Follow assembly instructions for the cheese dip, placing it in an air fryer safe container. Preheat air fryer, and cook at 325° F for about 12 minutes, or until hot.
- Just before the cheese dip is done air frying, 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.
- Once the cheese dip is done cooking, carefully remove it from the air fryer, and pour the melted pepper jelly on top, spreading it as needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Michelle Walker
Can I use my homemade strawberry jalapeño jam on top?
Debi
Michelle, yes, this recipe will work with your favorite jam or jelly on top. The flavors will change with each jam, but you might find you like one a lot more than another! Enjoy! I’d love to hear back if you try it.
Marrie
Huge hit at our Easter Meal! I swapped out 3-4 sliced scallions for the onion flakes, grated good sharp cheddar (not bagged) and used a blend of hot pepper and sweet pepper jellies. I baked it in a 6 X8 pyrex dish Served with savory rackers and flat pretzels. Definitely a keeper
Deb
Super easy! Super tasty! Family inhaled it!
Donna
Great, great, great idea for swapping out the onion flakes with scallions. I always grate cheeses over buying shredded cheese in a bag. This dip is a hit with my family and friends…it’s a great dish for potlucks (I make a double or triple recipe for large gatherings…❤
Nancy T
Ok this is delicious!! Double next time
Vanessa
Super delicious, everyone loved it
Lisa
Very easy recipe that is delicious! I will definitely be making this again and doubling the recipe!!
Connie
So easy to make. Took it to my girls card party and they loved it!
Charlene
I love cheese, cream cheese and pepper jelly, making this the perfect recipe. Super easy to make. I did grate my own cheese as I think it melts better than bagged cheese. I used red pepper jelly because I had it on hand. I’ll be making it again next week using green papper jelly. Everyone loved it. I had 10 people and should have made a double batch.
Kim
This was a hit! Good combo of sweet spice and savory ~ Kim via Pinterest
S
Can you make this for tailgate? Does it travel ok?
Debi
S, yes, you could make this for a tailgate. It will travel great. You can eat it at room temperature if you baked it at home and took it with you. Since it’s dairy, just be sure not to leave it out at room temp for more than a couple of hours.
Or, assemble it at home without the pepper jelly, and heat it there. I haven’t tried it, but I think it’ll heat on a grill really well. Use one of those disposable aluminum pans and “bake” it on the grill. Once it’s hot, spread the pepper jelly on top. I’ll add this to my list to test, because I think it’ll work really well.
Happy tailgating!
Alyssa Hooks
I just made this and followed the ingredients to a T but it was way too salty. Is there something I should have done differently?
Debi
If you make it again, I’d suggest that you leave the salt out. Also, make sure you’re using onion flakes and garlic powder and not onion salt or garlic salt. If the pepper jelly you used is salty that may contribute to the final dish as well. Also, if you’re eating it with salty tortilla chips that will taste different than plain crackers or veggies.
Mary
Can this be made ahead and than reheated
Debi
Mary, yes, you can make this ahead. 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.
Karen
This was so good, everyone loved it.