Description
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy cheeses, bold seasonings, and a sweet-and-spicy pepper jelly topping. Perfect for parties, holidays, or game-day snacks, this make-ahead dish is easy to customize and guaranteed to impress. Serve with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies for dipping!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ tablespoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
For the Topping and Garnish:
- ¾ cup pepper jelly (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, thinly sliced
For Serving:
- Butter crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzel chips, or fresh vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for 30–45 minutes.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream cheese on high speed until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese:
- Mix in the dry mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, celery salt, dried minced onion, and dried parsley. Blend until evenly combined.
- Gradually fold in the freshly grated cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Spread and Chill:
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly onto a 6-inch serving plate with slightly raised edges.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Top with Jelly and Garnish:
- Remove the plate from the fridge 1 hour before serving. Spread the pepper jelly evenly over the top of the cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the chopped chives over the jelly for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve with butter crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzel chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, use a spicy pepper jelly or add more cayenne pepper.
- To lighten the recipe, substitute Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese.
- For a fruity twist, try apricot or raspberry jelly with a pinch of chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 tablespoons
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg