If you love bold flavors that bring people together, the Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dip effortlessly combines creamy, savory, and sweet-spicy elements into one irresistible party treat. Rich cream cheeses mixed with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon create a luscious base, while the hot pepper jelly adds a vibrant kick that keeps everyone coming back for more. It’s the kind of dip that instantly elevates any gathering, making snack time feel like a celebration with each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dip is delightfully simple, yet every component plays a key role in delivering that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. You’ll find that each one brings a unique touch, whether it’s creaminess, smokiness, or that beautiful pop of color.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy foundation that ensures a smooth, rich texture.
- Whipped chive and onion cream cheese (8 ounces): Adds a fresh, savory twist loaded with subtle herbaceous notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Brings a sharp, melty dimension that balances the cream cheeses perfectly.
- Green onions (2, finely chopped): Contributes crunch and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dip.
- Cooked bacon (6 slices, finely chopped): Introduces smoky, crispy goodness that’s an essential crowd-pleaser.
- Hot pepper jelly (1 cup): The star of the show—a sweet and spicy topping that turns this dip into something unforgettable.
How to Make Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures it’s ready to perfectly warm and melt the ingredients, bringing all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, the whipped chive and onion cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and finely chopped cooked bacon. Stir everything together really well so you have a cohesive, creamy, and savory mixture. This stage is where the magic starts to happen as all the flavors marry.
Step 3: Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven for 20 minutes. As it bakes, the cheese melts perfectly and the bacon crisps slightly, creating an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Add the Hot Pepper Jelly
Once the dip has baked and is hot and bubbly, pull it out of the oven and generously spoon the hot pepper jelly over the top. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the jelly across the surface. This layer brings a beautiful glossy finish and just the right balance of sweet heat to contrast the rich cream cheese blend.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
The dip is best served immediately while it’s warm and gooey, ready to be paired with your favorite dippers. This timing keeps every bite luscious and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a pinch of crispy bacon bits on top after spreading the jelly to give extra texture and a pop of color. A little fresh parsley can also brighten the plate and add a subtle earthiness to each bite.
Side Dishes
This dip goes wonderfully with an assortment of dippers. Try crusty baguette slices toasted to perfection, crunchy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, cucumber, and bell peppers. These sides provide contrasting textures that complement the smooth, rich dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl or individual mini ramekins for guests. You can also set up a festive dip board by surrounding the baked dip with colorful veggies, assorted cheeses, and cured meats to turn it into an impressive appetizer centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the remaining dip with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dip freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until heated through and bubbling. You can add a little extra hot pepper jelly on top after reheating to refresh the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of the flavored one?
Absolutely! Regular cream cheese works perfectly. The whipped chive and onion cream cheese adds extra zest, so you might consider tossing in some chopped fresh chives or onion powder to replicate that flavor if you only have plain cream cheese on hand.
Is hot pepper jelly spicy?
Hot pepper jelly offers a balance of sweetness with a moderate spicy kick. It’s flavorful but typically not overwhelmingly hot, making it ideal for most taste buds while still adding that exciting heat element to this dip.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the dip mixture and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. When ready, bake it as directed and add the hot pepper jelly topping right before serving for fresh, beautiful results.
What are the best dippers for this Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe?
Crunchy crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh veggies like celery or bell peppers work wonderfully. The contrast between crispy and creamy makes every bite more satisfying.
How many people does this dip serve?
This recipe comfortably serves about 10 people as an appetizer, making it great for parties and gatherings where flavorful finger foods are a hit.
Final Thoughts
Try the Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe for your next get-together and watch it disappear in no time. It’s a warm, comforting dish that combines familiar flavors with a playful twist everyone will love. Once you whip it up, it’s sure to become one of your new favorite go-to dips to share with friends and family.
Print
Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly is a warm, creamy appetizer combining rich cheeses, smoky bacon, and a sweet-spicy jelly topping. Perfect for parties or game days, this baked dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Ingredients
Cheese and Dairy
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces Whipped chive and onion cream cheese
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Toppings
- 2 Green onions, finely chopped
- 6 slices Cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 cup Hot Pepper Jelly (also called red pepper jelly)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to get it ready for baking the dip.
- Combine the cheeses and toppings: In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, whipped chive and onion cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped green onions, and chopped cooked bacon until fully incorporated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the cheese and bacon mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and flavors to meld.
- Add the pepper jelly topping: Remove the baked dip from the oven and carefully spoon the hot pepper jelly on top.
- Spread the jelly: Use the back of a spoon to evenly spread the hot pepper jelly over the entire surface of the dip for a balanced sweet and spicy finish.
- Serve warm: Serve the dip immediately while warm, accompanied by bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it; just add the jelly and bake before serving.
- For a milder version, choose a sweeter or less spicy pepper jelly.
- Use fresh bacon cooked until crispy for the best texture and flavor.
- This dip pairs well with sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices.
- If you prefer, substitute green onions with finely chopped red onions or shallots.
