Description
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a warm, creamy, and tangy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. This easy baked dip combines smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and pepper jelly for a wonderful balance of sweet and spicy flavors, topped with fresh green onions and served with crackers or pretzel chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly (any color or heat level)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish & Serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or chives
- Crackers or pretzel chips, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a creamy base.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cheese mixture to a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet, smoothing the top for even cooking and a neat presentation.
- Add Pepper Jelly: Spoon the pepper jelly evenly over the top of the cheese mixture, allowing its sweet and spicy flavor to infuse the dip while baking.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges, indicating it’s ready.
- Cool Slightly and Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh garnish and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the warm dip with your choice of crackers, pretzel chips, or sliced baguette for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- Choose red, green, or jalapeño pepper jelly to vary the flavor and heat level of your dip.
- For a no-bake, cold version, spread softened cream cheese in a dish, top with pepper jelly, and skip the baking step.
- This recipe easily doubles for larger parties or gatherings.
