Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game day gathering, or just craving something indulgent and flavorful, this Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a must-try. With the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy richness and a sweet-spicy kick from pepper jelly, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast from any appetizer spread.
🧀 Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this dip shine:
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened)
The base of the dip. Cream cheese brings a creamy, rich texture that pairs beautifully with the tangy cheddar and spicy jelly. Softening it at room temperature helps with easy mixing and even baking.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (4 ounces, shredded)
Sharp cheddar adds a bold, savory flavor and melty texture. You can also experiment with white cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor and kick.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon)
A hint of garlic enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the dip.
- Onion Flakes (1 teaspoon)
Dried onion flakes add a subtle sweet-savory note and a little texture. You could substitute with finely minced fresh onion if preferred.
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
A small amount of salt balances the creaminess and enhances the overall taste. Adjust to taste depending on the saltiness of your cheese.
- Pepper Jelly (7 ounces)
This is the star ingredient that adds the signature sweet-heat finish. Pepper jelly is typically made with a mix of bell peppers and hot peppers like jalapeños. Red pepper jelly adds a nice visual contrast, but you can use green or even habanero jelly if you like more heat.
🔥 How to Make Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
✅ Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the dip.
✅ Step 2: Mix the Cheese Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
Softened cream cheese
Shredded sharp cheddar
Garlic powder
Onion flakes
Salt
Mix until smooth and fully incorporated. A hand mixer can help, but a sturdy spoon or spatula works fine too.
✅ Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Spread the cheese mixture into an oven-safe baking dish or pie pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
✅ Step 4: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is hot, bubbly, and just starting to brown around the edges.
✅ Step 5: Prepare the Pepper Jelly
While the dip bakes, place the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the jelly is melted and smooth (usually takes 1–2 minutes total).
✅ Step 6: Top and Serve
Remove the dip from the oven and pour the warm pepper jelly evenly over the top. Spread gently to cover the surface.
Serve immediately with your favorite dippers!
🥨 Serving Suggestions
This dip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers, including:
Butter crackers (like Ritz)
Tortilla chips
Pita chips
Celery sticks
Carrot sticks
Toasted baguette slices
It’s best served warm, but leftovers can also be reheated easily.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cheese mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 2 days before baking. Wait to melt and add the pepper jelly until just before serving.
Is pepper jelly really spicy?
Pepper jelly usually has a mild to moderate heat depending on the brand and type of peppers used. Red pepper jelly tends to be sweeter, while jellies made with jalapeños or habaneros will be spicier. Choose based on your heat tolerance!
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can mix in:
Pepper Jack (for more spice)
Gouda (for creaminess)
Mozzarella (for melt factor)
Just keep the total amount around 4 ounces.
Can I serve this dip cold?
It’s meant to be served warm, as that’s when the cheese is creamy and the flavors blend beautifully. However, if it cools down, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm again.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free if all your ingredients are certified gluten-free (especially the pepper jelly and seasonings). Just be sure to serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
🌶️ Variations & Add-Ins
Want to customize this dip? Try these delicious twists:
Add cooked crumbled bacon to the cheese mix before baking.
Stir in chopped green onions or chives for freshness.
Top with crushed pecans or walnuts for crunch.
For extra heat, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the cheese mixture.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To reheat:
Microwave: 30-second intervals, stirring between.
Oven: Cover and bake at 325°F until warmed through (about 10 minutes).
Note: Reheat the jelly topping as needed, or add a fresh layer for best flavor.
🥳 Perfect for Every Occasion
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a holiday favorite, especially at:
Christmas parties (red pepper jelly looks festive!)
Game day snacks
Potlucks and BBQs
Bridal or baby showers
Wine nights or cheese boards
💡 Final Thoughts
This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress. With just six main ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, spicy, and sweet appetizer in under 30 minutes.