Sweet, spicy, creamy, and totally addictive, this Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It brings together melty cheese and a zesty pepper jelly kick in a way that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re hosting game day, a cozy get-together, or just craving something snacky and satisfying, this dip delivers BIG flavor with minimal effort. Served hot and bubbly or cold and creamy, trust me once you dig in, it’s hard to stop!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet-Heat Combo : The pepper jelly adds just the right amount of sweet and spicy kick.
Ooey-Gooey Texture : Melty, creamy cheese makes this dip totally scoop-worthy.
Ridiculously Easy : Mix, bake, and serve it doesn’t get much simpler.
Perfect for Parties : A guaranteed hit with guests, especially when served with crackers or crostini.
Make It Hot or Cold : Serve it warm and bubbly or chilled and spreadable either way, it disappears fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cream Cheese
The creamy base of the dip let it soften at room temp for easier mixing.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar adds flavor and that irresistible melty pull.
Pepper Jelly
Sweet and spicy! You can use red, green, or even jalapeño jelly depending on your flavor vibe.
Green Onions
Adds a little zip and freshness to balance the richness.
Garlic Powder
A small punch of flavor that ties it all together.
Salt and Pepper
To taste just enough to enhance the cheesy goodness.
Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or pie plate.
2. Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended you can use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon.
3. Add the Green Onions
Fold in the chopped green onions for a little pop of freshness.
4. Spread and Top
Spread the cheese mixture evenly into your baking dish. Spoon the pepper jelly over the top, spreading it out gently so it covers the surface without mixing in.
5. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the jelly is slightly caramelized around the edges.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with crackers, crostini, pita chips, or fresh veggies. Or let it cool and enjoy as a chilled spread either way, it’s pure dip magic.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
This dip is perfect with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even sturdy tortilla chips. Add it to a charcuterie board for an extra flavor pop!
How to Store Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors just get better with time!
Freezing Tips
It’s not ideal for freezing, as the texture of cream cheese can change. If you must, freeze before baking, and bake fresh for best results.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, or pop it back in the oven at 300°F until warm and bubbly again.
Helpful Notes
Use Good-Quality Pepper Jelly : Look for homemade or artisan-style jellies for the best flavor impact.
Try a Spicy Twist : Use hot jalapeño jelly for extra heat lovers!
Serve it Cold : Skip the oven and chill the dip instead—just mix the ingredients, top with jelly, and serve as a spreadable appetizer.
Make It Ahead : Mix everything and top with jelly, then refrigerate. Just bake before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the entire dish, jelly and all, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best pepper jelly to use?
That depends on your flavor preferences. Red pepper jelly is sweet and mild, while green or jalapeño jelly adds more heat. You can even make your own if you’re feeling fancy!
Can I serve this dip cold?
Yes! It’s just as delicious cold. The texture is more like a spread, but it’s perfect with crackers and still packs that sweet-spicy punch.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Gouda for a smoky touch.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is one of those magical recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. It’s cheesy, it’s spicy-sweet, and it’s seriously addictive. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just when you want to treat yourself to something deliciously different. Go ahead—whip this up and watch it disappear!
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Equipment
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Cheese Base
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions chopped
Topping
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly red, green, or jalapeño
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped green onions.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the pepper jelly over the top, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Serve hot with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies—or chill and serve as a spreadable dip.