Description
This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a warm, savory appetizer combining creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar with a sweet-spicy layer of melted pepper jelly on top. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for parties or casual snacking, served best with crackers, chips, or sliced bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pepper Jelly Topping
- 7 ounces pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheese mixture.
- Mix Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish or pie pan, smoothing the surface to ensure even baking. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and hot throughout.
- Melt Pepper Jelly: While the cheese is baking, melt the pepper jelly by microwaving it in a microwave-safe container in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval until the jelly is completely melted and smooth in consistency.
- Add Pepper Jelly: Once the cheese mixture has finished baking and is hot and bubbly, carefully pour the melted pepper jelly on top. Spread it evenly across the surface of the cheese dip.
- Serve: Serve the dip immediately while warm with your choice of crackers, chips, or sliced bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake it just before serving for convenience.
- If you prefer a less sweet dip, reduce the amount of pepper jelly slightly or choose a milder pepper jelly variety.
- For extra texture, you can sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh herbs on top after adding the jelly.
- This dip is best served warm, as it will firm up when cooled.
