Description
This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a delightful combination of creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spicy-sweet pepper jelly. Baked until bubbly and topped with melted pepper jelly, it serves as a perfect appetizer for parties or gatherings, pairing wonderfully 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
Topping
- 7 ounces pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheese dip.
- Mix the cheese ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Spread and bake: Transfer the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish or pie pan, smoothing the top evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and heated through.
- Melt the pepper jelly: While the cheese dip bakes, microwave the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe container using 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until the jelly is fully melted and smooth.
- Top the cheese dip: Once the cheese mixture is hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven and evenly pour the melted pepper jelly over the surface, spreading it gently.
- Serve immediately: Present the pepper jelly cheese dip right away with your choice of crackers, chips, or sliced bread for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder and onion flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Use pepper jelly of your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dip.
- This dip is best served warm but can be refrigerated and rewarmed gently if needed.
- Serve with sturdy crackers or toasted bread to handle the creamy texture.