This savory and sweet Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip is the ultimate party appetizer that combines creamy textures with a kick of heat. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or a casual game night, this warm, baked dip is guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear. With only five main ingredients, it is an effortless way to impress your guests with a sophisticated flavor profile.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip. First, it is ultra-cheesy, taking the classic cold block of cream cheese and elevating it into a warm, melty masterpiece filled with sharp cheddar. Second, it is a crowd-pleaser that perfectly balances the smokiness of bacon with the tang of pepper jelly. Finally, it is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a few minutes of prep time before the oven does the rest of the work.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly (sweet red pepper or hot pepper jelly)
- Ritz crackers, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is browned and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into small pieces.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced scallions. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and starting to bubble around the edges.
- While the dip is baking, place the pepper jelly in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until it is slightly melted and easy to pour.
- Remove the dip from the oven and pour the melted pepper jelly over the top, spreading it to the edges.
- Garnish with additional sliced scallions and serve immediately while warm with Ritz crackers.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
For the best results with your Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip, always soften your cream cheese before mixing. You can leave it on the counter for an hour or give it a quick 20-second zap in the microwave. This ensures a smooth, lump-free base. Additionally, freshly shredded cheese melts much better than the pre-shredded bagged variety, which often contains anti-clumping agents that can affect the texture of your dip. If you want a bit more heat, look for a “Hot” variety of pepper jelly that includes habanero or extra jalapeños.
Variations & Substitutions
If you want to customize your Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip, there are several easy swaps you can make. To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon; you can replace it with chopped smoked almonds to maintain that smoky flavor and add a nice crunch. You can also experiment with different fruit-infused jellies such as peach pepper jelly, raspberry pepper jelly, or pineapple jalapeño jelly for a tropical twist. For those who prefer a milder flavor, swap the sharp cheddar for a mild cheddar or even a Monterey Jack cheese.
Serving Suggestions
While Ritz crackers are the classic choice for this dip, you can serve it with a variety of other items. It pairs beautifully with pigs in a blanket, ham and cheese sliders, or even crispy shrimp toast. For a lower-carb option, try serving it with celery sticks or sliced bell peppers. It also makes a fantastic addition to a larger appetizer spread alongside bacon-wrapped dates or grilled chicken wings.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
If you have leftovers of your Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Freezing is not recommended for this dip, as the cream cheese and cheddar can separate and become grainy once thawed and reheated.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | Daily Value (%) |
| Calories | 341 | – |
| Total Fat | 24.7 g | 38.1% |
| Saturated Fat | 13.0 g | 65.2% |
| Carbohydrates | 21.4 g | 7.1% |
| Fiber | 0.4 g | 1.5% |
| Sugars | 14.6 g | – |
| Protein | 8.8 g | 17.6% |
| Sodium | 361.4 mg | 15.1% |
Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is browned and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into small pieces.8 ounces thick-cut bacon
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced scallions. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.16 ounces cream cheese, 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup scallions
- Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and starting to bubble around the edges.
- While the dip is baking, place the pepper jelly in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until it is slightly melted and easy to pour.1/2 cup pepper jelly
- Remove the dip from the oven and pour the melted pepper jelly over the top, spreading it to the edges.1/2 cup pepper jelly
- Garnish with additional sliced scallions and serve immediately while warm with Ritz crackers.1/2 cup scallions, Ritz crackers
Notes
FAQ
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar mixture in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake and add the jelly just before serving.
Is pepper jelly very spicy?
Most commercial pepper jellies are a balance of sweet and tangy. If you use a “Sweet Red Pepper” jelly, it will have very little heat. If you choose “Hot Pepper Jelly,” it will have a noticeable but usually manageable kick.
What is the best way to melt the jelly?
A quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave is the easiest method. This thins the consistency just enough so it spreads easily over the warm cheese without disturbing the layer underneath.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can use Neufchâtel or low-fat cream cheese, the dip will not be as rich or creamy. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture for baking.