Description
This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip combines creamy, tangy cream cheese and sharp cheddar baked to bubbly perfection and topped with sweet, spicy pepper jelly. It makes a flavorful and easy appetizer perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual snacking, best served warm 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheese mixture.
- Mix Cheese: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt until smooth and evenly blended.
- Bake Cheese Dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into an oven-safe dish or pie pan, smoothing the top surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Melt Pepper Jelly: While the cheese bakes, heat the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe container using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the jelly becomes melted and smooth.
- Add Topping: When the baked cheese dip is ready, pour the melted pepper jelly evenly over the top and spread gently to cover the surface.
- Serve: Serve the warm pepper jelly cheese dip immediately with crackers, chips, or sliced bread for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- You can adjust the amount of pepper jelly to taste if you prefer less or more sweetness and spice.
- This dip is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated gently if needed.
- Use an oven-safe glass or ceramic dish for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Onion flakes can be substituted with finely chopped fresh onions for a stronger flavor.
