Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that combines cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and a sweet pepper jelly topping. Ideal for parties or casual get-togethers, it will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 8 Ritz Crackers, crushed
• 8 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup pepper jelly

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a pie dish, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Press the mixture evenly into the dish until smooth.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz Crackers evenly over the cheese mixture.
4. Step 4: Top the crackers with the chopped cooked bacon.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
6. Step 6: While baking is nearly done, place the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Remove the dip from the oven, pour the melted pepper jelly over the top, and serve warm with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor.
• Substitute bacon with spicy sausage for a different twist.
• For a milder version, reduce the amount of pepper jelly or choose a less spicy jelly.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure an even mixture.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, then add fresh pepper jelly on top before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the pepper jelly and bake just before serving for best results.

What can I serve with this cheese dip?

This dip pairs well with crackers, tortilla chips, sliced vegetables, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer combining creamy cheeses, the savory crunch of bacon and crackers, and a sweet-spicy kick from melted pepper jelly. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and served warm with your favorite dippers like crackers, chips, or vegetables.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced

Toppings

• 8 Ritz Crackers, crushed
• 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped

Finishing

• 1/2 cup pepper jelly

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
2. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a pie dish, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the pie dish to form a smooth base layer.
3. Add Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz Crackers evenly over the cheese mixture, covering the surface completely for a crunchy topping.
4. Add Bacon: Scatter the chopped cooked bacon on top of the crushed crackers for added savory flavor and texture.
5. Bake the Dip: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheeses are melted and the topping is golden and slightly crispy.
6. Heat Pepper Jelly: While the dip finishes baking, place the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until melted and pourable.
7. Serve: Remove the baked cheese dip from the oven and immediately pour the melted pepper jelly evenly over the top. Serve warm with additional crackers, chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

• Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother dip.
• Cook bacon ahead of time until crisp, then chop for best texture.
• Adjust pepper jelly amount based on how sweet or spicy you prefer the topping.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor and dip consistency.
• This dip can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave, but topping with pepper jelly fresh each time is recommended.

Keywords: pepper jelly dip, cheese dip, bacon cheese dip, party appetizer, baked dip, creamy cheese dip, jalapeno jelly