This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is the ultimate Southern-style appetizer that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. With a fluffy, seasoned cream cheese base and a sticky, vibrant pepper jelly topping, it is a stunning addition to any holiday table or game day spread.
The contrast between the cool, creamy cheese and the zesty, sweet glaze makes this dip completely addictive and impossible to stop eating.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: A savory, garlicky cheese base gets a kick from cayenne and pepper jack, which is perfectly cooled by the cream cheese and sweetened by the pepper jelly topping.
- Texture: The base is fluffy yet substantial thanks to the freshly shredded cheese, while the top offers a sticky, smooth glaze.
- Time: 15 minutes prep, plus overnight chilling.
- Difficulty: Easy. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor payoff.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a hand mixer or stand mixer to get the cream cheese mixture fluffy. You will also need a box grater to shred the cheese blocks yourself this is key for the best texture. The ingredients are a mix of pantry spices, three types of cheese, and your favorite jar of pepper jelly.
Ingredient Notes
- Cream Cheese – You will need two packages, and they must be softened. If the cream cheese is cold, it will not whip properly and the dip will be lumpy.
- Cheeses (Cheddar & Pepper Jack) – Buy blocks of cheese, not bags. Freshly grating the cheese ensures it blends better and doesn’t have the powdery coating found on pre-shredded cheese.
- Pepper Jelly – This is the star topping. You can find it in the condiment aisle or near specialty jams. It creates the sweet-heat layer that defines the dish.
- Dry Mustard & Cayenne – These spices add depth and a little background heat to the cheese mixture.
- Dried Minced Onion – Adds a savory punch and a little bit of texture to the creamy base.
- Fresh Chives – Used for garnishing, they add a pop of color and fresh onion flavor.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Jelly Flavor – You can experiment with different jellies, such as red pepper jelly for more color or a jalapeño jelly for more heat.
- Cheese Variations – If you prefer less spice, swap the Pepper Jack for Monterey Jack or mild cheddar.
- Spice Level – The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but you can adjust this up or down depending on your heat tolerance.
How to Make Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
- Prep the Cheese: Start by grating your cheese. Use a brick of the cheese (Sharp Cheddar and Pepper Jack) and grate it on the thicker side of the grater. The thicker shreds are best for the texture of this dip.
- Whip Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese and whip it on high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Season: Add all the seasonings and herbs (dry mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, celery salt, dried minced onion, dried parsley) to the bowl, except for the chives.
- Add Shredded Cheese: Add the freshly shredded cheese a little at a time, mixing until this is all well blended.
- Final Whip: Whip the mixture for 1 minute on high speed to ensure everything is incorporated and light.
- Chill: Spread the mixture onto a dish (a 6-inch plate with slightly higher sides works well). Cover and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
- Temper: When ready to serve, take the dip from the fridge and let it sit out for about an hour. This makes it easier to spread on crackers.
- Topping: Just before serving, spread the pepper jelly all over the top of the cheese mixture. You can use more or less pepper jelly depending on your taste.
- Serve: Sprinkle the thinly sliced fresh chives over the jelly. Serve with butter round crackers.
Pro Tip: Do not skip the resting time after removing the dip from the fridge. Since the base is mostly cheese, it will be quite firm when cold. Letting it sit at room temperature for an hour ensures your guests can scoop it easily without breaking their crackers.
Recipe Tips
- Grate Your Own Cheese: As mentioned in the instructions, fresh shreds are essential. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can dry out the dip.
- Whipping is Key: Don’t be afraid to let the mixer run on high for that final minute. This aerates the dip, making it less dense and more pleasant to eat.
- Adjusting Jelly: If your pepper jelly is very thick/stiff in the jar, you can stir it vigorously in a small bowl for a few seconds to loosen it up before spreading it over the dip.
FAQs
- Can I make this the day of the party? While you can, the recipe specifically recommends refrigerating overnight. This allows the dried onions and herbs to rehydrate and infuse the cream cheese with flavor.
- Is this dip very spicy? It has a moderate kick from the cayenne and Pepper Jack. If you are serving a crowd sensitive to spice, omit the cayenne and stick to mild cheddar.
- What crackers are best? The recipe recommends butter round crackers (like Ritz), as their buttery flavor complements the savory cheese and sweet jelly perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
- Crackers: Butter rounds are the classic choice, but sturdy wheat crackers or pita chips work well too.
- Vegetables: Celery sticks and cucumber slices offer a fresh, crunchy vessel for the rich dip.
- Pretzels: Pretzel crisps are a great salty option for scooping.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Preparation: This is the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You must make the cheese base at least one day in advance and refrigerate it overnight.
- Storage: The cheese base can be made up to 2-3 days ahead. Add the pepper jelly and chives just before serving to keep the presentation fresh.
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is the ultimate Southern-style appetizer, perfectly balancing savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Featuring a fluffy, seasoned cream cheese base topped with vibrant, sticky pepper jelly, it is a stunning addition to any holiday table or game day spread. The contrast between the cool, creamy cheese and the zesty glaze makes this dip completely addictive and impossible to stop eating.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounce block Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 4 ounce block Pepper Jack Cheese
- 3/4 cup Pepper Jelly (red or green)
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, thinly sliced
Instructions
Grate the Cheese
Start by grating your cheese blocks (Sharp Cheddar and Pepper Jack) on the thicker side of a box grater. Using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded is essential for the texture.
Whip the Cream Cheese
Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Whip on high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Season
Add the dry mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, celery salt, dried minced onion, and dried parsley to the bowl. Mix until combined.
Add Shredded Cheese
Add the freshly grated cheese a little at a time, mixing on medium speed until well blended.
Final Whip
Whip the mixture on high speed for 1 full minute. This aerates the dip, ensuring it is light and not too dense.
Chill
Spread the cheese mixture onto a serving dish (a 6-inch plate with slightly raised sides works well). Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight to let the dried onions rehydrate and the flavors meld.
Temper
When ready to serve, remove the dip from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. This softening step makes it spreadable and easy to scoop without breaking your crackers.
Top and Serve
Just before serving, spread the pepper jelly evenly over the top of the cheese mixture. Garnish with the thinly sliced fresh chives and serve with butter round crackers.
Notes
The “Temper” Step: Do not skip letting the dip sit out for an hour before serving. Because the base is made of real cheese and cream cheese, it sets very firm in the fridge. Bringing it to room temperature ensures a creamy, dippable texture.
Jelly Tip: If your pepper jelly is very stiff in the jar, place it in a small bowl and stir vigorously with a spoon for a few seconds. This loosens the gelatin and makes it much easier to spread over the delicate cheese base.
Cheese Quality: Avoid pre-shredded bagged cheese. It contains anti-caking agents (cellulose) that can make the dip dry or powdery. Grating your own blocks takes a few extra minutes but guarantees a superior result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing/No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 tbsp)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pepper jelly dip, southern appetizer, cream cheese spread, holiday party dip, spicy cheese dip, gluten free appetizer, game day snacks, christmas appetizers
