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