Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese

The best appetizers are sometimes the easiest to make. This simple and delicious Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip is perfect for parties, the holidays and casual gatherings. With just two ingredients, it comes together in minutes, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients to Make Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer

This easy pepper jelly dip has been served in the South for generations and it remains one of my most favorite appetizers. It’s one of those last minute appetizers you can whip-up in 5 minutes for unexpected guests, the holidays or last minute entertaining. It features a sweet, spicy and salty bite when served with crackers or pita chips for dipping. It’s a staple that’s popular around Christmas and New Year’s Eve the kind of treat that’s fun to make and serve. Ingredients you’ll need to make easy Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Dip: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Cream Cheese: Two 8-ounce containers of chive and onion cream cheese. This cream cheese has a soft spreadable texture that’s especially handy when there’s no time to soften.
Hot Pepper Jelly: There are many brands that offer various flavors of hot pepper jelly. Stonewall Kitchen is popular well-known brand, and many specialty shops and local grocery stores have their own private label variations of spicy red pepper jelly.
Garnish: Fresh rosemary for garnishing.
Crackers: Assorted crackers, pita chips, crostini, sliced baguette or pretzels for serving.

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How to Make the BEST Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Recipe

Cream Cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the fridge and let it sit on the counter to soften. This will happen fairly quickly using this spreadable cream cheese. If there’s no time to bring it to room temperature, use the soften function on your microwave.
Spread Softened Cream Cheese on a Serving Plate or Platter: Swirl the cream cheese on a platter using the tip of a teaspoon or offset icing spatula.
Jelly: Pour the pepper jelly on top. If the pepper jelly has been chilled, use a spoon to spread it over the cream cheese.
Serve Immediately or Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

Tips for Making Pepper Jelly Appetizer

Kitchen Tools: Large serving plate or shallow dish, icing spatula or spoon and tablespoon.
Soften the Cream Cheese: This easy appetizer is usually made with a block of cream cheese. I serve it with seasoned cream cheese just to give it a little something extra to the flavor. One block of cream cheese will definitely work in place of chive and onion cream cheese.
Use a Quality Brand of Pepper Jelly: Pepper jelly comes in many colors and variations. It’s basically made using diced peppers, granulated sugar, vinegar and pectin. You can find it in grocery stores, specialty shops, general stores and craft shows in addition to places like World Market. Since it’s one of the two main ingredients, use a blend of peppers that you like.
Adjust the Spice: Some jars of pepper jelly brands feature a variety of peppers such as red peppers and green pepper jelly which are fairly mild. Others amp up the spice with habanero peppers, jalapeno peppers and beyond. The level of spice is directly related to the type of pepper featured in the jelly so choose your favorite based on your personal taste.
Serving Suggestion: I always serve this easy dip with a bowl of toasted pecans nearby. Adding a pecan to the dip adds savory to balance the sweet flavor. You can also serve it along a cheese charcuterie board with a variety of sliced meats and cheeses. You could also serve it with crispy bacon for a sweet, spicy and salty vibe.
What to Serve Pepper Jelly Spread: Serve this with assorted crackers, Ritz crackers, club crackers, fresh vegetables, pita chips, pretzels or crostini.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Cream Cheese Substitution: You could use a log of well chilled goat cheese or Boursin cheese in place of cream cheese. You can also use a classic softened 8 ounce block of cream cheese.
Mix-Ins: If you’d like to add shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture, you can. Fold 1/2 -1 cup of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the chive and onion cream cheese.
Herbs: You could add fresh chives or chopped green onion to the softened cream cheese for texture. You could also add other fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or parsley to expand the flavor profile. Beat the herbs into the cream cheese using a hand mixer.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

It’s EASY! The best thing about this pepper jelly cheese dip recipe is the sheer simplicity. The savory cream cheese swirled with the sweet hot pepper jelly is addictive and no oven time is required.
More Ways To Use Pepper Jelly: You can also use pepper jelly as a quick glaze for chicken, pork or salmon.

More Easy Appetizers to Make

Creamy Beer Cheese Dip.
Loaded Tater Tots can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a side dish.
Spicy Fire Crackers are another retro snack the family is sure to love.
Shrimp Toast is an easy and impressive appetizer.
Marry Me Chicken Dip is a spin on the popular Marry Me Chicken.
Greek Whipped Feta Dip features Mediterranean flavors.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a party favorite!
Fresh Mushroom Appetizer from Land O Lakes.

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