This pepper jelly cheese dip with bacon recipe is a quick and easy appetizer that’s made with only 4 ingredients. It’s a warm and bubbly modern spin on the classic cream cheese pepper jelly dip from the 90s. If you don’t eat bacon, you can leave it out and it will still be delicious!
Table of Contents
What is Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip with Bacon
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip with Bacon is a contemporary take on the traditional cream cheese pepper jelly dip popular in the 90s.
This easy recipe is designed to serve as a simple yet delectable appetizer that can be prepared with just four ingredients.
My version incorporates crispy bacon into the mix, adding a savory crunch that complements the spicy-sweet flavor of the pepper jelly.
While bacon is a key component of this recipe, it's also flexible for those who prefer or need to exclude meat from their diet; omitting the bacon still results in a flavorful and enjoyable dip.
Unlike the original, this one is baked until bubbly and golden which helps the pepper jelly melt into it in a delicious way.
Its ease of preparation and minimal ingredient list make it an ideal choice for quick gatherings.
Get ready to indulge in the creamy texture of cheese, spicy kick of pepper jelly, and richness of bacon.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cream Cheese - You could also use mascarpone or ricotta but the tang of the cream cheese really adds something special!
- Goat Cheese - If you absolutely can't stand goat cheese, feel free to just double up on the cream cheese. Or you could swap it for feta or boursin.
- Bacon - Not a fan of bacon? No worries! You can simply leave it out or swap it for your fav vegan alternative.
- Pepper Jelly - I’m using my favorite Apricot Habanero Jelly from my friend at Space Coast Spreads. But you could use whatever pepper jelly you prefer. Try raspberry jalapeno, traditional red pepper jelly, jalapeno pepper jelly or something similarly spicy.
How to make Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Making pepper jelly cheese dip with bacon is so easy - you only need 4 ingredients and 30 minutes to bring it all together.
Get the Oven Hot: Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
Whip the Cheese and Bacon: Combine cream cheese and goat cheese in a bowl and whip with a hand mixer until combined.
Bake the Dip: Add mixture to a baking dish (I’m using a 6x6 square) and place in the oven for 20 minutes.
Add Pepper Jelly & Serve: Once hot and bubbly, remove from the oven and pour pepper jelly on top. Smear it edge to edge to cover the whole thing then serve.
What goes with Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip?
I love pairing some of my favorite southern recipes with my easy pepper jelly cheese dip! Here are a few of my favorite dishes:
- Easy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Sandwich
- Southern Black Eyed Pea Dip
- Southern Candied Yams with Crunchy Ritz Cracker Topping
- Southern Cheesy Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Crust
- Jimmy Dean Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
And if you want another tasty cheese dip, try my cottage cheese queso dip or my bacon date and hot honey goat cheese dip!
Frequently asked questions
What does pepper jelly taste like?
Pepper jelly delivers a unique blend of sweetness and heat, creating a flavor profile that balances the sugary notes typical of jellies and jam with the spicy kick of chili peppers. This combination makes it a versatile condiment, adding a burst of flavor to both savory and sweet dishes.
Is Pepper Jelly a Southern Thing?
Yes, Pepper Jelly is definitely a southern thing! Pepper jelly holds a special place in Southern United States cuisine. It's celebrated for its versatile use in both traditional and innovative dishes. Its popularity spans from being a staple at family gatherings to a cherished ingredient in gourmet pantry.
What kind of pepper is pepper jelly made of?
Pepper jelly can be made from a variety of peppers, ranging from the mild sweetness of bell peppers to the fiery heat of jalapeños or habaneros, allowing for a wide spectrum of flavors from sweet and mild to intensely spicy. This versatility makes it a favorite ingredient for those looking to add a personalized touch of heat and sweetness to their dishes.
Save this recipe for later
If you don't want to forget about this recipe, there are a few things you can do!
- You can print the recipe card below!
- Tap that little heart icon over to the right...
- Or you can pin any image on this page to your appetizer or southern inspired pinterest boards.
And if you don't already, feel free to follow me on pinterest, instagram,youtube, facebook, and tiktok for tasty inspiration shared daily!
And if pinterest isn't really your thing, remember you can always scroll down to the bottom of this post and print the printable recipe card.
Recipe
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip with Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block Cream Cheese room temp
- 1 8 oz block Goat cheese room temp
- ¾ cup Precooked Chopped Bacon 3-3.5 oz shaker or bag
- 1 cup Pepper Jelly I’m using Apricot Habanero Jelly
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
- Combine cream cheese, bacon and goat cheese in a bowl and whip with a hand mixer until combined.
- Add mixture to a baking dish (I’m using a 6x6 square) and place in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Once hot and bubbly, remove from the oven and pour pepper jelly on top. Smear it edge to edge to cover the whole thing then serve.
