This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is the spicy-sweet, melty appetizer that you've been dreaming of. Made with softened blocks of cream cheese and goat cheese, it's topped with a fiery spicy pepper jelly for that addictive flavor explosion. You can also add bacon if you're into that!
Why You'll Love It
Ahh, pepper jelly cheese dip, how I love you!
You know how some dips are good, and others are "I need to make this again right now" level? Yeah, this is the second kind.
This pepper jelly cream cheese appetizer is the ultimate combo of creamy cheese and hot pepper jelly—with or without bacon bits, depending on your vibe.
The cream cheese mixture gets whipped into submission (the good kind), then baked until bubbly and golden around the edges.
When that glossy jar of pepper jelly spread hits the top of the cream cheese, it's pure magic. I used an apricot habanero version for a little sweet heat, but green pepper jelly, spicy red pepper jelly, or even cranberry sauce during the holiday season would be a whole mood.
Not only is this dip an absolute huge hit at every holiday party, it’s also made with just a few simple ingredients you can grab at your local grocery store or even Trader Joe's.
If you're hosting your next party and need a quick appetizer that works on a charcuterie board, in a pie plate, or even spooned onto butter crackers, this is the best way to impress without stress.
And let’s be honest, the best part is there’s almost zero prep time—just mix, bake, and smear. Store leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container and reheat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals for round two.
Want to go rogue? Add shredded cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder and fresh chives for a little bit of a twist. I won’t stop you. You do YOU, baby!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here are the simple ingredients that you'll need to make this easy appetizer. If you're looking for the exact amounts in this easy pepper jelly cheese dip, then be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cream Cheese: Use a softened block of cream cheese or regular cream cheese for the base. Let it come to room temperature before mixing for the best texture.
- Goat Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess. Feel free to swap it with ricotta or mascarpone for a more mid taste. You could also add sharp cheddar cheese or another blend of cheese fave from your own cheese stash.
- Pepper Jelly: I used a sweet and spicy apricot habanero jelly, but you can use jalapeno pepper jelly, sweet pepper jelly, or any homemade pepper jelly from your pantry or grocery stores when making this tasty pepper jelly dip.
- OPTIONAL: Precooked Chopped Bacon: Totally optional, but it adds that savory, salty punch. You can also use bacon bits or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
- More Optional Toppings: Try green onions, crushed Ritz crackers, or salad dressing drizzles if you’re feeling a little fiesty.
How to Make It
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this southern classic pepper jelly cream cheese dip! It's so easy and is perfectly balanced - I know you're going to love it!
PREHEAT THE OVEN: Set your oven to 400°F and let it do its thing.
PREP INGREDIENTS: Let your cheeses come to room temperature. This helps everything mix up super smooth and creamy.
MIX THE CHEESE: In a medium sized mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, and bacon bits if you like them. Use a hand mixer to whip it all into cheesy submission until smooth.
BAKE IT UP: Transfer the cream cheese spread to a safe dish like a 6x6 square pan, serving dish, or even a pie plate. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it's hot and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
TOP AND SERVE: Remove from the oven and immediately pour the spicy pepper jelly over the top of the dip (ie the cream cheese layer). Spread it edge to edge with a rubber spatula and serve hot with pita chips, butter crackers, or your best crackers.
What goes with Pepper Jelly Cheese dip?
Here are a few of my easy appetizer recipes that I always serve with this delicious dip!
And if you want more tasty apps, be sure to check out this The Best Super Bowl Snacks & Appetizers Recipe Collection or my Southern Thanksgiving Side Dish Collection!
Recipe
Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip (with or without 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 (optiona)
- 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.
Betsy says
Made this for a Thanksgiving appetizer and it was a hit! I split it in half and left out the bacon for one to make vegetarian and used the pepper jelly from Trader Joes. Will definitely make again!