Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

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My pepper jelly cream cheese dip is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, with a hint of heat. A creamy mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheese, crunchy pecans, and pepper jelly that come together for an irresistible appetizer that friends and family are sure to enjoy.

Baking dish with pepper jelly cream cheese dip.

This pepper jelly cream cheese dip is packed full of amazing flavor and texture. It’s one of those dips that always has people asking for the recipe.

I love making dip all year round but this easy appetizer is one I especially love making during the holiday season. The beautiful red jelly and green onions give the dip a festive look, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Even though it takes just minutes to prepare, it looks and tastes like something special.

There are several different versions of this pepper jelly dip, but I especially love this no bake version. No need for the oven, you can even make this dip ahead of time.

It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, savory, and a little hint of spicy, a must try!

Want more dips, be sure to try this Boursin dip, Greek layer dip, and pepperoni dip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy dip to make. You can prepare pepper jelly dip this in minutes.
  • Great combination of flavors. Savory, sweet, and a hint of spicy come together to make a delicious dip.
  • Can be customized. Make this your own with a few ingredient variations.

Pepper Jelly Dip Ingredients

Make this pepper jelly dip recipe with simple ingredients.

Bowl of white cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, chopped pecans, seasonings, cream cheese, and jar of pepper jelly.
  • Pepper jelly: Pepper jelly is the star of this dip. It adds great sweet and spicy flavor.
  • Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the base of the dip.
  • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a little extra creaminess to the dip and also helps to give it a spreadable texture.
  • Garlic powder: A little garlic powder adds flavor to the cream cheese.
  • Green onions: Diced green onions add mild onion flavor and beautiful green color.
  • Shredded cheese: I recommend using shredded white cheddar cheese because it pairs perfectly with the pepper jelly.
  • Pecans: Chopped pecans add a little crunch to the dip. You can leave these out if you like.

How To Make Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

Step one: Place the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Whip the cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy.

Step two: Stir in the shredded cheese, diced green onions, and chopped pecans.

Bowl with whipped cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, and chopped pecans.
Bowl with whipped cream cheese mixture and spatula.

Step three: Spread the mixture in a serving dish. Spread the pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Pie dish with cream cheese mixture.
Pie dish with pepper jelly dip.

Step four: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Heather’s Recipe Tips

Cream cheese pepper jelly dip is so simple to put together but here are a few quick tips to help it turn out perfect every time.

  • Soften the cream cheese. Softening the cream cheese to room temperature to help make the cream cheese mixture easy to mix and scoop.
  • Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded cheese will give this dip the best flavor.
  • Use your favorite pepper jelly. Pepper jelly can range in spiciness level. If serving a large crowd, I recommend using a mild pepper jelly.

How To Serve Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Dip

Use a sturdy scoop to serve alongside this dip. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Crackers: Club crackers, Ritz crackers, Wheat Thins, and more.
  • Chips: Sturdy potato chips, tortilla chips, or corn chips.
  • Bread: Slices of mini toast or bread sticks.
  • Vegetables: Serve this with your favorite vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, celery, and more.

Variations

Make this pepper jelly cheese dip your own with a few substitutions.

  • Cheese: Substitute the shredded cheddar with different cheese like mozzarella, colby jack, monterey jack, or even pepper jack cheese.
  • Bacon: Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon with the cream cheese mixture for added savory flavor.
  • Nuts: You can leave the pecans out or substitute with chopped walnuts.
  • Warm: This cream cheese dip can be served warm. Prepare the dip in an oven safe dish. Warm it in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Hand holding a cracker with pepper jelly dip.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover dip covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend leaving the dip out at room temperature 10-15 minute before serving again so that the cream cheese softens.

You can also make this dip ahead of time. I do recommend leaving it out at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to help soften the cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the pepper jelly?

Yes, you can substitute the pepper jelly with raspberry preserves, fig jan, or even cranberry sauce.

Is this dip spicy?

This will depend on the pepper jelly you use. I like using Stonewall Kitchen Red Pepper Jelly. It is very mild and more on the sweet side.

Can I leave out the mayonnaise?

Yes, you can leave out the mayonnaise. You could substitute with sour cream or just leave it out all together.

More Easy Dip Recipes

 
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Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

Pepper jelly cream cheese dip is a savory, sweet, spicy appetizer that can be made in minutes. Great party appetizer.
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup green onions
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup pepper jelly

Instructions 

  • Place the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until creamy.
  • Stir in the shredded cheese, green onions, and chopped pecans with the cream cheese mixture.
  • Spread the cream cheese mixture in a 8 x 8 serving dish or pie plate.
  • Spread the pepper jelly over the cream cheese mixture.
  • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

  • Soften the cream cheese. Softening the cream cheese to room temperature to help make the cream cheese mixture easy to mix and scoop.
  • Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded cheese will give this dip the best flavor.
  • Use your favorite pepper jelly. Pepper jelly can range in spiciness level. If serving a large crowd, I recommend using a mild pepper jelly.

Nutrition

Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 408mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 790IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
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