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Sweet Heat Cheese Dip

Featured in Delicious Appetizers.

A creamy two-cheese dip gets topped with warm pepper jelly for an irresistible blend of sweet heat. Quick to make and perfect for parties.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:29:37 GMT
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A piece of bread is being lifted from a dish of gooey, melted cheesy pasta topped with a golden brown crust and sesame seeds. Pin it
A piece of bread is being lifted from a dish of gooey, melted cheesy pasta topped with a golden brown crust and sesame seeds. | recipesim.com

My Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip brings pure magic to any gathering. The combination of creamy cheese topped with sweet spicy pepper jelly creates something utterly irresistible. I discovered this recipe years ago and it's become my most requested party dish. Quick to make yet impressive to serve it never fails to make everyone smile.

Sweet Spicy Love

Something wonderful happens when smooth cheese meets that bright pepper jelly. The flavors dance together creating pure joy in every bite. I love watching guests' faces light up when they taste that unexpected combination. Perfect for fancy parties casual get togethers or just because we need something special.

A close-up of a creamy, golden-brown dish topped with sesame seeds and herbs, with melted cheese stretching from a piece being lifted. Pin it
A close-up of a creamy, golden-brown dish topped with sesame seeds and herbs, with melted cheese stretching from a piece being lifted. | recipesim.com

From My Kitchen to Yours

  • Real Cream Cheese: 8 ounces softened just right ready for mixing.
  • Sharp Cheddar: 1 cup freshly grated never pre shredded.
  • Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon adds perfect savory notes.
  • Sweet Onion Flakes: ½ teaspoon brings texture magic.
  • Sea Salt: Just a pinch makes everything sing.
  • Pepper Jelly: ½ cup warmed until it flows like silk.

Creating Dip Dreams

Warm Welcome
Get oven cozy at 350°F while we create magic.
Cheese Love
Mix those creamy cheeses spices together watch them become cloud soft.
Golden Time
Spread everything smooth bake until bubbly edges turn golden.
Jelly Magic
Warm that beautiful jelly until it flows like honey.
Final Beauty
Pour jelly gentle over hot cheese swirl into pretty patterns serve while warm.

Perfect Partners

This dip loves company. Buttery crackers bring crunch baguette slices soak up flavor fresh vegetables add garden freshness. Sometimes I arrange everything in circles around the dip makes such pretty presentation.

Kitchen Wisdom

Always let cream cheese warm up makes mixing dreams come true. Start with less jelly add more until perfect balance happens. Fresh herbs sprinkled on top bring color life make everything prettier.

Keeping Dip Happy

Tuck leftover dip away in fridge stays lovely three days. Warm it gentle when ready to serve again stirring slow keeps everything creamy perfect. Though honestly leftovers rarely happen in my house.

A close-up of a bubbling, golden-brown cheesy dish topped with sesame seeds, with gooey cheese stretching as a portion is lifted. Pin it
A close-up of a bubbling, golden-brown cheesy dish topped with sesame seeds, with gooey cheese stretching as a portion is lifted. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of pepper jelly works best?

Red or green pepper jelly both work well. Choose mild or hot based on your spice preference. The color creates a nice presentation.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Mix cheese base up to 2 days ahead and store covered in fridge. Bake and add warm jelly just before serving.

→ Why isn't my jelly melting smoothly?

Heat in short bursts and stir between each. Overheating can make jelly too runny or cause sugar to crystallize.

→ What's best for dipping?

Sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices or thick tortilla chips work great. The dip is thick when warm.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm gently in microwave or oven until just heated through. The jelly may thin out when reheated.

Conclusion

A delightful appetizer that combines creamy cheeses with the sweet and spicy kick of pepper jelly. Perfect for gatherings and quick to prepare.

Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

Warm cheese dip combines cream cheese and cheddar topped with melted pepper jelly for the perfect sweet and spicy blend.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Delicious Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (2 cups dip)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 8 ounces softened cream cheese.
02 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar.
03 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
04 1 teaspoon onion flakes.
05 1/2 teaspoon salt.
06 7 ounces pepper jelly.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Combine cream cheese, cheddar and seasonings until well mixed.

Step 03

Spread in baking dish and cook 15 minutes until bubbly.

Step 04

Microwave pepper jelly in 30-second bursts until smooth.

Step 05

Pour melted jelly over hot cheese dip.

Step 06

Enjoy immediately with crackers or bread.

Notes

  1. Optional to add bacon or jalapeños.
  2. Serve while warm.
  3. Perfect for parties.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven-safe baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, cheddar).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 6 g