Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

This Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip isn’t just a tasty dip; it’s a holiday appetizer superstar! Whether you’re hosting a crowd for Christmas or having a casual game night, this easy dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

This Southern classic just got even better! Have you ever seen the cream cheese appetizer where pepper jelly is poured on top of a block of cream cheese? This is the same idea except kicked up a notch and SO MUCH BETTER, in my opinion!

Whipping the cream cheese with sea salt and garlic powder makes it perfectly scoop-able for your crackers and just frankly, easier to eat than the block-style version.

CREAM CHEESE: You can use regular cream cheese or low-fat, either variety will work! Be sure to set it out on the counter so it softens but if you forget (like me!) just pop in the microwave for about 15 seconds. If you want to put a twist on it, you can use half goat cheese and half cream cheese.

GARLIC POWDER & SEA SALT: Don’t skip the seasoning! They give the cream cheese that extra oomph of tasty flavor!

SHREDDED CHEESE: This recipe is no fuss, so grab whatever cheese you prefer. I used a shredded Swiss and gruyere blend, but a shredded cheddar cheese or even a shredded pepper jack cheese would be delish too! If you have time to shred your own cheese, do it! If you’re short on time, bagged shredded cheese will work in a pinch!

PEPPER JELLY: Use what you can find in store. That can be a spicy red pepper jelly or a green pepper jelly. Oftentimes, a jalapeno pepper jelly is green. You could even combine both! Any kind will do! I picked up Stonewall Kitchen’s variety at my local grocery store so that’s what I used this time!

I’m not a huge fan of super spicy dishes, but this one has just a little bit of heat! The cream cheese mellows out the hot pepper jelly!

How to Make Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

This dip is super simple. Just let your cream cheese soften and place both 8 ounce blocks in the bowl of your stand mixer (or in a mixing bowl if using a hand mixer).

Whip it for 1-2 minutes or until fluffy. Add in garlic powder and sea salt. Beat again for 1 minute. Add in shredded cheese of choice and stir together until combined. This is the super easy base for this pepper jelly cheese dip. Spread it in your serving dish.

Spread on the pepper jelly evenly over the cream cheese layer. You can add more or less depending on your preference.

I like to garnish the top of my dip with diced chives (or green onions) and rosemary, but a few other tasty additions include chopped bacon, chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds for a crunch!

This is such a quick appetizer, no need to even turn on the oven! That’s why I love it during the holidays because the oven is working overtime for all the other dishes for the festivities. This easy appetizer uses simple ingredients and it’s ready in minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Crackers (Ritz or Club Crackers)
• Pita Chips
• Toast Points
• Celery Sticks
• Carrot Sticks
• Tortilla Chips
• Wheat Thins
• Naan Dippers

If you’re setting up a large charcuterie board spread, add this pepper jelly cream cheese dip too! It’s tasty with all sorts of dippers!

Can you make this dip ahead of time?

YES! That’s what makes this easy pepper jelly cheese dip even more of a winner. You can make it in advance of your party and store it in the refrigerator (for up to 1 day) and serve when ready to eat! The cream cheese will soften again when you set it out, so if I’ve made it in advance, I like to pull it out 20 minutes or so before digging in!

Serve up this sweet and spicy pepper jelly cream cheese dip at your next party! It’s an easy holiday appetizer for Christmas-time because it’s red and green!

However you serve it, I hope you love it as much as my family! It’s one of my favorite appetizers.

More Easy Dip Recipes

• Whipped Feta
• BEST Crab Dip (so delish)
• 3-Ingredient Onion Dip
• Caprese Dip