Make this simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring a warm, creamy base topped with sweet and spicy pepper jelly. It is ready fast and perfect for parties or game days.
Author:Avery
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or jalapeno)
Crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a small oven-safe dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully blended and smooth.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Spoon the pepper jelly over the top of the cheese layer.
If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the jelly.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the edges are slightly bubbly.
Serve the warm pepper jelly cheese dip immediately with your choice of dippers.
Notes
For a quicker, no-bake version, simply mix the cream cheese and cheddar, shape it into a block or mound on a serving plate, and top with the pepper jelly and nuts. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Use jalapeno jelly for more heat or red pepper jelly for a sweeter flavor.
Bacon bits make a good addition if you want a savory element.