Homemade Pepper Jelly Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Perfection

Pepper jelly enhances ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with its vibrant, tantalizing profile.

Sweet meets fiery in this remarkable spread that dances across taste buds with remarkable intensity.

Crafted from carefully selected peppers, this condiment blends sugary smoothness with a dynamic heat that tingles and delights.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate its remarkable versatility, capable of elevating everything from simple appetizers to complex main courses.

Homemade versions allow creative souls to experiment with different pepper combinations and sweetness levels.

Regional traditions inspire unique twists on this beloved culinary creation, making each batch a reflection of personal taste and local ingredients.

Prepare to revolutionize your culinary repertoire with a condiment that promises excitement in every spoonful.

Tips for the Best Pepper Jelly

• Select Vibrant Peppers: Choose a mix of red and green bell peppers for a colorful, eye-catching jelly with balanced sweetness and mild heat.
• Precise Pectin Measurement: Use exact pectin quantities to ensure your jelly sets perfectly without becoming too runny or too stiff.
• Sterilize Jars Properly: Clean glass jars thoroughly with boiling water to prevent bacterial growth and maintain the jelly's freshness.
• Check Jelly Consistency: Test the jelly's readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate – it should wrinkle when pushed with your finger.
• Smooth Serving Technique: Warm the pepper jelly slightly before serving to enhance its spreadability and bring out the deep, rich flavors.

How to Preserve Your Pepper Jelly for Later

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the pepper jelly and cheese dip separate until serving to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess. Reheat the cheese mixture in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until warm and bubbly. Warm the pepper jelly separately in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent potential foodborne illness.

Best Dishes to Serve with Pepper Jelly

• Pair with Crackers Galore: Crisp, buttery crackers provide the perfect crunch to complement the creamy, spicy cheese dip. Grab some wheat thins, water crackers, or rustic artisan crackers to scoop up this delightful appetizer.
• Wine Wonderland: A chilled glass of off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer balances the heat of the pepper jelly beautifully. The slightly sweet wine cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds a refreshing twist to each bite.
• Bread Basket Bliss: Warm, toasted baguette slices or crusty sourdough bread make an excellent vehicle for this cheesy, spicy spread. Slice the bread thin and watch guests devour this mouthwatering combination.
• Fresh Veggie Companions: Crisp cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, and celery sticks offer a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, melted cheese dip. These fresh vegetables provide a light, healthy option for dipping and add vibrant color to your appetizer spread.

Fun Variations of Pepper Jelly

• Jalapeño Fusion: Roast fresh jalapeños and mix their smoky flavor directly into the cream cheese base for an intense pepper kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace onion flakes with dried oregano, thyme, and crumbled feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired version of the dip.
• Smoky Chipotle Blend: Incorporate chipotle powder and substitute some cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a deep, spicy southwestern profile.
• Caramelized Onion Upgrade: Sauté diced onions until golden brown and fold them into the cheese mixture before baking, adding rich depth and sweetness.

Pepper Jelly: A Sweet and Spicy Treat

• Savor Spicy-Sweet Harmony: Pepper jelly adds a delightful kick of sweet heat that perfectly balances the rich, creamy cheese base, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe requires minimal prep time and basic kitchen skills, making it an impressive appetizer that looks and tastes gourmet without complicated techniques.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Party Magic: Ideal for gatherings, game nights, and potlucks, this cheesy dip delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, guaranteed to make you the star of any social event.
• Indulge in Comforting Texture Contrast: The smooth, melted cheese provides a luxurious backdrop to the glossy, vibrant pepper jelly, offering a satisfying combination of creamy and silky textures that dance on your palate.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Pepper Jelly

Main Ingredients:

• Cream Cheese: Soft and creamy base that provides a smooth texture and rich flavor for the dip.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth and a classic tangy cheese taste.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the cheese mixture.
• Onion Flakes: Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor and additional texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheese mixture.

• Pepper Jelly: Sweet and spicy condiment that creates a vibrant, colorful topping with a zesty kick.

How to Make the Perfect Pepper Jelly

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F, creating the perfect warm environment for this cheesy delight.

Step 2: Create Cheese Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion flakes
• Salt

Blend all ingredients until well mixed and smooth.

Step 3: Spread the Mixture

Transfer the cheese blend into an oven-safe dish or pie pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Bake the Cheese Dip

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Look for the cheese to become bubbly and hot, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Melt the Pepper Jelly

While the cheese dip bakes, prepare the pepper jelly by microwaving it in a safe container. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the jelly becomes completely melted and smooth.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the cheese dip is done, remove it from the oven. Carefully pour the melted pepper jelly over the top, ensuring an even distribution across the surface. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich, spicy-sweet combination.

Pepper Jelly Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy pepper jelly brings zesty Southern charm to your table with its sweet-hot balance. Crimson-hued preserves shine alongside crackers, cheese, and countless appetizers, promising delightful flavor explosions you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 7 ounces (198 grams) pepper jelly
• 4 ounces (113 grams) sharp cheddar, shredded

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon onion flakes
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, finely shredded cheddar cheese, granulated garlic powder, dried onion flakes, and kosher salt, blending thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Transfer the creamy cheese mixture into a ceramic or glass oven-safe dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
4. Place the prepared dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, watching for the edges to become golden and the cheese to melt completely and develop a bubbly texture.
5. While the cheese dip is baking, prepare the pepper jelly by placing it in a microwave-safe container and heating in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure smooth and even melting.
6. Once the cheese dip is hot and bubbling, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts and immediately drizzle the melted pepper jelly over the surface, using a spoon or spatula to distribute it evenly across the top.
7. Allow the dip to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burning and to let the flavors meld together.

Notes

• Elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible pepper jelly cheese dip that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
• Microwave tip ensures the pepper jelly melts smoothly without burning, creating a glossy, spreadable topping.
• Choose full-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar for maximum richness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion flakes add subtle background notes that complement the sweet-spicy pepper jelly.
• Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and most impressive presentation, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 44g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 100mg