Spice Up Your Party: Zesty Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this pepper jelly cheese dip delivers a mouthwatering appetizer that sparks conversation at any gathering.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this simple yet irresistible blend of sharp cream cheese and zesty pepper jelly.

The combination creates a perfect balance of heat and smooth richness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Soft cheese provides a luxurious base while the vibrant pepper jelly adds a sweet and spicy kick that dances across your palate.

Served with crisp crackers or warm bread, this dip transforms ordinary snack time into a delightful culinary experience.

Guests will be asking for the recipe before the first bite is finished.

Bring this crowd-pleasing appetizer to your next potluck and watch it disappear in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 7

Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Ingredient

• Cream Cheese: Creamy foundation that provides rich, smooth texture and tangy flavor backdrop for the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds luxurious thickness and subtle tanginess, enhancing overall creaminess of the mixture.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, bold cheese that melts beautifully and delivers robust, classic cheese taste.
• Green Onions: Fresh, zesty herb that introduces bright, crisp notes and aromatic complexity to the dip.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated savory seasoning that infuses deep, warm undertones throughout the cheese blend.
• Salt: Essential mineral that amplifies and balances all other flavor profiles in the recipe.

• Pepper Jelly: Vibrant condiment bringing sweet-spicy contrast with gorgeous ruby-like color and exciting flavor punch.

Tools for Quick Pepper Cheese Dip Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Air fryer safe container: Essential for cooking the cheese dip in the air fryer.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading melted pepper jelly evenly.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spoon: Handy for melting and pouring pepper jelly.
• Knife: Optional for any additional prep work.

How to Mix Up a Bold Cheese Dip

• Cheese Dip Preparation

Combine cream cheese and other selected ingredients in an air fryer-safe dish, ensuring smooth blending.

• Air Fryer Heating

Set the air fryer temperature to 325°F and carefully place the prepared cheese mixture inside.

• Cooking Duration

Allow the cheese dip to cook for approximately 12 minutes, watching for a hot and bubbly consistency.

• Pepper Jelly Topping

Gently warm the pepper jelly in a separate container until it reaches a smooth, pourable state.

• Final Touch

Remove the hot cheese dip from the air fryer and elegantly drizzle the melted pepper jelly across the surface, creating an appetizing presentation.

Ways to Spice Up Your Cheese Dip

• Swap different types of pepper jelly to adjust spiciness, from mild sweet red pepper jelly to fiery habanero versions for adventurous palates.
• Serve this dip as a warm appetizer with crispy tortilla chips, crusty bread slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for varied textures and dipping experiences.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or smoked gouda to create unique flavor profiles and add depth to the dip.
• Garnish the finished dip with chopped fresh herbs like chives or cilantro, or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for added crunch and visual appeal before serving.

Dipping & Serving Suggestions for Parties

• Pair with Crispy Crackers: Surround the warm, gooey pepper jelly cheese dip with an array of crisp crackers like buttery butter crackers, hearty wheat thins, or delicate water crackers for perfect dipping.
• Fresh Veggie Platter Companion: Arrange colorful, crunchy vegetable sticks such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber around the dip to add a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich, spicy cheese.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this dip during sports gatherings or movie nights, placing it centrally on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks for easy sharing and a casual, inviting presentation.
• Appetizer Elegance: Garnish the dip with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and subtle herb flavor, elevating its visual appeal and adding a touch of sophistication to your appetizer spread.

Saving Your Cheese Dip for the Next Snack Attack

• Keep Chilled: Store the pepper jelly cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cold temperature helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the dip tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for 2-3 weeks, perfect for make-ahead party preparations or quick snack emergencies.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the dip gently in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent separation. Alternatively, use the air fryer at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its original warm, gooey consistency.
• Serve Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, consume the dip within 24 hours of preparation. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance its creamy richness.

Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy pepper jelly cheese dip blends tangy cream cheese with sweet-spicy jalapeño jelly. Guests will devour this simple party appetizer with crackers or fresh vegetables for instant entertaining success.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 7 oz (198 g) pepper jelly
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz (113 g) sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 tsp onion flakes
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Select an air fryer-safe container that nestles comfortably within the basket without contact, ensuring optimal heat circulation for the creamy cheese dip.
2. Loading and Setting: Gently transfer the cheese mixture into the container, creating a smooth, even surface, then configure the air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for precise heating.
3. Cooking Process: Carefully position the container inside the air fryer basket, allowing the dip to cook for approximately 12 minutes until it reaches a luxuriously smooth and thoroughly heated consistency.
4. Jelly Preparation: Simultaneously, warm the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe dish or small saucepan, transforming it into a silky, pourable condiment that will elegantly complement the cheese base.
5. Finishing Touch: Once the cooking cycle completes, extract the dip using heat-resistant mitts, then immediately cascade the warmed pepper jelly across the surface, using a spatula to distribute it evenly.
6. Resting and Serving: Let the dip rest for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pepper jelly to harmonize with the molten cheese, creating a tantalizing appetizer ready to be enjoyed with crackers or bread.

Notes

• Prepare Container Carefully: Choose an air fryer-safe dish that fits perfectly without touching basket sides to prevent uneven heating and potential damage.
• Monitor Cheese Consistency: Watch the dip closely during cooking to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without burning or overcooking.
• Warm Pepper Jelly Gently: Heat jelly just until liquefied for easy spreading, avoiding overheating that could alter its flavor or texture.
• Rest and Blend Flavors: Let the dip sit briefly after adding pepper jelly to allow the flavors to meld and create a harmonious taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg