Description
A creamy, savory cheese dip topped with sweet and spicy pepper jelly that creates the perfect balance of flavors. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is quick to prepare and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120g) pepper jelly
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning, creating that ideal creamy texture for the dip.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to ensure all ingredients blend together evenly without lumps.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a small oven-safe baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even surface for the pepper jelly later.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to turn golden and the center is completely melted.
- Add Pepper Jelly: While the dip is baking, gently warm the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl for about 15-20 seconds to make it easier to spread. Once the dip is done baking, carefully spread the warmed pepper jelly over the top of the hot cheese mixture, creating a beautiful translucent layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives over the top for garnish. The bright green color adds visual appeal and a mild onion flavor that complements the rich dip. Serve warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
- You can prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For extra heat, use hot pepper jelly or mix in diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- This dip reheats well in the microwave or oven if you have leftovers.
- Red pepper jelly creates a festive look for holiday gatherings, while green pepper jelly works great for spring events.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg