Description
Whip up the easiest pepper jelly cheese dip for your next gathering! Creamy, sweet, and spicy, this simple appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 8 oz (226g) block full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120g) red pepper jelly (or your favorite flavor)
- 1 cup (113g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Garnish & Toppings:
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Serving & Dippers:
- Crackers, pretzel crisps, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Dish: Get that oven ready, hon. I usually set mine to 350°F (175°C) right when I walk into the kitchen, because I *always* forget otherwise. Seriously, how many times have I prepped everything only to realize the oven’s still cold? Too many to count! Grab a small oven-safe dish, like a pie plate or a cute little gratin dish. This Easiest Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip comes together fast!
- Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese: This is key for a smooth dip. Let your cream cheese sit out on the counter for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re like me and always forget, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds works wonders – just don’t overdo it, or you’ll have a melted puddle, not softened blocks! It should feel pliable, not hard like a rock.
- Step 3: Layer the Easiest Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Base: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly at the bottom of your dish. I usually use a small offset spatula for this, but the back of a spoon works just fine. It doesn’t have to be perfect; we’re going for rustic charm here, not a culinary masterpiece. Don’t fuss too much, it’s all going to melt together anyway!
- Step 4: Add the Pepper Jelly: Spoon the pepper jelly right over the cream cheese layer. Don’t stir it in just yet, we want those distinct layers. The vibrant red of the jelly just looks so inviting against the white cream cheese, doesn’t it? I sometimes get a little messy here, jelly everywhere, but that’s part of the fun! It’s the sweet and spicy heart of this dip.
- Step 5: Top with Cheese & Seasoning: Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese generously over the pepper jelly. Then, a light dusting of garlic powder. This is where I always give it a little extra love, because more cheese, more flavor, right? I usually eyeball it, but a good pinch or two works. You want a nice, even layer that will melt into a golden crust.
- Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly: Pop your dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly around the edges. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point? Oh, it’s pure magic. You’ll know it’s ready when you see those little golden spots and hear it gently sizzling.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve Your Easiest Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a minute or two – it’ll be screaming hot! Sprinkle those chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this warm, gooey Easiest Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip with your favorite crackers or dippers. Honestly, it disappears so fast!