The Legendary Cream Cheese Dip I Bring to Every Holiday Party (It's That Good)
When it comes to parties, I’m all about the dips. Whether it’s a classic spinach artichoke dip with pita chips or a sweet strawberry cheesecake dip with graham crackers, it’s the first thing I go for (it’s honestly my favorite part of the meal!). But my favorite dip ever is also the easiest: two-ingredient pepper jelly cream cheese dip. It’s simply a block of cream cheese with sweet and spicy pepper jelly poured on top, served with Ritz crackers (yes, that’s pretty much it!). You can bring it to any party, any time of the year, and know that it will be gone within minutes.
Here, I’ve turned my favorite appetizer into a cheesy, baked dip with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and scallions. The sweet and savory combo is irresistible, and it’s perfect for holiday parties!
Why You’ll Love It
It’s ultra cheesy. It’s got all the flavors of the classic pepper jelly cream cheese appetizer, but with a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese baked right in.
A party favorite. Pull this dip out of the oven and watch it disappear! Make sure to have plenty of Ritz crackers for dipping.
Key Ingredients in Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
Bacon: I used thick-cut bacon here, but feel free to use regular bacon if that’s what you have on hand.
Cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese in the microwave to make it easier to stir.
Cheddar cheese: I love the flavor of sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use mild cheddar cheese if you prefer.
Scallions: Thinly sliced scallions are mixed into the dip and sprinkled on top for garnish.
Pepper jelly: You can use sweet and tangy red pepper jelly or hot pepper jelly for some heat. Hot pepper jelly is typically a combination of red and jalapeño peppers.
How to Make Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon in a skillet until browned and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Combine the ingredients. Stir the softened cream cheese, bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and scallions together until evenly combined. Transfer baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Bake. You want the dip heated through and bubbling around the edges.
Top with pepper jelly and serve. Microwave the pepper jelly until slightly melted, then pour over the dip and spread into an even layer. Garnish with more thinly sliced scallions and serve warm with Ritz crackers.
Helpful Swaps
Vegetarian: Omit the bacon to keep it vegetarian. You could also swap it with chopped smoked almonds for a bit of smokiness and some crunch.
Pepper jelly: There are many variations of pepper jellies that you can use here. Try different flavors, such as peach pepper jelly, raspberry pepper jelly, or pineapple jalapeño jelly.
What to Serve with Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This five-ingredient dip is the ultimate party appetizer.
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 35 minutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
8 ounces thick-cut bacon (about 6 slices), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 pound cream cheese
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
1 cup pepper jelly
Ritz or buttery round crackers, for serving
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 375℉. Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces chopped thick-cut bacon in a medium skillet on medium heat until browned and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a double layer of paper towels.
Cut 1 pound cream cheese into 16 pieces and place in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals until softened and easy to stir, about 45 seconds total. (Alternatively, use room temperature cream cheese.)
Stir in the bacon, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 2 thinly sliced medium scallions until evenly combined. Transfer to an 8-inch square or other 2-quart baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Bake until the dip is heated through and bubbling around the edges, 20 to 25 minutes.
Microwave 1 cup pepper jelly in a small microwave-safe bowl until slightly melted and pourable, 25 to 30 seconds. Pour over the dip and spread into an even layer. Garnish with more thinly sliced scallions if desired and serve warm with Ritz crackers.
Recipe Notes
Make ahead: Prepare the dip as directed through step 3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake covered at 375°F until heated through and bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes, then top with the pepper jelly before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Further Reading
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