Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip – This Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is honestly one of those recipes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s got everything—creamy cheese, crunchy crackers, smoky bacon, and that sweet-and-spicy pepper jelly drizzle that ties it all together. Perfect for any gathering, it’s the kind of dip that has everyone asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first bite!
The first time I tried this dip was a total experiment. I had some friends coming over, and I wanted to make something a little different. I threw it together with what I had on hand, thinking, “Well, let’s see if this works!” The smell alone had my husband peeking into the kitchen, asking when it would be ready. When I finally pulled it out of the oven, we barely made it to the table before everyone was digging in. My husband and kid were hooked from the first bite, and every time I make it now, they get just as excited as the first time. It’s become a bit of a tradition for our family get-togethers and cozy evenings with friends.
What makes this Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip truly special?
This dip has a little bit of everything! The rich creaminess of the cheeses, the crunch of the Ritz crackers, that smoky, salty bacon, and then—just when you think it can’t get any better—that sweet and spicy kick from the pepper jelly. It’s the kind of flavor combo that surprises you and keeps you coming back for more. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make but feels like such a treat. Whether you’re hosting or just want to treat your family, this dip is guaranteed to make you a hero in the kitchen!
What You Need To Make This Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe?
Cream Cheese: This is the foundation of our dip, giving it that thick, creamy texture that everyone loves. Make sure it’s softened so it’s easy to mix. Straight out of the fridge, it can be tough to work with!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This brings that extra sharp, cheesy punch that pairs so well with the cream cheese. Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully and has a richer taste, but any good sharp cheddar will do the trick.
Green Onions: These add a mild, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Plus, they give a little pop of color in the dip. Just slice them thin, and you’re good to go.
Ritz Crackers: These buttery, flaky crumbs make the perfect crunchy topping. They hold up well and add that satisfying crunch to balance out the creamy cheese layers below.
Bacon: Who doesn’t love a bit of bacon? The smoky, savory flavor adds depth to the dip and pairs perfectly with the pepper jelly. Just make sure it’s nice and crispy before chopping it up!
Pepper Jelly: This is the game-changer! The sweet and spicy kick from the pepper jelly takes this dip to another level. It’s the perfect contrast to the cheese and crackers, making each bite so much more interesting.
Steps To Make Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip:
Let’s get this party started! Preheat your oven to 350°F, and grab that pie dish because this is where the magic will happen.
Get cheesy! In the dish, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and green onions. Spread it out nice and even across the bottom—don’t worry about perfection, just make sure it’s smooth and ready for the good stuff.
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Crunch time! Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the cheese mixture, covering it all up, and then layer on that crispy, smoky bacon. This is where things start to get exciting!
Bake it till you make it! Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden—basically, when it looks too good to resist.
Heat things up! While the dip is baking, warm up the pepper jelly in the microwave. Do it in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until it’s smooth and pourable.
Sweet and spicy finish! When the dip is done, carefully take it out of the oven and pour the warm pepper jelly over the top. Spread it gently so every bite has that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness.
Dive in! Serve it up warm with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies. It’s time to dig in—trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop!
Tip:
Here’s a little trick that really takes this Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip to the next level: give those crushed Ritz crackers a quick toast before you add them on top. Just spread them out on a baking sheet, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, and let them get golden and extra crispy. Trust me, it’s worth it! This way, when they bake on top of the dip, they stay perfectly crunchy and give a nice texture contrast to the creamy cheese layers below. And here’s a flavor boost—if you’re up for it, sprinkle a little garlic powder or smoked paprika into the crumbs before toasting. It’s a tiny step, but it adds that “wow” factor that’ll have everyone wondering what your secret is!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Definitely! You can put together the cheese base and toppings and then just refrigerate it until you’re ready. Hold off on the pepper jelly until it’s baked, though. When you’re ready to serve, just let it sit out for a few minutes, bake it up, and add that warm pepper jelly right before everyone digs in.
What else can I add to make it my own?
Oh, the possibilities! A few chopped jalapeños add a nice extra kick, and a sprinkle of green onions after baking gives a fresh touch. You could even throw in some crumbled sausage if you’re looking to add a little extra heartiness to each bite!
What should I serve this dip with?
This dip is delicious with so many things! Crackers are a classic, but it’s also fantastic with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or even fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and celery for a lighter, refreshing crunch.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened
- 2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions sliced
- 8 Ritz crackers crushed
- 8 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 1/2 c pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grab a pie dish and mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions. Spread it out evenly in the dish, pressing it down so you’ve got a nice, smooth layer.
- Now, sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers on top of the cheese, then add the chopped bacon—this is where things get deliciously crispy!
- Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes until everything is warm and bubbly.
- While it’s baking, heat up the pepper jelly in the microwave in 30-second bursts until it’s melted and smooth.
- When the dip’s ready, pour that warm pepper jelly over the top. Serve it with crackers, chips, or veggies—whatever you like for dipping!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
