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Effortless Pepper Jelly Cheese

Featured in: Spreads & Flavorings

First, blend up the cheeses with a few spices. Slide it into the oven till you see golden bubbles. When it's out, pile on that sweet pepper jelly—it melts right in. Hot, cheesy, sweet, and a little spicy—everyone digs in fast.

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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 17:39:53 GMT
Creamy dip close-up with shiny red jelly and mustard seeds on top. Pin it
Creamy dip close-up with shiny red jelly and mustard seeds on top. | twistytaste.com

Creamy cheese teams up with sweet-sassy pepper jelly for a show-stopping dip everyone will devour. It's a total crowd-pleaser, quick enough for last-minute plans, and loaded with bold flavors in every scoop.

Easy Item List

Grab these for a super tasty dip:

Flavored Finish:
Salt for that perfect kick
Sweet Kick:
Your choice of pepper jelly brings zing
Tasty Boost:
Onion flakes and garlic powder, simple but big flavor
Rich Twist:
Sharp cheddar cheese brings tang
Main Creaminess:
Soft cream cheese spreads out so silky

Crafting This Dip

First, toss your cheeses with spices and blend till it’s silky smooth. Spread it out in your baking dish. Bake it at medium temp until bubbly. Heat that pepper jelly till it’s easy to pour. Pour it on top of your dip and dig in while it’s hot.

Fast Air Fryer Way

Air fryer fans, you’re covered. Layer everything in a safe dish, cook at medium so it’s melty, then pour on your warmed pepper jelly. It’s speedy and turns out fantastic.

Stay Tasty

Stash leftovers in the fridge, covered tight. Reheat in the oven or microwave whenever you want seconds. Don’t bother freezing—it’ll mess with the smooth bite.

A creamy bowl loaded with cheesy grits and fruity jelly, herby garnish, and crackers on the side. Pin it
A creamy bowl loaded with cheesy grits and fruity jelly, herby garnish, and crackers on the side. | twistytaste.com

Amazing Pairings

Dunk with crunchy chips, fresh veggies, toasted baguette, or crackers—anything goes! Set out a bunch ’cause people won’t stop grabbing for more.

Make It Totally You

Swap in goat cheese for extra tang if you’re feeling it. Want more spice? Use pepper jack or a shake of cayenne. Craving sweeter? Spoon on pineapple or cranberry jelly. Bacon bits on top? Go for it—they’re awesome.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which pepper jelly works best?

Bottle stuff is just fine—spicy or mild, it’s your call. Got some homemade? Use about a cup and don’t stress about the pepper type.

→ Is it okay to prep this early?

Totally. Prepare the cheese mixture, stash in the fridge, then bake and top with jelly when you want to serve. The warm jelly on hot cheese is where the magic’s at.

→ What goes well for dipping?

Scoop with crackers, crunchy veggies, or even slices of baguette. Just grab something that can grab that gooey, cheesy goodness without falling apart.

→ Can I use a slow cooker?

Best with oven or air fryer for that bubbly layer. Slow cookers turn cheese kinda mushy and don't give you that great texture.

→ Will it be super spicy?

Depends on the pepper jelly you pick. Keep it mild for just a touch of heat or crank it up with a hotter jar—up to you!

Effortless Pepper Jelly Cheese

Melty cheese covered in spicy-sweet pepper jelly. You’ll love that smooth, creamy bite with a little kick.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 7 oz of pepper jelly.
02 4 oz of sharp cheddar, grated.
03 8 oz of softened cream cheese.
04 1 tsp of dried onion flakes.
05 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.
06 1/2 tsp of salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and let it preheat.

Step 02

Mix the softened cream cheese and cheddar together. Stir in all seasonings. Spread this mixture evenly in your baking dish.

Step 03

Bake it for 15 minutes or until it's gooey and warm.

Step 04

Heat the jelly in the microwave in 30-second rounds. Stir every time until it's smooth.

Step 05

Drizzle the heated jelly over the cheesy mix. Spread it out so it’s even.

Step 06

Air fry at 325°F for about 12 minutes. Spread the warmed jelly on top as usual.

Notes

  1. You can use about 1 cup of jelly, depending on your taste. It’s best served warm. Works well with bread or crackers, and you can pick any spice level of pepper jelly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Shallow baking dish.
  • A bowl for mixing.
  • Microwave-safe container.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar, cream cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 143
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 6 g