Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip: Baked Hot Dip With Cream Cheese

Let me tell you, this Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip With Bacon is an absolute showstopper! It’s the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and savory, and every time I make it, my friends and family rave about it. Seriously, if you want an appetizer that everyone will be talking about, this is it!

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I’ve whipped up this delicious dip more times than I can count—it’s become a staple at my gatherings and potlucks.

Whether I’m hosting a cozy movie night or celebrating a big event, this dip never fails to impress.

For those who love cheesy goodness, you might also want to check out my Fiesta Spinach Dip or Buffalo Chicken Dip.

They’re equally delicious and crowd-pleasing!

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also combines a wonderful depth of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

The combination of the creamy cheese and the zesty kick from the pepper jelly creates a heavenly experience that pairs perfectly with the crispy, crunchy bacon.

Honestly, every bite is like a flavor explosion, and there’s something so satisfying about preparing a dish that everyone enjoys.

I used a milder green jalapeno jelly from Fischer and Wieser that I found at Wal-mart, but you can use a hotter variety if you prefer to bring the heat to the party.

Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this dip sing, here’s what you’ll need:

• Cream Cheese: This forms the luscious, creamy base of the dip. You can substitute it with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option.
• Mayonnaise: Adds a tangy creaminess; I like to use a good quality mayo! Greek yogurt can work as a healthier alternative, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
• Cheddar Cheese: The more, the merrier! I recommend using sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Gouda for a twist.
• Green Onions: They add a fresh crunch and color. If you can’t find them, chives are a great substitute.
• Ritz Crackers: These lend a buttery crunch on top. Feel free to swap these for any crackers you enjoy or even toasted breadcrumbs.
• Bacon: Because everything’s better with bacon! If you want a vegetarian option, simply leave the bacon out—or use smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
• Pepper Jelly: This is the star of the show! You can switch

How to Make This Recipe

Now, let’s get into making this delicious dip!

Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9-inch pie pan or a 9×9-inch casserole dish.
2. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Fold in the massive heaps of shredded cheese and those lovely green onions.
4. Spread that cheesy goodness into your prepared dish and top it off with crushed Ritz crackers.
5. Bake for 15 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly, then sprinkle on the crispy, crumbled bacon.
6. Microwave the pepper jelly for about 45 seconds until liquid, then pour it all over the dip.

🔑 Key to Success #1 – Let the Cream Cheese Soften

The key to getting that smooth and creamy dip layer is to allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before you make the dip.

It’s best if you can let it sit out on the countertop for an hour or two.

But if you’re pressed for time, you can put it in the microwave uncovered in a microwave-safe bowl on low power or defrost setting for about 30 seconds.

This should be enough to soften the cream cheese without melting it.

Next, use a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese and the mayonnaise.

And please use a good quality mayonnaise, like Hellman’s, not Miracle Whip.

I definitely think Miracle Whip has it’s place but it’s not in this Pepper Jelly Dip recipe.

Once the cream cheese and mayo is mixed together, use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the sliced green onions.

Using a spoon to stir in the cheese will allow you to keep plenty of longer shreds of cheese so that when you dig into this dip, you’ll get nice long strings of cheese.

Thick, stringy cheese brings joy, wouldn’t you say?

🔑 Key to Success #2 – Top with Crushed Crackers Then Bake

To bake this dip, you’ll want a 9-inch pie pan or a 9×9-inch casserole dish.

The size and shape of the casserole dish are not important, as long as it is around this general size.

I have several different colors of the Fiesta 9-inch Pie Plates and I love them for pies, but they are also fantastic for dips or nachos.

They look so pretty on the serving table.

Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the casserole dish then top it off with crushed Ritz crackers.

I put my crackers into a plastic zip-top baggie and crush them up with my hands.

Then I pour the crumbs out on top of the dip and spread it to the edges.

Bake the dip uncovered for about 15 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly.

🔑 Key to Success #3 – Add On Some Bacon and Pepper Jelly

While the dip is cooking, fry up some crispy bacon strips.

I cook my bacon in the Air Fryer.

It’s super easy and the popping grease doesn’t make a mess all over the stove.

Cook the bacon until it is crispy them remove it to a paper towel to drain the excess grease.

In a pinch, you can use bacon bits or the microwave bacon.

I prefer the nice chunks of real bacon in this recipe.

When the dip comes out of the oven, crumble up the bacon and sprinkle it over the top of the hot dip.

Next, remove the lid from the pepper jelly jar and microwave the jelly in the jar for about 45 seconds until it starts to melt and turn to liquid.

It does not have to be completely liquid, but you’ll want it to soften up a bit so that you can spread it over the dip.

Drizzle the pepper jelly over the top of the dip.

Or if it’s not liquid enough to drizzle, you can use a spoon to place dollops of the jelly over the top.

I used the whole 10-ounce jar of pepper jelly, but you can use less if you’d prefer.

That pepper jelly is so tasty though. I just couldn’t stop!

When I tasted the jelly on its own, it was spicy.

But when combined with the flavors in the dip, I didn’t think the heat was overpowering.

The flavors complement each other very well. This may be our new favorite dip.

🎥 Video Tutorial: How to Make Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

Click the PLAY button below to watch our video tutorial on how to make the Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip at home.

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