Name: Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces cream cheese (full fat, softened); 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded); ½ cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded); 4 slices bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ cup red pepper jelly; Buttery crackers (for serving)

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This easy Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and perfectly sweet and spicy! A warm cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella base is loaded with crispy bacon, then topped with a glossy pepper jelly. Serve it warm with buttery crackers for an easy party appetizer that’s perfect for holidays and game day.

Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip in a baking dish with a spoon.

This pepper jelly cream cheese dip is one of a handful of savory dips I make every holiday season, alongside other favorites like beer cheese dip and cheesy sausage dip. Not only does it taste amazing, but the red jelly gives it a bit of a festive flair.

It’s super creamy and cheesy, with both cheddar and mozzarella cheese, plus some saltiness from crispy bacon and heat from the jelly. The perfect combination of flavors! As a bonus, it takes a whopping 10 minutes and just a few ingredients to prepare.

Why We Love This Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

Little kick of heat. The red pepper jelly adds a nice little kick of heat to an otherwise cheesy and tangy base. It can be as mild or as spicy as you’d like, based on the jelly you use.
Great for holidays. While this red pepper jelly dip can certainly be enjoyed anytime for any occasion, it’s especially perfect for the holidays. The red color of jelly makes it feel extra festive.
Quick & easy. It takes less than 10 minutes of hands on prep to make this dip. The oven does the rest! It can be ready to enjoy in just over 30 minutes.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make pepper jelly cream cheese dip

Ingredient Notes

Here’s an overview of the handful of ingredients needed to make this dip. The exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Cream cheese – Stick with full-fat cream cheese here. Low-fat and non-fat options will be too thin.
Shredded cheese – I like to use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and pizza mozzarella cheese. Freshly shred them from blocks for the best texture.
Bacon – You can cook the bacon any way you want. I like to use air fryer bacon since it’s just 4 slices.
Garlic powder – Adds a bit of flavor.
Red pepper jelly – If you can get your hands on homemade jelly, it’s worth it!

How To Make Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip

It takes less than 10 minutes to prep this simple dip. The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

Cream cheese, shredded cheese, and bacon in a dish

The cream cheese mixture spread in the baking dish

Combine the ingredients. Stir all of the ingredients, except for the pepper jelly, together in a bowl until combined.
Bake. Spread the mixture in a shallow baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges.

The cream cheese mixture in the baking dish after baking

Overhead view of a baking dish of pepper jelly cream cheese dip

Warm the jelly. Toward the end of baking, microwave the pepper jelly for 15-30 seconds, just until easy to spoon.
Add the jelly. As soon as the dip comes out of the oven, spoon the warm pepper jelly over top. Spread it gently, leaving some cheesy edge visible if desired.
Enjoy. Serve immediately with crackers.

A knife scooping up some pepper jelly cream cheese dip

Recipe Tips & Variations

Use softened cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is well softened before mixing so the cheeses and bacon incorporate evenly.
Crispy, not chewy, bacon. Cook the bacon until crisp so it adds texture and smoky flavor without becoming chewy in the creamy cheese mixture.
Wait to add the jelly. Add the pepper jelly after baking rather than baking it with the cheese. This keeps the jelly bright and glossy.
Adjust the heat level. Pepper jelly varies in heat depending on the brand. Use mild pepper jelly for a sweeter dip or hot pepper jelly for more kick.

Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip on a cracker.

What To Serve It With

Buttery crackers, like Ritz, pair beautifully with this pepper jelly cream cheese dip. The rich buttery flavor helps offset the tangy cream cheese and spicy jelly. Pretzels and crostini, as well as sliced veggies like sweet peppers, carrots, and cucumbers, also work great.

Make Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: The cream cheese mixture can be assembled in the baking dish ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated. If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow additional baking time as needed until the center is thoroughly hot and the edges are bubbling.
Leftovers: You can reheat the entire pan in the oven at 350F until the cream cheese mixture is warm and melty. Keep in mind that the pepper jelly won’t be as bright and glossy and may mix in with the cream cheese more. Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave.

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