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Quite possibly the easiest appetizer or snack that you’ll ever serve, this Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Dip is a Southern classic! Offer the sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy spread with Wheat Thins, Ritz, or Table Water crackers for a crowd-pleasing favorite. It’s ready in about 2 minutes with just 2 ingredients!
There’s hardly a recipe to share at all, and instead just a suggestion. If you haven’t tasted cream cheese and pepper jelly together, then you are seriously missing out. Even if you don’t love the two ingredients on their own, something magical happens when they come together on a snack board!
A softened block of cream cheese that’s topped with red or green pepper jelly has been a staple at Southern gatherings for decades, because it always disappears fast. There’s no cooking or baking required, and the entire dish comes together in about 2 minutes. It’s a perfect companion for cocktails and cold beverages!
Ingredients for Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Spread
This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you’ll need for one of our favorite appetizers. As always, specific measurements and complete assembly instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
- Cream cheese: a block of full-fat cream cheese that’s softened at room temperature so that it’s easy to spread.
- Pepper jelly: a favorite Southern preserve — somewhere between a jam and a relish. I used Braswell’s brand here, but Stonewall Kitchen and other similar brands are also good. Pick your favorite — red, green, or hot!
How to Make Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese
Y’all…it doesn’t get any easier than this! Just remember to allow enough time for the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before assembling.
- Place cream cheese on a plate or serving tray.
- Top with pepper jelly.
- Spread on crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is traditionally spread on crackers. Arrange it on a snack tray or charcuterie board and pair it with a variety of nuts, meats, and fruits. There’s nothing better alongside a glass of wine or a cold beer!
The Best Crackers for Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly
This is definitely a matter of personal preference, so pick your favorites. Here are a few good options that we love with the dip:
- Ritz or Townhouse (perfect flaky, buttery texture and flavor)
- Wheat Thins (a nice sweet-and-savory flavor profile; try the “big” size for dipping)
- Carr’s Table Water Crackers (my grandmother’s favorite!)
- Triscuits (thick and sturdy — perfect for scooping)
Storage
Leftover spread will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Recipe Variations
- For a spicier spread, use hot pepper jelly or jalapeno pepper jelly.
- I typically use red pepper jelly, which has a little bit of zesty kick, but it’s not too spicy (the kids still enjoy it). For a change, you can use green pepper jelly, which is also mild.
- Use the same flavor combination to make sandwiches or to fill phyllo cups.
- Swap out the pepper jelly and top the cream cheese block with a jar of chutney or other preserves.
Tips for the Best Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Allow plenty of time for the cream cheese to soften at room temperature. Do not microwave the cream cheese or it will be too soft to spread.
- Use enough pepper jelly so that there is a thick layer on top of the cream cheese, with some falling over the edges as well. You might not need the entire jar, so adjust to your taste and presentation preferences.
- Set out a variety of crackers for folks to pair with the dip. Good options include Ritz, Townhouse, Triscuits, Wheat Thins and Carr’s Table Water crackers.
More Recipes with Red Pepper Jelly
Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 (10-11 ounce) jar red pepper jelly
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Place cream cheese on a serving plate. Top with pepper jelly (you might not need the entire jar – just pile it on top in a thick layer, allowing some to fall over the edges). Spread on crackers.
Notes
- Allow plenty of time for the cream cheese to soften at room temperature. Do not microwave the cream cheese or it will be too soft to spread.
- Use enough pepper jelly so that there is a thick layer on top of the cream cheese, with some falling over the edges as well. You might not need the entire jar, so adjust to your taste and presentation preferences.
- Set out a variety of crackers for folks to pair with the dip. Good options include Ritz, Townhouse, Triscuits, Wheat Thins and Carr’s Table Water crackers.
- For a spicier spread, use hot pepper jelly or jalapeno pepper jelly.
- I typically use red pepper jelly, which has a little bit of zesty kick, but it’s not too spicy (the kids still enjoy it). For a change, you can use green pepper jelly, which is also mild.
- Use the same flavor combination to make sandwiches or to fill phyllo cups.
- Swap out the pepper jelly and top the cream cheese block with a jar of chutney or other preserves.
I make my own jelly. From green pepper to jalapeno to pineapple habanero on the heat scale. Merlot wine jelly is also good with cream cheese as a spreadable appetizer or with cream cheese on a bagel.
YUM! Those all sound delicious, Leia!
Do you have any recipes on any of those jellies or pix?
No, I’m sorry. I don’t have my own recipe for pepper jelly at this point. I just buy it from my neighbors at the farmer’s market. 🙂
I love it , so good and simple
Thanks, Judy! Me too! 🙂