• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Seafood
  • Sides
  • Dessert
The Seasoned Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
    • Disclosure
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » What We're Eating » Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Dip

    Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Dip

    Published: Jul 27, 2021 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe
    Long collage image of cream cheese and pepper jelly spread with crackers
    Cream cheese and pepper jelly spread with text title box at top
    Side shot of pepper jelly with cream cheese and crackers and text title overlay
    Block of cream cheese with red pepper jelly and text title overlay
    Close up side shot of cream cheese and pepper jelly crackers with text title box at top

    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!

    Close up side shot of red pepper jelly and cream cheese on a board with crackers

    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!
    Ingredients for cream cheese and pepper jelly recipe

    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.

    1. Place cream cheese on a plate or serving tray.
    2. Top with pepper jelly.
    3. Spread on crackers.
    Square image of hot pepper jelly and cream cheese on a board with drinks in the background

    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)
    Cream cheese and pepper jelly crackers on a small blue and white plate

    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.
    Close up side shot showing how to serve cream cheese and pepper jelly

    More Recipes with Red Pepper Jelly

    • Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette
    • Southern Glazed Salmon
    Close up side shot of red pepper jelly and cream cheese on a board with crackers
    Print Pin

    Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly

    A Southern classic, this 2-ingredient, 2-minute spread is the easiest appetizer or party snack that you'll ever serve!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Keyword cream cheese and pepper jelly, dip, spread
    Prep Time 2 minutes
    Total Time 2 minutes
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 90kcal
    Author Blair Lonergan

    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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon cream cheese with jelly | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 20mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 306IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
    « Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
    Tomato Salad with Basil and Balsamic »

    Follow The Seasoned Mom on Instagram and show us what you're making! Use hashtag #theseasonedmom

    LIKE THIS POST? THEN STICK AROUND!

    GET FREE EMAIL UPDATES WITH EASY, QUICK-PREP RECIPES THAT ELIMINATE MEALTIME STRESS!

    Success! Now before I can send you the free 10-Minute Miracles download, you need to check your email to confirm your subscription. That confirmation email should be waiting for you in your inbox!

    There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

    Powered by ConvertKit

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Leia Foxwell

      July 27, 2021 at 6:45 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Blair

        July 27, 2021 at 7:11 am

        YUM! Those all sound delicious, Leia!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I'm Blair!

    Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you'll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It's down-home, country-style cooking!

    Read More

    Want Quick-Prep Recipes?

    Sign up for my exclusive emails and get this free guide!

    Success! Now before I can send you the free 10-Minute Miracles download, you need to check your email to confirm your subscription. That confirmation email should be waiting for you in your inbox!

    There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

    No spam guaranteed. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

    © 2017–2022 The Seasoned Mom     About     Privacy