Warm, creamy, savory, and sweet, this Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip With Bacon is the dish everyone will be dipping into! This flavorful spread only takes a few minutes to put together, making it great for a cozy night in, a party, or the holidays. It’s the perfect blend of spicy and salty, making for an irresistible bite.
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If you’ve never tasted pepper jelly, well, now’s your chance! It’s one of my favorite all-purpose ingredients. I use it in my Orange Pepper Jelly Glazed Ham recipe and Pimento Cheese Bites. And, with the holidays right around the corner, I grabbed a jar of sweet and spicy jelly and made this warm, crazy good dip. I had to, y’all!
Tips To Take Your Warm Cheese Dip to the Next Level
- Crisp the Bacon: make sure to cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy. This adds an incredible crunch and goes perfectly with the creamy texture of the cheese.
- Serve It Warm: This dip is all about that warm, gooey goodness! I like to keep it warm in a mini slow cooker or warming dish when I serve it at a party.
- Use Flavored Crackers or Crostini: Take things up a notch by serving flavored crackers or toasted crostini. Garlic or herb-seasoned options are my favorites.
- Don’t Forget To Garnish: sprinkle fresh chives on top. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, making the dip look and taste even better.
Pepper Jelly Cheese Ingredients
- Cream cheese and goat cheese make up the base of this recipe.
- For the sweet heat, use your favorite pepper jelly.
- To add crunch, I add chopped bacon. You can either make your own Air Fryer Bacon or Oven Cooked Bacon or real bacon bits will work too.
- I also like to mix in chopped chives to brighten up the recipe. Green onions will work, too.
Recipe Variations
- Customize the Jelly: You can use any level or variety of spicy or savory jelly you like.
- Use Flavored Cream Cheese: One like garlic or onion-flavored works well, and it’s a great way to use up any partial containers of cheese.
- Add More Cheese: You can always add in cheddar cheese or pepper jack to the mixture for more cheesy goodness.
How to Make This Cheesy, Bacon-Packed Dip
- Mix: Blend together the cream cheese, goat cheese, bacon, and chives with a hand mixer until fluffy and well-mixed. Spread it in a baking dish then pop it in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add the Jelly: Once the dip is done baking, spread the jelly over the top, pushing it all the way to the edges. We want jelly in every bite! When done, garnish with fresh chives.
Can Pepper Jelly Dip Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes! To do this, mix everything except the jelly and transfer it to your baking dish. Store it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap until you’re ready to bake it. Let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven, then pop it in when ready. Top with the pepper jelly right before serving, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It’s delicious cold, but you can also warm it in the microwave!
It really depends on the variety you buy. Some are very spicy, and some are mild. Pick one that you think matches your spice preference.
Put the block of cream cheese in a shallow bowl of warm water while you prepare the other ingredients. This will soften it in 5 to 10 minutes.
Serving Ideas
When I serve this cheese bacon dip, I like to pair it with veggies, toasted sourdough, and pita chips. It’s become a party classic served with stuffed celery, candied pecans and cream cheese sausage cheese balls. Another fun way to use it (and any leftovers) is spread on a Ham Jam Sandwich.
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If you tried this Pepper Jelly Chees with Bacon Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened
- 8 oz goat cheese softened
- ¾ c. chopped bacon
- ¼ C. chopped chives
- 1 cup pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Blend together the cream cheese, goat cheese, bacon, and chives using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Pour the jelly over the top, spreading it all the way to the edges. Serve with crackers or crostini.
Notes
-
- Customize the Jelly: You can use any level or variety of spicy or savory jelly you like.
-
- Use Flavored Cream Cheese: One like garlic or onion-flavored works well, and it’s a great way to use up any partial containers of cheese.
-
- Add More Cheese: You can always add in cheddar cheese or pepper jack to the mixture for more cheesy goodness.
Nutrition
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
Such a simple and flavorful appetizer that is always a hit!!
Thanks so much!
~Donya