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This Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Dip recipe is so easy to throw together and requires just TWO simple ingredients! It’s my go to last-minute party appetizer when I forget that I’m supposed to bring something to share.
Why you’ll love this quick appetizer
I tried this pepper jelly dip for the first time this past summer and considering HOW EASY it is, I was truly blown away by it. It has become one of my favorite appetizers. The combination of flavors all go together SO WELL and I find myself craving this one a *regular* basis.
We like to make this as a simple treat when camping but it’s also perfect for parties (especially bc you can throw it together in 5 minutes or less!). The key is to pair it with a great chip or cracker – we’re huge fans of wheat thins with this dip.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- SUPER simple to make – seriously…it only takes a few minutes and I love it for that!
- Can be made ahead or last minute – I’ve made this dip ahead of time and left it in the fridge but I’ve ALSO taken the ingredients to a party and assembled it right before serving. It’s really that easy.
- Everyone will be asking for the “recipe” – despite how simple it is, you’ll still have people asking about the ingredients and how to make it! It’s a true crowd pleaser and great for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Ingredients needed
The ingredients for this simple appetizer recipe are listed fully down in the recipe card but let’s briefly go over the pantry staples needed including a few substitutions you can make as desired!
- Spreadable Cream Cheese – I like to use whipped cream cheese because it’s just lighter and fluffier and makes for a better dip, in my opinion. That being said, regular cream cheese works perfectly fine. You’ll just want to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften enough for you to spread it on the plate. Alternatively, you can make whipped cream cheese by using a hand mixer.
Goat cheese or boursin cheese would be delicious here as well! - Jar of Pepper Jelly – you can find this at your local grocery store. I typically find it in the cheese section where you get specialty cheeses or cheeses by the pound. If all else fails, you can get a jar online. And for some warmth, you can serve this with warmed pepper jelly spread on top of the cream cheese.
How to Make this Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer
Just a reminder that you can find the FULL recipe down in the recipe card, but I want to quickly go over how to make this!
It’s SUPER simple.
Start by spreading your whipped cream cheese on the bottom of a serving plate or large plate. Dollop the spicy pepper jelly all over the top of the cream cheese and gently spread it around the top but trying not to blend it into the cream cheese too much.
That’s it! So easy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for a few days.
Recipe Tips
- Use a different jelly – if you can’t find pepper jelly, or if you just want something different, really any kind of jam or jelly will work for this recipe.
- Reach for whipped cream cheese over regular – as I mentioned earlier, I just personally prefer whipped cream cheese as it’s lighter and spreads better. But regular will still work well.
- Add on green onions or fresh herbs – gives it a little crunch, extra flavor, and brings some brightness to the dip.
- Make it ahead – this is great made ahead for the easiest appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Really any kind of cracker or chips works well but we especially love wheat thins, butter crackers, pita chips, and ritz crackers.
Sure thing! If you can’t find pepper jelly, or if you just want something different, really any kind of jam or jelly will work for this recipe.
You can store this in the fridge for a few days. The longer is sits, the jelly kind of melts into the cream cheese and causes some discoloration. Ultimately, I suggest making this the same day that you plan to enjoy it.
Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip (2 Ingredient)
Ingredients
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese
- 3-4 tablespoons pepper jelly
Instructions
- On a large plate or serving tray, spread the cream cheese into an even layer.
- Dollop the pepper jelly on the top and gently spread it out so that it covers the top of the cream cheese.
- Serve with fresh herbs, green onions/ chives and enjoy with crackers or chips
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
