Pepper Jelly Dip

Name: Pepper Jelly Dip with Bacon and Cheddar
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup pepper jelly; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 green onion, sliced, whites and greens separated; 1 clove garlic, minced; salt, to taste; 2 tbsp pepper jelly, for topping; Crackers, for serving; Corn chips, for serving

Pepper Jelly Dip is a warm, bubbly cheese dip combining sweet and spicy pepper jelly with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. It's a crowd-pleasing appetizer that works equally well at parties or casual game day gatherings.

🌍American 🏷️Pepper jelly dip 🏷️Cheese dip 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Game day Party food

🏷️

🏷️Bacon

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dinnerin321onTikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Ingredients

1/2 cup pepper jelly
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 green onion, sliced, whites and greens separated
1 clove garlic, minced
salt, to taste
2 tbsp pepper jelly, for topping
Crackers, for servingoptional
Corn chips, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup pepper jelly, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, the white parts of the sliced green onion, minced garlic, and salt.
3
Using a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until well combined.
4
Grease a 1-quart baking dish or a small oven-safe skillet.
5
Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
6
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and heated through.
7
While the dip is baking, gently warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of pepper jelly in the microwave for a few seconds until it's pourable.
8
Once the dip is out of the oven, dollop the warmed pepper jelly over the top.
9
Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onion.
10
Serve warm with crackers or corn chips.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free dip base.
Reserve some of the sliced green onion tops to sprinkle on top after baking for a fresh garnish and color contrast.
Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels before crumbling to remove excess grease and prevent the dip from becoming too oily.
Use the pepper jelly topping (the extra 2 tbsp) only after the dip finishes baking; this keeps it glossy and preserves its fruity flavor.

Substitutions

Cream cheese → mascarpone or softened goat cheese (will lighten texture and add tang)
Cheddar → gruyère or smoked gouda (sharper, more complex flavor)
Bacon → crispy prosciutto or smoked turkey (leaner option with similar smokiness)
Green onion → fresh chives or sliced leeks (milder onion flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a 325°F oven or microwave until warmed through.

Equipment

Baking dish (8x8 or similar) · Oven

Common Questions

Can I make pepper jelly dip ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dip in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake from cold for an extra 5–10 minutes, or let it come to room temperature before baking for standard timing.

What temperature should the dip be baked at?

Bake at 350°F until the dip is warm, bubbly around the edges, and the top is lightly golden, typically 20–25 minutes.

Can I substitute the pepper jelly?

Yes. Hot pepper jam, jalapeño jelly, or even red pepper flakes mixed with regular jelly work as alternatives, though they will shift the flavor profile.