Irresistible Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe – Crowd Pleaser
Pepper jelly crafts ordinary cheese dips into something extraordinary, infusing bold flavors that dance across your palate.
Creamy and vibrant, this recipe promises a delightful twist on classic appetizer fare.
Tangy cheese blends seamlessly with sweet and spicy pepper jelly, creating a harmonious flavor profile that tingles your taste buds.
Elegant yet approachable, this dip works perfectly for intimate gatherings or casual game nights.
Each bite offers a complex combination of smooth textures and zesty undertones that will surprise and delight you.
The magic happens when simple ingredients merge into a sensational spread that elevates any snacking experience.
Guests will be intrigued by the unexpected combination of rich cheese and bright, fiery jelly.
Ingredients in Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Main Ingredients:
Cheese: – Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy base that provides rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture for the dip.
Pepper Jelly: – Red Pepper Jelly: Sweet and spicy topping that adds vibrant color and zesty kick to the cheese dip.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
Herbs and Spices: – Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Subtle aromatics that boost the overall depth of flavor in the cheese mixture.
Salt and Pepper: – Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the taste of the cheese dip.
Additional Ingredients:
Binding Components: – Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Ingredients that help create a smooth, creamy consistency and add richness to the dip.
Instructions for Making Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Step 1: Prepare Air Fryer Container
Select an air fryer-safe dish that will fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Ensure the container is clean and dry.
Step 2: Transfer Cheese Dip
Carefully transfer the prepared cheese dip into the selected air fryer container, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Set Air Fryer Temperature
Preheat the air fryer to 325°F, creating the perfect warming environment for your dip.
Step 4: Cook Cheese Dip
Place the container in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, allowing the dip to heat thoroughly and become wonderfully warm.
Step 5: Prepare Pepper Jelly
While the dip is cooking, warm the pepper jelly until it becomes smooth and easily pourable.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the cheese dip is heated, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Drizzle the warm pepper jelly over the top, spreading it evenly to create a delicious sweet and spicy topping.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately with crackers, chips, or toasted bread.
Tips for a Perfect Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Storing and Reheating Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Why You’ll Love Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Serving Ideas for Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
Fun Twists on Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip
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Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Pepper jelly cheese dip brings Southern charm to appetizer tables with its creamy, tangy blend. Spicy-sweet jelly swirled through smooth cream cheese creates an irresistible spread perfect for crackers or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces (113 grams) sharp cheddar, shredded
- 7 ounces (198 grams) pepper jelly
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare a suitable air fryer-safe container by ensuring it fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket without touching the sides.
- Transfer the cheese dip mixture into the prepared container, smoothing the surface evenly to promote consistent heating.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 325°F (163°C) and carefully place the container inside the basket.
- Cook the cheese dip for approximately 12 minutes, monitoring to ensure it becomes thoroughly heated and reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- While the dip is cooking, gently warm the pepper jelly in a separate microwave-safe dish or small saucepan until it becomes slightly liquefied and easily spreadable.
- After the cooking time elapses, use heat-resistant oven mitts to carefully remove the cheese dip from the air fryer.
- Immediately drizzle the warmed pepper jelly over the top of the hot cheese dip, using a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Allow the dip to rest for 1-2 minutes to let the pepper jelly meld with the warm cheese mixture before serving.
Notes
- Serve this creamy dip warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a heat-safe ceramic or glass container that fits comfortably in your air fryer.
- Check the cheese dip midway through cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Select a high-quality pepper jelly with balanced sweet and spicy notes for maximum impact.
- Allow the dip to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help it set and become more manageable.
- Pair with crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 285 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Lucas Bennett
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement
Education
Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin
Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota
Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.