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Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread

  • Author: ChefSophia
  • Total Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Yield: About 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetarian-friendly cheese)

Description

This Baked Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread is the kind of warm, gooey party dip that vanishes in minutes. Sweet heat from pepper jelly, creamy cheese, a little sharp cheddar, and a crunchy pecan topping all bake together into one bubbly, irresistible spread that’s perfect for holidays, game day, or any casual get-together.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or green)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)
  • Crackers or baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe serving bowl (about 1 quart or 6–8 inches round).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pepper jelly, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Stir until the mixture is creamy, evenly blended, and no big streaks of cream cheese remain. A spatula or hand mixer on low works well here.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top into an even layer with a spatula.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top, if using, for a crunchy, toasty finish.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and lightly golden on top.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes so it’s warm and scoopable but not too hot to eat.
  8. Serve the baked spread warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices and enjoy right away.

Notes

  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
  • For the best flavor and melt, shred your cheddar cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
  • A 1-quart baking dish or 6–8 inch round dish works well; if you double the recipe, use a larger dish and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
  • If your pepper jelly is very thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to make mixing easier.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: pepper jelly cream cheese dip, baked cream cheese spread, holiday appetizer, party dip, easy baked appetizer

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Find it online: https://chefsophia.com/baked-pepper-jelly-cream-cheese-spread/