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Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. It is quick to make and only requires a few ingredients.

Close-up of a rich cream cheese block crowned with vibrant pepper jelly and chopped pecans, encircled by round crackers. This colorful appetizer creates a delightful contrast against the light and golden hues of the crispy crackers.
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This southern classic pepper jelly spread is a favorite appetizers that we make for all of our holiday gathering. This recipe starts with a softened block of cream cheese and topped with jelly and chopped pecans for a tasty appetizer.

If you love this pepper jelly cream cheese dip, then you need try these other appetizers, Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe, Cream Cheese Salsa Dip, and Crack Chicken Dip.

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Recipe

Hot pepper jelly is always family favorite. We love to serve with our favorite crackers for a quick and easy appetizer that is budget friendly.

Everyone loves the combination of sweet and salty flavors with a hint of spice that makes everyone taste buds water! This recipe can easily be customized to the jelly that you prefer.

Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese – We used full fat cream cheese but you can also use low fat
  • Pepper Jelly – Choose from spicy pepper jelly or mild pepper jelly
  • Crackers – Toasted Baguette Slices or any crackers
  • Toppings – Chopped Pecans, honey, green onions, chopped bacon, fresh herbs

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly

A block of cream cheese sits on a decorative plate, surrounded by a small dish of honey with a dipper, chopped pecans, and crackers. A bowl of pepper jelly adds a spicy twist, while a black and white checkered cloth is partially visible at the bottom.

Step 1 – Place the cream cheese on a serving plate or platter and allow it to soften at room temperature.  

A baked brie topped with sweet glaze and a hint of pepper jelly is on a white plate. Surrounding it are bowls of honey, chopped pecans, and a plate of crackers. A honey dipper and a patterned cloth are nearby, adding charm to the delectable ensemble.

Step 2 – Spoon the pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese, spreading it gently and evenly. Leave some areas uncovered to show the cream cheese underneath for contrast.

A plate with cream cheese crowned by tangy pepper jelly and chopped pecans. Nearby, a small bowl of honey and a bowl of pecans accent the spread, complemented by a plate of crackers on a checkered cloth.

Step 3 – If desired, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the top for added crunch. You can also drizzle a small amount of honey over the jelly for extra sweetness.

A white plate with crackers and sliced bread surrounds a block of cream cheese topped with red pepper jelly and pecans. A small bowl of pecans and a checkered cloth are nearby, completing this delightful spread.

Step 4 – Arrange crackers or baguette slices around the serving dish for easy dipping.

Expert Tips

  • Block of Cream Cheese – Be sure to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before topping it with the jelly. This makes it much easier to work with and results in a smoother, creamier texture.
  • Pepper Jelly – You can find pepper jelly at your local grocery store or you can even make it homemade.
A person holds a cracker topped with creamy cheese, drizzled with vibrant pepper jelly. The serving plate below features cream cheese, pecans, the fiery sauce, and an assortment of crackers and bread slices. A spreader lies on the plate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the dip right away after preparing it, or store it in the fridge and take it out about 15-20 minutes before serving. This ensures the cream cheese stays soft and easy to scoop.

The best crackers to serve with this Pepper Jelly Dip are as follows.

  • Ritz Crackers
  • Club Crackers
  • Wheat Thins

We have even served with slice French Bread for a crowd pleaser appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pepper Jelly Spicy?

Pepper Jelly can be spicy or mild but combined with the cream cheese it is the perfect flavor. We usually make it with spicy flavor and all 8 my kids will eat it without any problems.

How Long is Cream Cheese Good at Room Temperature?

Cream Cheese will stay good for up to 2 hours unrefrigerated at room temperature.

How to Store Leftovers

This is best served when you make it. If you do have leftovers, place in an airtight container and the refrigerator. Serve the leftovers in about 2 days.

A block of cream cheese topped with zesty pepper jelly and chopped pecans is surrounded by a variety of crackers and small bread slices on a white plate. A spreader knife rests in the cheese, coated with jelly and nuts, ready for spreading.

More Easy Dip Recipes

If you make this Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.

Review Pin Print
A plate topped with a rectangle of cream cheese and pepper jelly, adorned with pecan pieces. It’s surrounded by round crackers, toasted bread slices, and rests on a classic black-and-white checkered cloth, creating a delightful centerpiece for any gathering.

Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly

5 from 2 votes
Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. It is quick to make and only requires a few ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Appetizer
Calories 239
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 1 8 ounce block cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepper jelly
  • Crackers or toasted baguette slices for serving
  • Optional Garnish Toppings:
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
  • Drizzle of honey
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Instructions

  • Place the cream cheese on a serving plate or platter and allow it to soften at room temperature.
  • Spoon the pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese, spreading it gently and evenly. Leave some areas uncovered to show the cream cheese underneath for contrast.
  • If desired, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the top for added crunch. You can also drizzle a small amount of honey over the jelly for extra sweetness.
  • Arrange crackers or baguette slices around the platter for easy dipping.

Recipe Notes

Be sure to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before topping it with the jelly. This makes it much easier to work with and results in a smoother, creamier texture.
Serve the dip right away after preparing it, or store it in the fridge and take it out about 15-20 minutes before serving. This ensures the cream cheese stays soft and easy to scoop.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 239kcal, Carbohydrates 20g, Protein 4g, Fat 16g, Saturated Fat 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat 4g, Monounsaturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0.3g, Cholesterol 29mg, Sodium 339mg, Potassium 71mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 381IU, Calcium 71mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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5 from 2 votes

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    Yes, we love it!

  2. Lee Kaplan says:

    5 stars
    I have been making this appetizer since the early ‘80s. It’s a more sophisticated version of the “every college guy’s Lipton Onion Soup mix in sour cream” dip.

  3. Casey says:

    5 stars
    This was the perfect appetizer for our game day gathering!