Patrick Oconnell
Red pepper jelly is a versatile condiment that can be paired with various cheeses to make a quick and easy appetizer. The spiciness and sweetness of the jelly complement the cool creaminess of cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, and brie. For those who enjoy a sharper flavor profile, pepper jelly also goes well with cheddar, manchego, or blue cheese. Whether served with crackers, bread, or even toasted pecans, red pepper jelly and cheese make for a simple yet delicious combination that is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cream cheese, goat cheese, manchego, havarti, mild gouda, German butter cheese, cheddar, blue cheese, mozzarella, brie |
| Flavour | Creamy, mild, salty, sweet, spicy, nutty, buttery |
| Texture | Soft, spreadable, crumbly |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, bread, cured meats, grilled veggies, pecans |
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What You'll Learn
Cream cheese and crackers
To make this tasty treat, start by placing a block of cream cheese on a serving plate. It is recommended to let the cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften, or you can pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds if you're short on time. Once softened, spread the red pepper jelly over the cream cheese. You can microwave the jelly beforehand for a mess-free spill over the sides of the cheese. To add a festive touch, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top or garnish with rosemary or green onions.
Arrange crackers around the cream cheese and jelly, and you're all set! For an extra crunch, opt for slightly salty crackers to pair with the sweet and spicy jelly. This easy appetizer will surely be a hit with your guests, and it can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free addition to your next gathering.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can switch up the flavours by substituting the red pepper jelly with green pepper jelly or even cranberry sauce. For a fancier option, try using goat cheese instead of cream cheese, or add some toasted pecans for a crunchy texture. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy the perfect combination of cream cheese, crackers, and red pepper jelly!
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Soft goat's cheese
A simple, yet tasty, option is to serve soft goat's cheese topped with red pepper jelly, alongside crackers or bread. This can be a quick and easy appetizer or afternoon snack. The sweet and spicy red pepper jelly complements the creaminess of the goat's cheese.
For a warm snack, soft goat's cheese can be baked with red pepper jelly and served with crackers, bread, or vegetables. To prepare this, bring the goat's cheese to room temperature, mix with other desired ingredients, spread into a baking dish, and top with red pepper jelly. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 400°F.
For a unique twist, try adding hot honey to the baked goat's cheese and red pepper jelly combination, or spreading the cheese and jelly on fried chicken for a savoury treat.
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Cheddar
Red pepper jelly is a spicy, sweet condiment that can be made from either red or green peppers, or a combination of both. It is a festive and colourful addition to any charcuterie board. The jelly can be store-bought or homemade, and it is a great way to use up any end-of-season peppers from your garden.
When creating a charcuterie board with red pepper jelly and cheddar, consider adding some crackers, bread, or other items to spread the cheese and jelly on. You could also add some garnishes like rosemary sprigs or sliced green onions to your board.
To prepare the red pepper jelly and cheddar for your board, simply place a block of cheddar on a plate and cover it with the jelly. You can microwave the jelly beforehand to make it easier to spread. Don't forget to provide a spreader so your guests can create the perfect bite!
Red pepper jelly and cheddar is a simple yet delicious combination that is perfect for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or even just a cosy night on the couch. It is a classic pairing that doesn't need any extra prep or fancy ingredients—just good quality cheese and jelly.
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Brie
When serving brie with red pepper jelly, it is recommended to bake the brie and serve it with crackers. Baked brie with red pepper jelly is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavours. The creamy texture of the brie complements the cool, spicy pepper jelly, creating a delicious appetizer or holiday treat.
In addition to crackers, you can serve brie and red pepper jelly with bread or toasted pecans. This combination is a simple yet impressive dish that is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a snack.
When choosing a brie to serve with red pepper jelly, it is important to select a good-quality brie. A bad brie can ruin the experience. Look for a brie that is creamy in colour and texture and has a distinctive flavour.
Overall, brie is an excellent choice to serve with red pepper jelly, providing a delightful contrast of flavours and textures that is sure to impress.
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Manchego
Red pepper jelly is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. One option that is particularly well-loved is Manchego, a hard cheese made from the whole milk of Manchega sheep. Known for its intense flavour, Manchego has a nutty sweetness and a rich, buttery texture with a salty finish.
When paired with red pepper jelly, the tartness of the peppers and the kick of jalapeño and habanero peppers contrast beautifully with the dense richness and saltiness of the Manchego. This combination creates a perfect bite that is both savoury and sweet.
Overall, Manchego is a versatile and flavourful cheese that pairs exceptionally well with red pepper jelly. Its salty, nutty, and buttery notes complement the sweetness and spiciness of the jelly, creating a delightful sensory experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Red pepper jelly goes well with a variety of cheeses, including cream cheese, goat cheese, mozzarella, mild blue cheese, and cheddar.
You can spread the red pepper jelly over a block of cream cheese and serve it with crackers. You can also add some toasted pecans on top.
Red pepper jelly goes well with cured meats, grilled vegetables (such as carrots and eggplant), and bread.
