Cheese Dip's Best Friend: Pepper Jelly's Perfect Pairings

Pepper jelly cheese dip is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that combines the sweetness of pepper jelly with the savoury, creamy taste of cheese. It's perfect for game days, holiday parties, and get-togethers with friends and family. The dip typically includes cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and pepper jelly, but you can also add spices and herbs to give it an extra kick. It's best served with crackers, pretzels, or toasted bread for dipping. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making it a convenient and tasty treat for any occasion.

What crackers to serve with pepper jelly cheese dip

When it comes to crackers, there are several options that you can serve with pepper jelly cheese dip. Here are some ideas:

Club crackers, Ritz crackers, or Saltines are all great choices for their buttery, flaky texture and flavour. These crackers pair well with the dip and won't overwhelm the other flavours on the plate.

Wheat Thins are another option, especially if you're looking for a sweet-and-savoury flavour profile. Go for the "big" size if you want something more substantial for dipping.

Triscuits are thick and sturdy, making them perfect for scooping up the dip. They have a nice, crunchy texture that will complement the creamy dip.

Carr’s Table Water Crackers are another good choice, especially if you're looking for something a little more elegant or sophisticated. They have a nice, crisp texture.

You could also try something like pretzel crisps or toasted bread slices for a change of pace.

The key is to choose a cracker that is sturdy enough for dipping and has a flavour and texture that will complement the pepper jelly cheese dip without overwhelming it.

How to make pepper jelly cheese dip

Ingredients

To make pepper jelly cheese dip, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Spices and herbs (e.g. garlic powder, onion flakes, dry mustard, cayenne pepper)
• Pepper jelly
• Bacon (optional)
• Goat cheese (optional)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F-400°F.
• In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and your desired spices/herbs. You can mix by hand or use a hand mixer to whip it until well combined.
• Spread the cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish or pie pan.
• Bake the cheese dip for about 15-25 minutes, or until everything is melted and hot.
• Just before the cheese dip is done baking, prepare your pepper jelly by microwaving it in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until melted and soft, stirring after each interval.
• Once the cheese dip is ready, remove it from the oven and pour the melted pepper jelly on top, spreading it as needed.
• Serve with crackers, pretzels, or toasted bread for dipping.

Tips

• You can make this dip a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.
• If you want to add bacon to your dip, cook it in a skillet until browned and crisp before mixing it into the cheese mixture.
• You can also make this dip in an air fryer by cooking it at 325°F for about 12 minutes.

How to soften cream cheese

There are many different foods that go well with pepper jelly cheese dip. Here are some suggestions:

• Crackers, such as Triscuits, Wheat Thins, Ritz, or butter crackers
• Pretzels, especially thin pretzel crisps
• Toasted sliced bread
• Salty tortilla chips

Now, onto softening cream cheese. Here is a detailed guide:

The easiest and best way to soften cream cheese is to simply let it sit at room temperature. If you know you'll be needing softened cream cheese, take it out of the fridge and leave it on the counter for around an hour or so. If you're in a hurry, you can cut the block of cream cheese into fourths lengthwise, and then cube it into smaller pieces. The smaller the cubes, the quicker the cream cheese will soften. Spread the cubes out onto a plate or cutting board, ensuring they aren't touching, and leave them at room temperature for about an hour or until soft.

If you're in a real rush, you can use the microwave to soften your cream cheese. First, unwrap the block and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat the cream cheese in short bursts of 5-15 seconds on 50-75% power, turning it a quarter each time to ensure even softening. Keep a close eye on it, as it can quickly turn from softened to melted.

Another quick method is to use a water bath. Place the cream cheese, still in its foil packaging, into a bowl of warm water. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed to avoid leaks.

How to store pepper jelly cheese dip

Storing pepper jelly cheese dip is easy! If you have made a large batch or have leftovers, you can store it in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

If you want to make the dip ahead of time, you can prepare the cheese mixture and store it in the fridge for a day or two before baking it. Then, simply add the pepper jelly before serving.

While it is possible to freeze pepper jelly dip, it is not recommended as the freezing process can alter the texture of the cream cheese, resulting in a less smooth and creamy dip.

To reheat any leftover pepper jelly cheese dip, simply pop it in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is heated through.

What to serve with pepper jelly cheese dip

There are many options for what to serve with pepper jelly cheese dip. The dip itself can be made in a variety of ways, but it is often a blend of sweet and savoury, spicy and creamy. It is a perfect dip for crackers, with popular options including Ritz, Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Carr's Table Water crackers, and toasted sliced bread.

For a simple, classic version of the dip, a block of full-fat cream cheese is topped with pepper jelly. This can be served with a variety of crackers, as mentioned above, and perhaps some nuts, meats, and fruits on the side.

If you want to add some extra ingredients to the dip, you could include shredded pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, scallions, bacon, and a blend of spices and herbs. This version of the dip is best served with buttery round crackers.

For a warm, baked version of the dip, you can combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt. Bake this mixture and then top with pepper jelly. This can be served with crackers or toasted sliced bread.

For a cold dip, you can whip softened Boursin cheese with a splash of half-and-half, and then layer with pepper jelly. This can be served with wheat crackers, butter crackers, pretzels, pita chips, or Ritz crackers.

Frequently asked questions