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Creamy cheese and zesty sweet pepper jelly come together in this insane dip. You can throw it together in no time with just a few things you probably already have. Everyone will want more, so it's awesome for crowds or last-minute visitors.
Easy Must-Haves
Here’s what you’ll need for this killer snack:
- Seasoning Magic:
- A good dash of garlic powder with some onion flakes
- Cheesy Base:
- Grab your favorite cream cheese and let it soften
- Tangy Kick:
- A hit of sharp cheddar makes it way tastier
- Spoonful of Sweetness:
- Scoop up your go-to pepper jelly
- A Pinch:
- Just a little salt to round it all out
Crafting Your Dip
First, mix up all the cheeses with the seasonings till you get a smooth blend. Move it all into your baking pan and spread it out. Bake at medium temp until it’s hot and the top gets bubbly. While that's happening, gently heat the pepper jelly so it spreads easily. Pour that over the baked cheese and enjoy it warm.
Air Fryer Twist
You can totally use your air fryer for this dip too. Just stick the mix in an oven-safe bowl, air fry it at medium til it’s nice and melty, then finish with warm jelly on top right before serving. Super fast and just as tasty.
Storing Leftovers
Left some behind? Pop it in the fridge covered for a few days. Want it again? Reheat gently in the oven or a microwave. Don’t freeze it though if you want to keep that creamy feel.
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Awesome Dipping Options
Break out chips, veggies, crackers, even toasted slices of bread. Anything crunchy you’ve got works great. Make sure you bring lots to dip because no one will want to stop eating this.
Customize and Play
Want it tangier? Try goat cheese instead of cream cheese. More spice? Toss in pepper jack or sprinkle in cayenne. Looking for extra sweetness? Any jelly like pineapple or cranberry makes it new again. Fans of bacon can toss some crispy bits on top for even more flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of pepper jelly should I pick?
Store-bought types work just fine, and they come in a range of spice levels to suit your taste. Homemade also works—just about one cup does the trick!
- → Can I prep it in advance?
Sure! Prep the cheese mix ahead and refrigerate. Just wait to bake and add the jelly until you're ready to serve. It's best when served fresh and warm.
- → What pairs well with it?
Crackers are a classic option, but you could also use sliced baguette or sturdy veggies. Anything that can hold that cheesy goodness works.
- → Can I make this using a slow cooker?
Ovens or air fryers do a better job here. Slow cookers tend to over-soften the cheese, and you'll lose the ideal texture.
- → How hot does this dip end up being?
It all depends on the pepper jelly you use. Mild jellies keep it sweet with just a tiny kick, while spicier ones bring a serious heat punch.