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Sweet Heat Cheese Dip

Featured in Ready in 30 Minutes or Less.

A rich, cheesy mix meets pepper jelly's sweet kick. Quick, tasty, and always a party hit!

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Ranah
Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 11:40:33 GMT
A slice of toasted bread scooping up gooey, golden cheesy pasta with sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Pin it
A slice of toasted bread scooping up gooey, golden cheesy pasta with sesame seeds sprinkled on top. | chefemmakitchen.com

My Cheese and Jelly Mix makes any party better. When smooth cheese gets topped with that hot-sweet pepper jelly, folks just can't stop eating it. I stumbled on this combo ages back and now everyone bugs me to bring it. Takes minutes to throw together but looks fancy enough to wow your guests. It gets smiles every single time.

Fiery Sweet Delight

The magic starts when creamy cheese collides with bright, zingy jelly. These tastes work together to make each bite pure heaven. I get such a kick watching people's eyes widen at that first taste. Works great at fancy shindigs, backyard hangouts, or just when you're craving something different.

A close-up of a creamy, golden-brown dish topped with sesame seeds and herbs, with melted cheese stretching from a piece being lifted. Pin it
A close-up of a creamy, golden-brown dish topped with sesame seeds and herbs, with melted cheese stretching from a piece being lifted. | chefemmakitchen.com

From My Home to Yours

  • Real Cream Cheese: 8 ounces let sit until soft and ready to work with.
  • Sharp Cheddar: 1 cup grated yourself for best taste.
  • Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon for that tasty kick.
  • Sweet Onion Flakes: ½ teaspoon to add nice bits throughout.
  • Sea Salt: A tiny bit to wake up all flavors.
  • Pepper Jelly: ½ cup warmed until it pours smooth.

Building Flavor Wonder

Heat First
Preheat your oven to 350°F while we get everything ready.
Mix It Up
Blend those cheeses and seasonings till they're super smooth and fluffy.
Bake Away
Put mixture in dish and cook until it bubbles and turns slightly golden.
Melt Jelly
Heat your jelly till it's runny and easy to pour.
Top It Off
Drizzle that warm jelly over hot cheese, make some pretty swirls and serve right away.

Great Sidekicks

Gotta have good dippers with this. Crispy crackers work great, sliced bread soaks up all the goodness, and fresh veggies add a nice crunch. I like to arrange everything in a circle around the dip to make it look extra special.

Smart Tips

Don't rush the cream cheese softening, it'll mix way better at room temp. Go easy with the jelly at first, you can always add more. Throwing some fresh herbs on top makes it look fancy and adds nice flavor too.

Saving For Later

Any leftovers can go in the fridge for about three days. Just warm it up slowly when you want more, and stir it gently to keep it nice and smooth. But let's be real - this stuff usually disappears fast at my place.

A close-up of a bubbling, golden-brown cheesy dish topped with sesame seeds, with gooey cheese stretching as a portion is lifted. Pin it
A close-up of a bubbling, golden-brown cheesy dish topped with sesame seeds, with gooey cheese stretching as a portion is lifted. | chefemmakitchen.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which pepper jelly should I use?

Both red and green jellies taste great. Pick mild or spicy depending on how much heat you'd like. Colors make for a festive look.

→ Can this be made in advance?

You can prep the cheesy mix up to two days early and keep it in the fridge. Add warm jelly and bake right before serving.

→ Why won't my jelly melt well?

Microwave it in short bursts and stir in between. Too much heat might make it runny or mess with the texture.

→ What should I use for dipping?

Chunky crackers, baguette slices, or thick tortilla chips work best. This creamy dip holds up well to sturdy dippers.

→ How can I reheat leftovers?

Heat gently in the oven or microwave until it's just warmed through. Jelly may get a bit thinner when reheating.

Conclusion

This creamy, cheesy appetizer delivers bold flavor with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly finish. Great for any event and easy to throw together.

Sweet Heat Cheese Dip

Melted cheeses blend perfectly with warm, sweet pepper jelly for a spicy-sweet treat everyone loves.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Quick Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (2 cups of cheesy dip)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon dried onion bits.
02 8 oz of cream cheese, softened.
03 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste.
04 7 oz of jelly with peppers for topping.
05 A dash of garlic powder, about 1/2 tsp.
06 4 oz of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on and set it to 350°F.

Step 02

Stir together cheddar, cream cheese, and the seasonings until smooth.

Step 03

Put the mixture in a baking dish and heat for 15 minutes till it's bubbling.

Step 04

Microwave the pepper jelly, stopping every 30 seconds to stir until it melts.

Step 05

Drizzle the warm jelly over the cheesy mixture after baking.

Step 06

Serve right away with bagel chips or french bread.

Notes

  1. You can throw in some crispy bacon or sliced jalapeños if you like.
  2. Tastes best while warm.
  3. A hit for any gathering.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dish safe for the oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from the cheddar and cream cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 6 g