The great things in life don’t have to be complicated. Case in point, this Hot Pepper Jelly Bacon Dip. Made with just five ingredients, it’s not in any way complicated and yet it’s still delicious in every way. It has a creamy base that’s baked until you get hot, bubbly, melty, cheesiness, which is good enough on its own but then it’s tinged with sweet and hot pepper jelly. Hot pepper jelly that not only runs throughout the dip, it also coats the top like a sweet and spicy delicious blanket. Oh, and there’s crispy bacon too. In other words, you’ll be the star of any party you bring this to.
Because pepper jelly brings so much flavor, the base here is very simple. You just need cream cheese, some grated cheddar, a little garlic powder, and some salt. That makes up the foundation. Pepper jelly gets stirred into that and then you bake that mixture until it’s hot and melty.
It’s not until after it comes out of the oven that you add the finishing touches, which include more pepper jelly and some crispy crumbly bacon. Those go over the top and then you’re ready to dip.
Pepper jelly has a bit of a kick but it’s mild enough that most anyone can handle it. Whatever heat it brings is tempered by the sweetness of the jelly and the creamy base of the dip. It’s spicy, sweet, creamy, cheesy — everything you could want, more or less!
Hot Pepper Jelly Bacon Dip
Allergens: Milk
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz each) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (11 oz) jar pepper jelly
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add cream cheese to a mixing bowl. Beat or stir until creamy, then add cheese, garlic powder, salt, and half the jar of pepper jelly. Stir until combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake until mixture is hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
- Heat remaining jelly for 20-30 seconds in microwave so it's soft enough to spread, then spread over top of the dip. Top with bacon, then serve with crackers, chips, or sliced bread. Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Mix and Match Mama.