Red Pepper Jelly Dip
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My recipe for easy, homemade Cream Cheese Dip with Red Pepper Jelly is simple to make and tastes incredible! You can put this together in just 10 minutes from ingredients you probably have in your fridge already.

I love a good dip recipe. Dips can be the perfect solution when company drops by or you have friends over and find yourselves getting a little snacky. I usually throw together my Olive Oil Bread Dip (which is perfect when you’re sharing a bottle of wine) or this Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip.
I am a huge fan of this recipe because of how fast and easy it is, and how the flavors really work together. Sweet and spicy red pepper jelly is a perfect combination with the cream cheese and shredded cheeses.
Red Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip will be one of those recipes your friends are begging for, so make sure to print it out or save the link and have it handy! If you bring this to a party or potluck, you’ll be asked for it a lot.
Why You’ll Love this recipe

- So Fast To Make: Is 10 minutes fast enough? Because if not, we have bigger problems than your quest for the best dip.
- No Cooking Required: You just mix this up and serve. It cannot be easier!
- Winning Flavor Combination: Sweet and spicy with all the cheese and cream cheese’s smooth, creamy texture? Say more.
Ingredients You Will Need

- Cream Cheese: Beef gives a deeper, heartier flavor, while turkey keeps it leaner and lighter. A mix provides balance.
- Red Pepper Jelly: Store-bought red pepper jelly is fine for this recipe. Or get ambitious and make your own to keep in the fridge.
- Shredded Cheeses: I use cheddar and pepper jack in this recipe. Shred your own cheese for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses contain additives to prevent them from clumping that can effect texture.
- Seasonings: Simple seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne boost the flavor of this homemade dip.
Additions & Substitutions
- Smoked Cheddar Cheese: Use a good aged smoked flavor to add another dimension to this dish.
- Jalapeños: If you like extra heat, chop up some jalapeño peppers and combine them with the cream cheese mixture.
*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.
How To make Red Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

Step 1: Combine. Mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheeses, and seasonings in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Top with red pepper jelly. Transfer the dip into a serving dish and spread the red pepper jelly over top. Garnish with green onions.

Step 3: Serve. Set out a spread with crackers or pita bread and some celery and carrot sticks for dipping.

Step 4: Enjoy. Get dipping! This dip can be served immediately or stored in the fridge overnight.
Tips & Tricks
- Soften Cream Cheese: The easiest way to soften cream cheese is to leave it out on the counter for 30-45 minutes before plan to make the dip. If you forget, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave in short, 10-15 second bursts. Check after each by poking the cream cheese and when it gives easily and no longer feels cold, it’s ready to mix.
Recipe Variations
- Spinach Artichoke Pepper Jelly Dip: Mix in some chopped artichoke hearts and steamed, drained, and chopped spinach.
- Spicy Pepper Jelly Dip Poppers: Grab some mini bell peppers, slice in half, lengthwise, and remove the seeds and membranes. Spread the red pepper jelly in the bottom and then top with the cream cheese mixture. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes! This recipe is easy to swap the regular cream cheese for a lower-fat version.
Absolutely! If you like a good, melty, hot cream cheese dip, you can assemble this in an oven-safe baking dish and bake it in a pre-heated 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes before adding the pepper jelly.

More Delicious Dip Recipes You’ll Love
- Maryland Crab Dip
- Mexican Street Corn Dip
- Crack Chicken Dip
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Jalapeño Popper Dip
If you tried this Red Pepper Jelly Dip or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Red Pepper Jelly Dip
Equipment
- Shallow bowls great for serving dips, pasta, and rice bowls!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 11.6 ounces jarred red pepper jelly (or homemade)
- green onions sliced
- crackers, pita chips, or veggies for serving
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, cheddar, pepper jack, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl.8 ounces whipped cream cheese, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Spread the mixture in a shallow serving dish (I like to use a pie dish).
- Spoon the red pepper jelly over the top of the cream cheese, spreading it out so it covers the entire surface. Top with green onions.11.6 ounces jarred red pepper jelly (or homemade), green onions
- Serve the dip with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.crackers, pita chips, or veggies
Notes
- Serve with Ritz crackers, pita bread, or a sliced baguette.
- Soften Cream Cheese: You can soften cream cheese by leaving it out on the counter for 30-45 minutes prior to assembling the dip. You can also use the microwave’s defrost setting in short 10-15 second bursts.