This Pepper Jelly Party Dip is a delightful appetizer that combines cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, crunchy water chestnuts, sweet red pepper, and fresh green onions. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.
The recipe is simple and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for holidays, game days, or any festive gathering.
Flavorful Layers of Creaminess
This cheesy pepper jelly dip is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will surely impress at any gathering. The creamy base, made from softened cream cheese and sharp cheddar, creates a rich foundation that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Incorporating crunchy water chestnuts and sweet red bell pepper adds a refreshing contrast to the smoothness of the cheese. The vibrant colors of the ingredients not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to a delightful taste experience.
A Sweet and Savory Topping
The glossy layer of pepper jelly on top is the star of this dip. Its sweetness beautifully balances the savory elements, creating a harmonious blend that keeps guests coming back for more. The addition of crumbled bacon introduces a smoky flavor that elevates the overall dish.
As the dip sits, the flavors meld together, allowing each bite to be a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. This makes it an ideal choice for parties, where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a game day gathering, or a casual get-together, this dip fits right in. Its easy preparation means you can whip it up in just 20 minutes, with an additional hour for chilling to let the flavors develop.
Serving this dip with buttery crackers adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy dip. The combination is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a centerpiece on any festive table.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. While buttery crackers are a classic choice, consider offering sliced vegetables for a healthier option. Crisp celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dip.
For a more substantial offering, serve it alongside toasted baguette slices or pita chips. These options add an extra layer of texture and flavor, making the dip even more enjoyable.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the best features of this cheesy pepper jelly dip is its make-ahead convenience. Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in an even tastier dip.
Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to impress your guests, just add the crumbled bacon on top and set it out with your choice of dippers.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This dip serves about eight people, making it a great option for sharing. Each serving contains approximately 210 calories, with a balance of fats and proteins that makes it a satisfying appetizer.
With 16 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein per serving, it’s a rich treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a memorable addition to any gathering, ensuring that your guests will leave with happy taste buds.
Easy Cream Cheese Bacon Pepper Jelly Dip
This dip features a creamy base of cream cheese and cheddar, enhanced with the crunch of water chestnuts and the sweetness of red pepper. Topped with a layer of pepper jelly and crumbled bacon, it pairs perfectly with buttery crackers. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and it serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup water chestnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Buttery crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well blended.
- Add Crunch: Stir in chopped water chestnuts, diced red pepper, and sliced green onions until evenly distributed.
- Layer the Dip: Spread the cheese mixture into a serving dish, smoothing the top. Pour pepper jelly over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Finish with Bacon: Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the pepper jelly layer.
- Chill: Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the dip with buttery crackers for dipping.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 8g