Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Appetizer

Cream cheese and Pepper Jelly is an easy appetizer for any occasion. With just 3 ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have it ready in seconds. Serve it by itself or add it to your a charcuterie board.

Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Spread

Is cream cheese and pepper jelly and Southern thing? I like to think so but most importantly, it’s very easy and tasty!

The first time I had this delicious combination was not long after we moved to south Georgia. It’s the perfect blend of spicy pepper jelly with a creamy spread.

Pepper jelly is a staple there and every good Southern woman makes her own version. It’s often given as gifts during the holiday season and can always be found in their pantry.

This pepper jelly cream cheese appetizer is a super easy recipe to make and you can keep the ingredients on hand. Try it along with this Smoked Cream Cheese for an exciting new twist!

My Favorite Cream Cheese Dips

• Everything Bagel Dip
• Margarita Dip
• Captain Rodney Dip
• Million Dollar Dip
• Cream Cheese Dip

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Ingredients Needed

Cream cheese – Regular cream cheese is best. Substitute low fat or fat free.

Pepper jelly – Use your favorite spicy red pepper jelly.

Spices – Red pepper flakes, fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish.

Crackers – I like Ritz crackers or substitute buttery round crackers, Club crackers, Wheat Thins, Triscuits.

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How to Make Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly

First: Place a softened block of cream cheese on a serving plate with a rim to catch the jelly.

Second: Pour the pepper jelly over the top of the cream cheese.

Third: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Fourth: Garnish the plate and serve with crackers or bread slices.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long does it last?

It can sit out for an hour at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

Serving Suggestions

1. Place block of cream cheese on a platter and pour the jelly over the top.
2. Shape the cream cheese to fit the holiday like a tree or pumpkin.
3. Spread the cream cheese flat and top with the spicy jelly.
4. Make mini cheese balls of cream cheese and stuff with jelly like these!
5. Completely blend the two together to make a pepper jelly dip.

What cheese goes well with a jar of pepper jelly?

• Cream cheese
• Goat cheese
• Manchego
• Havarti

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Make sure brick of cream cheese is room temperature for best results.
• Use green pepper jelly or your own red pepper jelly.
• If the jelly is too thick, microwave it in 10 second intervals until smooth enough to pour.
• If serving on a platter you can place the cream cheese in a dish with a rim to keep it from running on the crackers.
• Favorite crackers to use are Ritz and Triscuits.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Cream cheese and pepper jelly is one of my favorite appetizers of all time. Perfect for a special occasion or an afternoon snack, it’s one of those quick appetizers that everyone loves!

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