Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

The Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip is perfect for snacking!

Made with shredded pepper jack cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and a blend of spices and herbs, refrigerated and then topped with Pepper Jelly. It is the perfect blend of creamy, cool and spicy and sweet. Serve these with buttery round crackers for the perfect scoop of deliciousness.

Ingredients

• 2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounce piece of Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 4 ounce piece of Pepper Jack Cheese
• 3/4 cup of Pepper Jelly (adjust to your preferences)
• 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferences)
• 1/4 teaspoon of celery salt
• 1/2 tablespoon of dried minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced fresh chives

Instructions

Step 1: For this recipe I recommend using freshly shredded cheese. I use a brick of the cheese and grate it on the thicker side. The thicker shreds are best for this dip.

Step 2: Soften the cream cheese and whip on high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add all the seasonings and herbs except the chives. Add the shredded cheese a little at a time until this is all well blended.

Step 3: Whip for 1 minutes on high.

Step 4: Spread the mixture on a dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. I used about a 6 inch plate with little bit higher sides.

Step 5: When ready to serve, spread the pepper jelly all over the top. Then sprinkle the chives. Server with butter round crackers. *You can use more or less pepper jelly.

Tips:

Choose the Right Pepper Jelly: Select your favorite pepper jelly, which can range from sweet to spicy. Experiment with different flavors to find the one you love the most.

Cheese Selection: A combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese is common, but you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or goat cheese for a unique twist.

Cream Cheese Softening: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so it blends smoothly with other ingredients.

Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dip, consider adding a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even finely chopped jalapeños to the mix.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the dip with an array of dippers like crackers, tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks. The contrast of textures adds to the experience.

Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing with fresh herbs, like chopped chives or cilantro, and a few whole or chopped nuts for added crunch.