YaYa’s Baked Pepper Jelly Dip
This Baked Pepper Jelly Dip is the perfect mix of creamy, savory, and sweet. Made with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and rich cream cheese, it’s baked until bubbly and topped with a glossy layer of warm red pepper jelly. Served with buttery crackers, it’s a true crowd-pleaser and a go-to for parties, holidays, and game day get-togethers. Every bite is smooth, cheesy, and just a little bit sweet from that pepper jelly finish. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and always disappears fast when set on the table.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon about 6 slices, chopped
- 1 pound cream cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
- 2 medium scallions thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup red pepper jelly
- Ritz or buttery round crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats, cook chopped bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp, about 10–12 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Cut cream cheese into cubes and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until softened and easy to mix (about 45 seconds). Room temperature cream cheese works too.
- Add cooked bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced scallions to the softened cream cheese. Mix until fully combined.
- Spoon into an 8-inch square or 2-quart baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbling around the edges and fully heated.
- While the dip bakes, microwave pepper jelly in a small bowl for 25–30 seconds until pourable.
- Pour warm jelly over the hot dip and gently spread into an even layer.
- Garnish with more scallions, if desired, and serve immediately with crackers.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
This dip is all about timing and texture, and with a few simple tricks, it’ll come out perfect every time. Prepare your bacon ahead of time and keep it crisp in a paper towel-lined container if you want to assemble this dish quickly for guests. Don’t skip softening your cream cheese; it makes mixing everything much smoother and easier.
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and smoky flavor
- Microwave the jelly just enough to make it pourable, not boiling
- Bake in a shallow dish for even heating and a prettier presentation
- Make ahead and refrigerate; just leave off the jelly until right before serving
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
You can easily make this dip your own!
- Try swapping in pepper jack for the cheddar if you want a little extra heat, or use jalapeño jelly instead of red pepper jelly for a spicier finish.
- If you’ve got fresh herbs on hand, a little thyme or parsley can brighten things up nicely.
- For a vegetarian twist, simply leave out the bacon and add some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.
If you’re looking for more appetizer ideas, this would pair beautifully with my Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread for a savory-sweet spread, or my Overnight Vegetable Salad to round out a holiday table.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
