Homemade Zingy Pepper Jelly Recipe for Sweet-Spicy Spreads

Sticky, sweet, and bursting with tangy heat, this pepper jelly recipe delivers a condiment that dances between spicy and sublime.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this vibrant spread as a versatile flavor bomb.

Homemade pepper jelly captures the essence of fresh peppers with remarkable depth and complexity.

Each spoonful brings a delightful balance of warmth and sweetness that instantly enhances any cheese board or charcuterie plate.

Green and red peppers mingle with sugar and vinegar to create a stunning preserve that sparkles like culinary jewels.

Serve this irresistible jelly alongside crackers, use it as a glaze, or gift jars to food-loving friends who appreciate small-batch delights.

This recipe promises a delectable journey into the world of homemade preserves that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 9

Building Blocks of a Great Pepper Jelly

• Cream Cheese: Provides smooth, velvety texture and rich backdrop for other ingredients.
• Sharp Cheddar: Adds bold, tangy flavor and creates depth in cheese mixture.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering other ingredients.
• Onion Flakes: Introduces gentle, sweet undertones with delightful slight crunch.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies overall taste profile.

• Pepper Jelly: Brings vibrant, zesty kick with perfect balance of heat and sweetness, choose jelly with visible pepper pieces for extra texture and visual appeal.

What You’ll Need to Make Pepper Jelly

• Large mixing bowl: For combining cream cheese, cheddar, and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To mix ingredients smoothly.
• Oven-safe dish or pie pan: For baking the cheese dip.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt.
• Microwave-safe container: For melting pepper jelly quickly.
• Oven mitts: To safely handle hot dishes.

Making Homemade Pepper Jelly Easily

• Cheese Blend Preparation

Gather cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt in a mixing bowl. Combine all ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Dish Setup

Select an oven-safe dish or pie pan. Spread the cheese mixture evenly across the surface, ensuring a uniform layer.

• Oven Magic

Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F. Slide the cheese-filled dish into the heated space and let it transform for approximately 15 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and irresistibly golden.

• Jelly Transformation

While the cheese bakes, gently heat the pepper jelly in a microwave-safe container. Zap in short 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals until the jelly becomes silky and pourable.

• Final Touch

Once the cheese dip emerges hot and tempting, drizzle the melted pepper jelly across the surface. Use a spoon to spread the jelly evenly, creating a beautiful marbled effect that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

Adjustments for Different Pepper Jelly Heat Levels

• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Replace pepper jelly with fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a sweet-savory combination that surprises guests.
• Prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for maximum deliciousness.
• Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for an extra kick of heat that complements the pepper jelly's sweetness.
• Pair with crispy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears quickly.

How to Pair Pepper Jelly on Your Table

• Cocktail Party Delight: Serve this warm, zesty dip with crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for an irresistible appetizer that'll have guests coming back for more.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Transform this cheesy creation into a stunning weekend brunch item by pairing it with fresh bagels, english muffins, or artisan bread for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Game Day Touchdown: Elevate your sports viewing experience by presenting this spicy-sweet dip in a decorative ceramic dish, surrounded by an array of dipping options like pretzels, tortilla chips, and pita wedges.
• Holiday Entertaining Star: Dress up this cheese dip for special occasions by garnishing with chopped chives, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add extra visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Storage and Shelf Life for Pepper Jelly

• Fresh Batch Strategy: Prepare this dip just before serving to maintain optimal texture and temperature, ensuring maximum flavor and creamy consistency.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store any leftover cheese dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in microwave or oven, stirring occasionally to restore smooth texture.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Mix cheese ingredients the night before and refrigerate. Remove 30 minutes prior to baking, allowing ingredients to reach room temperature for even melting.
• Serving Suggestions: Keep dip warm in a small slow cooker during parties, which helps maintain its creamy consistency and allows guests to enjoy multiple servings throughout the event.

Zesty Pepper Jelly Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade pepper jelly blends sweet and spicy flavors in a quick, delightful spread perfect for cheese platters or appetizers. Cooks can easily prepare this condiment with fresh peppers, sugar, and pectin for a zesty kitchen creation you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 7 oz (198 g) pepper jelly
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz (113 g) sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 tsp onion flakes
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack centered for uniform heating, ensuring optimal cooking environment.
2. Mixing: Blend cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion flakes, and kosher salt in a medium bowl until ingredients form a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
3. Assembling: Spread the cheese blend evenly into a ceramic or glass oven-safe dish, creating a uniform surface for consistent baking.
4. Baking: Roast the cheese mixture for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden and cheese develops a luscious, bubbling texture.
5. Jelly Preparation: Warm pepper jelly in microwave using 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each cycle to achieve a silky, pourable consistency.
6. Finishing: Extract the baked cheese dip from oven, then drizzle melted pepper jelly across the surface, distributing it elegantly with a spoon or spatula.
7. Serving: Rest the dip for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and preventing potential mouth burns when enjoying this delectable appetizer.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality, full-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar for the richest, most flavorful dip experience.
• Prevent Overheating: Watch the cheese carefully during baking to avoid burning or separating, which can result in a grainy texture.
• Jelly Heating Technique: Microwave pepper jelly gently to maintain its vibrant color and prevent scorching or caramelization.
• Serving Temperature: Let the dip rest briefly after baking to allow flavors to develop and prevent potential mouth burns from extreme heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg