This Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Appetizer is a Southern classic! It takes only minutes to make, and it’s always a hit at parties.
I’m not sure there’s an easier party food than this pepper jelly cream cheese appetizer. If you need something for a holiday party or a potluck any time of the year, this is it!
The simple combo of cream cheese and sweet and spicy pepper jelly spread on a crispy cracker just works! Spicy, sweet, creamy, crunchy — it covers all the bases. It’s a nice addition to a charcuterie board.
This recipe is best when made using my Sweet Heat Hot Pepper Jelly — one of the most popular recipes on my website! You can also use these Spicy Pear Preserves to make it.
If you like pepper jelly, be sure to try my Chinese-Style Cream Cheese Wontons and this Strawberry Bacon Mozzarella Flatbread Pizza. I use it as a “secret” ingredient in both recipes!
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You definitely want to keep a few jars of pepper jelly on hand for making quick appetizers, glazing meat and dressing up vegetables. It can also be used to make salad dressing.
Making homemade pepper jelly is easier than think. Watch my web story on how to make pepper jelly for a quick overview or get the complete hot pepper jelly recipe here.
🌶 Ingredients
To make the flavorful cracker spread you will need:
- Cream cheese: For the creamiest, most spreadable appetizer, I like using regular cream cheese that has been softened to room temperature. You can also use Neufchâtel or reduced-fat cream cheese. I don’t recommend using fat-free cream cheese.
- Pepper Jelly: Homemade pepper jelly is the best choice, in my opinion. But you can use store-bought, too. I like Stonewall Kitchen and Captain Rodney’s.
- Crackers: I like serving this with Ritz crackers, club crackers or entertainment crackers. At the holidays, Trader Joe’s has some scalloped red pepper crackers that are really good with this appetizer.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Spread
This easy recipe comes together really quickly. The prep time is minimal — less than 10 minutes!
- Place the softened block of cream cheese on a serving plate or platter.
- Spoon pepper jelly over the cream cheese, adding enough to cover the block and drip down the sides. Three or four heaping spoonfuls is usually enough. This amounts to between 3 Tablespoons and ¼ cup, but you can always add more red pepper jelly.
- Arrange crackers around the block of cream cheese and use a cheese spreader or butter knife to serve.
Cook’s Tip: If your pepper jelly has been stored in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature before spooning it over the cream cheese. This helps it “flow” better. It can also be helpful to stir the pepper jelly or heat it for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave.
What Are the Best Crackers To Serve with Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly?
Since this is a thick spread, you want to use a cracker that doesn’t easily fall apart. Try one of these crackers with the easy appetizer:
- Club crackers
- Ritz crackers
- Townhouse crackers
- Homemade Firecrackers Spicy Saltines
- Wheat Thins
- Triscuits
- Entertainment crackers
- Red Pepper Scalloped Crackers from Trader Joe’s
- Pita crackers
- Flatbread crackers
Alternatives to Crackers
If you don’t have any crackers in the pantry, try one of these crunchy snacks instead:
- Pita chips
- Wonton chips
- Pretzel Crisps
- Braided pretzel twists
- Flatbread Crisps
- Nut Thins (a good gluten-free choice)
- Fritos Scoops
- Tostitos Scoops
📖 Variations & Substitutions
- Used whipped cream cheese for an even more spreadable texture.
- Add more heat by garnishing with jalapeno pepper slices or red pepper flakes.
- Whip the softened cream cheese and pepper jelly together using a mixer to make a cream cheese pepper jelly dip.
- Use spicy pepper pear preserves or hot cranberry jelly for a flavor twist.
- Make it fancy by switching out the cream cheese for brie.
Want to make a sweet version of this appetizer? Spoon homemade strawberry jam over cream cheese and serve with graham crackers, cinnamon pita chips or wonton crackers.
While the classic version of this appetizer is always a crowd pleaser, there are times I want to “fancy” things up a bit.
I make a bite-sized version of this appetizer using baked wonton cups and a creamy whipped pepper jelly filling.
Storage
If you have any leftover spread, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you serve the leftovers, you may want to add more pepper jelly.
This recipe should not be frozen.
More Appetizer Recipes
If you liked this easy recipe, you may also enjoy these other delicious appetizers.
- Tangy Hot Artichoke Dip with Feta
- Gourmet Pimento Cheese Spread
- Pork Fried Wontons
- Baked Brie with Apples & Pecans
- Cucumber Sandwiches with Benedictine Spread
- Southern Style Pimento Cheese
- Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Pin This! EASY Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Appetizer
🎥 Recipe Card
Easy Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Appetizer Spread
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 to 4 Tablespoons Hot Pepper Jelly
Instructions
- Place softened cream cheese on a serving plate or platter
- Top softened cream cheese with Hot Pepper Jelly.
- Serve on crackers, pita chips, flatbread crisps or pretzel thins.
Video
Notes
Cook’s Tip
If the pepper jelly has been stored in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature before spooning it over the cream cheese. It can also be helpful to stir the pepper jelly or heat it for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave.Variations & Substitutions
- Used whipped cream cheese for an even more spreadable texture.
- Add more heat by garnishing with jalapeno pepper slices or red pepper flakes.
- Use spicy pepper pear preserves or hot cranberry jelly for a flavor twist.
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