Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly
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Easy bacon and cream cheese dip with hot pepper jelly is a warm, savory party dip perfect for holidays and game day!
Melinda has been obsessed with this bacon and cream cheese dip with hot pepper jelly. We first made this cream cheese dip with bacon for a party years ago, and let me tell you, it’s been requested every year since. I mean, how can you go wrong with gooey cheddar, smoky bacon, and creamy cheeses baked to perfection and topped with a glossy layer of hot pepper jelly?
That sweet-and-spicy kick from the jelly paired with the salty richness of the bacon makes this dip totally irresistible. It’s one of those easy holiday dip recipes that people think you spent hours on, but really, it’s just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven. Win-win!
Serve it warm with Ritz crackers, crusty bread, or crisp veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s packed with flavor.
Perfect for holiday parties, tailgates, or cozy nights in, this baked cheese dip recipe comes together quickly and disappears even faster.
If you love cheesy dips, don’t miss our Texas Trash Dip! It’s a hearty, cheesy bean dip that’s also party-perfect.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cream cheese – Softened to room temp, this is the rich, creamy base for the dip.
- Whipped chive and onion cream cheese – Adds an herby boost; substitute with plain whipped cream cheese and a teaspoon of dried chives if needed.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is best for bold flavor, but you can use Monterey Jack or a blend if preferred.
- Green onions – Fresh and zesty, they brighten up the richness. Swap with chives if you’re out.
- Cooked bacon – Smoky and salty! Use real bacon bits in a pinch, but freshly cooked and chopped bacon is best.
- Hot pepper jelly – This is the magic! Adds that sweet heat. Can’t find hot pepper jelly or red pepper jelly? Try jalapeño jelly or even a spicy mango chutney.
- Ritz crackers – Buttery crackers are a classic pairing. You can also use pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or veggie sticks.
Looking for more crowd-pleasing ideas? Try this cheesy, savory Mississippi Sin Dip, it’s a classic party dip that is always a favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake and melty, bubbly cheese.
Step 2 – Mix the Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, whipped chive and onion cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and cooked, chopped bacon. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the cream cheese sit out for 20–30 minutes beforehand for easier mixing.
Step 3 – Bake the Dip. Transfer the cheese mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the top starts to turn golden.
Step 4 – Add the Jelly. Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top with red pepper jelly. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it across the surface. The heat from the dip will help the jelly glide smoothly.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy. Serve the dip warm with Ritz crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies like celery and bell peppers.
Want something creamy but a little different? Check out this simple Whipped Ricotta and Tomato Dip. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for summer spreads!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Presentation: Garnish with extra chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for a festive touch.
Make Ahead: Prep the base mixture a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake and top with jelly before serving!
Double It: Feeding a crowd? Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 dish.
Spice Level: If you’re worried about the heat, look for a milder red pepper jelly or blend it with a bit of apricot preserves.
Serving Suggestions
This savory party dip shines during holidays and game days but is versatile enough for any gathering:
- Appetizer for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Super Bowl parties.
- Tailgate treat with a big batch of chips or crackers.
- Girls’ night snack with wine and veggie crudités.
- Cozy weekend indulgence served with toasted bread.
Pair it with a cold beer or sparkling wine to balance the richness and spice!
And if you’re in full-on dip mode, don’t miss our reader-favorite Sausage Cream Cheese Dip or the spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! Mix the base ingredients, spread in the baking dish, and cover. Refrigerate up to 24 hours. Just bake and top with jelly when ready.
You can use jalapeño jelly or mix apricot preserves with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar sweet-spicy effect.
You can, though the texture won’t be quite the same. Microwave the cheese mixture in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals until hot, then top with jelly.
That depends on the brand of jelly you use! Most red pepper jellies are mild to medium in spice, making the dip flavorful but still family-friendly.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Scoop into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F oven until hot.
Freezing: Not recommended, as cream cheese can become grainy when thawed.
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Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Pepper Jelly
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces Whipped chive and onion cream cheese
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Green onions, finely chopped
- 6 slices Cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 cup Hot Pepper Jelly, also called red pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a bowl combine softened cream cheese, whipped chive and onion cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and chopped cooked bacon.
- Stir together until well combined.
- Add the mixture to an 8×8 inch baking dish and place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes remove from the oven and top with the red pepper jelly.
- Use the back of the spoon to spread the jelly evenly over the top of the dip.
- Serve warm with bread, cracker, and/or veggies.
Nutrition
