Pepper Jelly Dip

📝 Ingredients

• 1 (7.5 oz) container chive & onion cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• ⅛ cup bacon bits or cooked, crumbled bacon
• ¼ cup pepper jelly
• Wheat Thins or Ritz crackers, for serving

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.

3. 3

   Lightly grease a pie plate and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the dish.

4. 4

   Top with the crushed Ritz crackers and bacon.

5. 5

   Bake for 15 minutes.

6. 6

   While the dip is baking, add the pepper jelly to a small microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20–30 seconds, until warmed and easy to pour.

7. 7

   As soon as the dip comes out of the oven, pour the warm pepper jelly over the top.

8. 8

   Serve warm with Wheat Thins or Ritz crackers and enjoy!

💡 Tips for Success

• Soften the cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for a bit before mixing. This will make it much easier to combine with the other ingredients.
• Use freshly cooked bacon: Bacon bits work perfectly when you want to keep things easy, but freshly cooked and crumbled bacon adds even more flavor.
• Warm the pepper jelly: Don't skip this step! Warming the jelly makes it easier to pour and helps it spread across the warm dip.
• Adjust the heat: Pepper jellies can vary in sweetness and spice. Choose one based on how much heat you want in your dip.
• Serve it warm: This dip is best served right out of the oven while the cheese is hot and creamy and the cracker topping is crispy.