Description
This Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer is a quick, flavorful spread perfect for entertaining. Cream cheese softened and topped with warm red pepper jelly creates a perfect balance of creamy and sweet-spicy, served with crunchy crackers for dipping. It’s a simple, no-cook appetizer that can be ready in minutes, ideal for last-minute gatherings or casual snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Spread
- 8 ounce Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup Red Pepper Jelly (Braswell’s brand recommended; green pepper jelly also works)
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
For Serving
- 13.7 ounce Box Club Crackers or preferred crackers
- 2 sprigs Rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Place the softened block of cream cheese on a serving plate or platter, creating a base for the jelly topping.
- Warm Pepper Jelly: Transfer the red pepper jelly to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds to slightly warm and loosen it.
- Top Cream Cheese: Stir the warmed jelly gently, then spoon it evenly over the top of the cream cheese for a glossy, flavorful layer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top and add rosemary sprigs if desired to enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Offer the pepper jelly cream cheese spread with club crackers for dipping and enjoying immediately.
Notes
- If the cream cheese is not softened, place the block on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 10 seconds before assembling to soften quickly.
- You can substitute green pepper jelly for a milder or different flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely if sensitive to heat.
- This appetizer is best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 tablespoons spread with 4 crackers
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
