Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Appetizer — super easy and perfect with crackers 😋

Here’s the full recipe:

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🧀 Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (full fat, softened)

• 1 cup red pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)

• 1–2 tbsp finely diced red bell pepper (optional, for extra texture)

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)

• Crackers or toasted baguette slices for serving

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese

• Place softened cream cheese on a serving plate.

• If you want it extra smooth, lightly whip it with a mixer before shaping.

2️⃣ Add the Topping

• Spoon pepper jelly generously over the top.

• Let it slightly drip down the sides (like in the picture).

• Sprinkle diced red bell pepper and red pepper flakes if using.

3️⃣ Serve

• Serve immediately with crackers.

• Or refrigerate up to 24 hours and bring to room temperature before serving.

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🔥 Homemade Red Pepper Jelly (Optional)

If you’d like to make the jelly from scratch:

Ingredients

• 3 red bell peppers, finely chopped

• 1 jalapeño, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)

• 1½ cups sugar

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• 3 oz liquid pectin (1 pouch)

Instructions

1. Blend peppers slightly (leave some texture).

2. In a saucepan, combine peppers, sugar, and vinegar.

3. Bring to a rolling boil for 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in liquid pectin and boil 1 more minute.

5. Remove from heat and cool completely before using.

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💡 Variations

• Use green pepper jelly for a holiday look.

• Add crumbled bacon on top.

• Spread cream cheese on a platter and swirl jelly for a dip style.

• Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangy twist.

If you’d like, I can also give you:

• A baked hot version

• A cranberry holiday version

• A low-sugar version

• Or a 3-ingredient super quick version 😊