Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
A simple party appetizer featuring a smooth layer of rich cream cheese topped with a sweet-tart blend of cranberry sauce and red pepper jelly. The creamy base, fruity topping, and gentle peppery heat pair especially well with crisp crackers and salty pretzels.
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Ingredients
For the Topping
- 1 cup red pepper jelly approximately 1 jar
- 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce preferably with the berries intact for added texture
For Serving
- Pretzels for a crisp and salty accompaniment
- Buttery crackers such as Ritz or Carr’s
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, brought to room temperature until softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
- Place the softened cream cheese on a small serving plate or shallow serving dish. Spread it into an even, smooth layer to form the base of the dip.
- Combine the Cranberry-Pepper Topping
- Add the red pepper jelly and cranberry sauce to a small mixing bowl.
- Stir the two ingredients together until evenly incorporated and the mixture has a consistent appearance. A few pieces of cranberry may be left intact for additional texture, or the mixture may be stirred until smoother if desired.
- Assemble the Dip
- Spoon the cranberry and pepper jelly mixture evenly over the prepared cream cheese layer.
- Arrange crackers and pretzels around the serving dish, or serve them alongside the dip for easy dipping.
Notes
For the smoothest spreading consistency, allow the cream cheese to soften fully at room temperature before assembling the appetizer.
Whole-berry cranberry sauce provides more texture than a jellied variety.
Serve the finished cranberry pepper jelly cream cheese dip at room temperature as a party appetizer.