This Easy Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread for Crackers is simple to make and is a creamy, savory spread that makes a perfect holiday appetizer. You only need a few ingredients, and this addicting treat will be a decadent addition to any holiday table.
Simple Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread for Crackers
This Simple Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread for Crackers is a creamy, tasty combination of smooth cream cheese, light mayo, zesty sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy chopped pecans, green onions, and the sweet heat of pepper jelly for an irresistible spread that will have you running out of crackers before you even realize it! It is creamy and spreadable and is great to munch on while your main dishes are still in the oven. My family loves this appetizer for the holiday season.
This Easy Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread is so simple to make that you’ll wonder why you have never made it before. You start by simply mixing together your block of cream cheese, mayo, cheese, pecans, and green onions. Once you have those combined, you spread the mixture into a 9×9 pan and top with pepper jelly. After that, your pepper jelly spread is ready to serve with crackers!
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Spread Appetizer
- It is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that will have your whole family asking for more.
- It is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.
- This pepper jelly spread is easy to make and tastes great on any type of cracker.
- It looks beautiful on an appetizer tray.
- You only need a few ingredients.
- This cream cheese spread is simple to make – you just have to mix it up!
Ingredients For Your Cream Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup light mayo
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced
- 18 oz. pepper jelly
- Ritz crackers for serving
How To Make Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread for Crackers
Step 1: In a medium size mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, pecans, and green onions. Mix well.
Step 2: Spread evenly into a 9×9 pan.
Step 3: Spread pepper jelly evenly on the cheese layer.
Step 4: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve with Ritz crackers or crackers of your choice. Enjoy!
What to Serve/Pair with Your Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread Appetizer
My favorite pairing with this Pepper Jelly Spread is Ritz crackers, but this cream cheese pepper jelly spread pairs well with any type of cracker. For the holidays, I sometimes serve it with a variety of crackers, like Wheat Thins, Triscuits, and even flavored crackers.
If you want to switch it up and use something other than crackers, you can also use Crostini or another hard bread. Some people even like to serve it with chips, but I prefer crackers or bread.
Want to pair your Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread and crackers with a cozy drink? This Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate is absolutely delicious and pairs well with everything. It is my favorite holiday drink!
Popular Substitutions & Additions
If you do not have light mayo on hand, you can replace it with regular mayonnaise.
Some people do not like the taste of the green onions (though, in my opinion, they don’t have much of a taste). If you have picky eaters, feel free to leave those out of the mixture. I like the crunch that they add to this spread.
If you do not have light mayo on hand, you can replace it with regular mayonnaise.
Some people do not like the taste of the green onions (though, in my opinion, they don’t have much of a taste). If you have picky eaters, feel free to leave those out of the mixture. I like the crunch that they add to this spread.
Storage & Leftovers
This cream cheese pepper jelly spread can easily be stored in the fridge! Make sure that it is in a sealed, air-tight container. It will remain fresh for up to 2 days, though you will start to notice the color from the pepper jelly spreading into the cream cheese mixture. To serve leftover pepper jelly spread, all you have to do is take it out of the fridge, uncover, and serve!
Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread FAQs
Can I use Neufchatel cheese in place of the cream cheese?
Sure! If that is your preference, feel free to substitute Neufchatel cheese for the cream cheese in this pepper jelly spread recipe.
Where can I find pepper jelly?
You can find pepper jelly at almost any grocery store! Most stores even have their own brand of pepper jelly, and they are typically really tasty! You can usually find this on the condiment aisle.
Can I use store brand crackers in place of the Ritz crackers?
Okay, honest moment here. I do not like any store brand versions of Ritz crackers. With that being said, it is totally your preference! If you are okay with the taste of store brand crackers, feel free to substitute them for Ritz to serve with your simple pepper jelly cheese spread.
Other Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
Simple Cranberry Bread with Glaze & Canned Cranberries
The Best Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
The Best Homemade Ham & Cheese Sliders
Easy Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread for Crackers
Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup light mayo
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced
- 18 oz. pepper jelly I used raspberry pepper jelly
- Ritz crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a medium size mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, pecans, and green onions. Mix well.
- Spread evenly into a 9×9 pan.
- Spread pepper jelly evenly over the cheese layer.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve with Ritz crackers or crackers of your choice. Enjoy!
