Raspberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip (2 Ingredients!)

This incredibly simple, two-ingredient dip combines softened cream cheese with vibrant raspberry pepper jelly. It's an effortlessly elegant appetizer or snack, offering a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and subtly spicy flavors, perfect for serving with crackers for any occasion.

Print Recipe

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 1180.8 kcal

Equipment

1 Serving Plate or Shallow Dish For presenting the dip
1 Spoon For spreading cream cheese and adding jelly
1 Measuring Cup For accurately portioning the jelly
1 Butter Knife (optional) For initial cream cheese unwrapping/placement

Ingredients

Main

8 ounces cream cheese
1/3 to 1/2 cup raspberry pepper jelly or preserves plus more as needed
Flaky salt optional
Ritz or buttery round crackers for serving

Instructions

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes, facilitating easy spreading and a smooth consistency.
Carefully unwrap the softened cream cheese and place it onto your desired serving plate or shallow dish.
Using a spoon or a butter knife, gently spread the cream cheese evenly across the plate, forming a flat base.
Measure out 1/3 to 1/2 cup of raspberry pepper jelly or preserves, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of sweetness and spice.
Spoon the measured jelly generously over the softened cream cheese, allowing it to naturally spread or gently coaxing it with the back of the spoon for an even layer.
For enhanced flavor and a textural contrast, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the jelly (this step is optional but highly recommended).
Arrange Ritz or other buttery round crackers, or your preferred accompaniments, artfully around the dip for elegant serving.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to an hour before preparing. This allows for effortless spreading and creates a smooth, appealing base. While the recipe suggests raspberry pepper jelly, feel free to experiment with other fruit-and-spice combinations like apricot-habanero or peach-ginger for varied flavor profiles. For an elevated presentation, gently swirl a portion of the jelly into the cream cheese before adding the final layer on top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt not only enhances flavor but also adds a textural contrast. Serve with high-quality crackers, crusty bread, or even apple slices for a balanced sweet and savory bite.