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Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 130 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups of cheese spread, serves 8-10 as an appetizer 1x

Description

This Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread combines creamy cheeses with sweet and spicy pepper jelly, creating a delightful appetizer perfect for entertaining. Enhanced with toasted nuts for crunch and served with crackers or baguette slices, it’s an easy yet impressive spread that balances flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened

Pepper Jelly Mixture

  • 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red pepper jelly recommended)

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted

For Serving

  • Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables

Instructions

  1. Soften the Cheeses: Take the cream cheese and goat cheese out of the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before starting to allow them to become soft and easier to mix.
  2. Combine the Cheeses: Place the softened cream cheese and goat cheese into a medium bowl, preparing them for blending.
  3. Mix Until Smooth: Use a hand mixer or a spoon to mix the two cheeses together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Measure Pepper Jelly: Measure 1/2 cup of pepper jelly. If the jelly contains large pepper chunks, chop them to ensure an even texture in the spread.
  5. Incorporate Pepper Jelly: Gently fold the pepper jelly into the cheese mixture, distributing it evenly without overmixing to maintain texture and flavor layers.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Sample the spread and modify the flavor as desired by adding more pepper jelly for sweetness or red pepper flakes or hot sauce for added heat.
  7. Toast the Nuts (Optional): Toast the pecans or walnuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes, or alternatively, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
  8. Chop the Nuts: Roughly chop the toasted nuts into small pieces suitable for folding into the spread.
  9. Fold in the Nuts: Gently fold the chopped nuts into the cheese and pepper jelly mixture to add crunch and flavor contrast.
  10. Chill the Spread: Transfer the completed cheese spread to a serving bowl or airtight container. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
  11. Serve: Remove the spread from the fridge a few minutes before serving to soften slightly for easy spreading. Pair with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
  12. Garnish (Optional): For added visual appeal and texture, garnish with extra chopped toasted nuts or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Notes

  • Allow cheeses to soften completely before mixing to achieve the smoothest texture.
  • Choose your preferred flavor of pepper jelly; red pepper jelly offers a balanced sweet and spicy profile.
  • Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the spread.
  • The spread can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator tightly covered.
  • Serve at room temperature for the best spreadability and flavor impact.
  • Adjust spice level by modifying the amount or type of pepper jelly or adding heat with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for toasting nuts)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pepper jelly cheese spread, appetizer, cream cheese dip, goat cheese spread, party dip, easy appetizer, cheese spread recipe

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Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/pepper-jelly-cheese-spread-the-ultimate-guide-and-recipe/