Cranberry Pepper Jelly Spread- only 4 ingredients needed for this easy holiday appetizer that can be prepared in just minutes. A block of cream cheese is covered with a mixture of cranberry sauce and red pepper jelly. It’s a classic and always a favorite.
Cranberry Sauce
This sweet and spicy party spread tastes so good on crackers. The cranberry sauce mixed with red pepper jelly adds a wonderful tartness. The bright red color makes it perfect for Christmas. If you have a can of cranberry sauce leftover from Thanksgiving, put it to good use by turning it into a tasty topping for a block of cream cheese. You can either use leftover homemade cranberry sauce or canned whole cranberry sauce for this recipe. Note: The regular canned cranberry sauce that is uniform in consistency can be used instead of whole berry.
Red Pepper Jelly Dip
Pepper jelly is a delightful southern condiment that can be used in so many ways. Red Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette, Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze, Pepper Jelly Glazed Carrots, Red Pepper Jelly Deviled Eggs with Bacon are just a few great ways to flavor food with pepper jelly.
There are many brands of pepper jelly and they vary in the amount of spice that they have. They are typically much more sweet than spicy. If you want the pepper jelly/cranberry sauce mixture spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Top With Green Onions
Top the appetizer with sliced green onions and you have a wonderful red and green party food. If you don’t like green onions, leave them off and you can garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for the same festive look.
Cranberry Pepper Jelly Spread Storage
Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before serving so the cream cheese will be easy to spread. Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. They can be used as a spread for sandwiches or mixed together with some diced turkey or chicken to use as a filling for quesadillas. Delicious!
More Holiday Appetizers
- Ham and Brie Puff Pastry Cups
- Spicy Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Sausage Crescent Balls
- Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
- Crispy Cheese Wafers
Cranberry Pepper Jelly Dip
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
- 1 green onion, green part thinly sliced
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir together cranberry sauce, pepper jelly and green onion.
- Unwrap cream cheese and place on a serving platter.
- Spoon pepper jelly sauce on top.
- Serve with crackers or pretzel thins.
