Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This dish combines crispy bacon pieces layered over softened cream cheese, topped with sweet and spicy pepper jelly. With minimal prep and baking time, it offers a flavorful, crowd-pleasing addition to any party spread. Garnished with fresh chives and served with crackers or toasted bread, it balances creamy, smoky, and tangy tastes perfectly.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:36:00 GMT
Delicious Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly appetizer, a creamy, spicy treat with crispy bacon pieces. Save
Delicious Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly appetizer, a creamy, spicy treat with crispy bacon pieces. | butterhearth.com

A quick and irresistible appetizer featuring crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and sweet-spicy pepper jelly, perfect for parties or gatherings.

This appetizer has become a hit at every party I bring it to and is always requested again.

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
  • Pepper jelly: 1/2 cup (120 ml), red or green
  • Bacon: 8 slices
  • Crackers or toasted baguette slices: gluten-free if needed
  • Fresh chives or green onions: 1 tablespoon, finely sliced (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake bacon:
Arrange the bacon slices on the baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until very crispy. Drain on paper towels then chop into small pieces.
Prepare cream cheese:
Place the softened cream cheese on a serving platter or spread into a shallow serving dish.
Spread pepper jelly:
Evenly spread the pepper jelly over the cream cheese.
Add bacon:
Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top.
Garnish:
Garnish with fresh chives or green onions if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
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This appetizer quickly became a family favorite during holiday gatherings and is always gone in minutes.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, serving platter or shallow dish

Allergen Information

Contains dairy and pork. Choose gluten-free crackers if needed. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving calories: 190, total fat: 14 g, carbohydrates: 10 g, protein: 6 g

Serving suggestion: imagine a colorful platter of Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly with crackers alongside. Save
Serving suggestion: imagine a colorful platter of Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly with crackers alongside. | butterhearth.com

This appetizer is as simple as it is delicious, perfect for quick gatherings or fancy parties alike.

Recipe Questions

What type of bacon works best?

Smoked bacon adds an extra depth of flavor, but any crispy bacon will enhance the dish well.

Can I use different cheeses?

Cream cheese is ideal for its creamy texture, but goat cheese offers a tangier alternative if preferred.

Is pepper jelly available in different flavors?

Yes, both red and green pepper jellies offer varying spice levels and sweet notes to suit your taste.

How should I serve this dish?

Serve it spread on a platter alongside crackers or toasted baguette slices for easy, flavorful bites.

Can it be made gluten-free?

Yes, by choosing gluten-free crackers or bread, this dish suits gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.

Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly

A quick blend of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and sweet-spicy pepper jelly ideal for gatherings.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Main Components

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or green)
03 8 slices bacon

For Serving

01 Crackers or toasted baguette slices (gluten-free if needed)
02 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions, finely sliced (optional)

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Stage 02

Cook Bacon: Arrange bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until very crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.

Stage 03

Prepare Cream Cheese Base: Place softened cream cheese on a serving platter or spread evenly into a shallow dish.

Stage 04

Add Pepper Jelly: Evenly spread the pepper jelly over the cream cheese layer.

Stage 05

Top with Bacon: Sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon over the pepper jelly.

Stage 06

Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh chives or sliced green onions.

Stage 07

Serve: Serve immediately alongside crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Serving platter or shallow dish

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese) and pork (bacon). Crackers or bread may contain gluten; select gluten-free options if required. Verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 190
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Protein Content: 6 g