Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly

Featured in: Quick & Easy Meals

This dish combines crispy bacon, softened cream cheese, and vibrant pepper jelly for a crowd-pleasing starter. The bacon is baked until crispy then chopped and layered over cream cheese, which is topped with spicy-sweet jelly. Served with crackers or toasted baguette slices, it offers a perfect balance of salty, creamy, and tangy flavors ideal for quick preparation and easy entertaining.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:10:00 GMT
Mouthwatering Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly appetizer with crispy bacon, sweet jelly, and creamy cheese. Save to Pinterest
Mouthwatering Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly appetizer with crispy bacon, sweet jelly, and creamy cheese. | krispyrecipes.com

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

This is a favorite at our family parties because it combines savory and sweet flavors in a bite-sized treat.

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℉ (200℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake bacon:
Arrange bacon slices on the baking sheet and bake for 12 15 minutes or until very crispy. Drain on paper towels then chop into small pieces.
Prepare cheese base:
Place the softened cream cheese on a serving platter or spread it into a shallow serving dish.
Spread 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.
Golden-brown bacon bits top this vibrant Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly appetizer, perfect for sharing and easy to make. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown bacon bits top this vibrant Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly appetizer, perfect for sharing and easy to make. | krispyrecipes.com

This appetizer always brings smiles at our family gatherings and disappears quickly!

Required Tools

Baking sheet parchment paper sharp knife serving platter or shallow dish

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream cheese) and pork (bacon). Crackers may contain gluten so choose gluten-free options if needed.

Nutritional Information

Approximately 190 calories per serving with 14 g fat 10 g carbohydrates and 6 g protein.

A close-up shows the colorful layers of the Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly, ready to be scooped up with crackers. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shows the colorful layers of the Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly, ready to be scooped up with crackers. | krispyrecipes.com

Enjoy this simple yet delicious appetizer at your next event for guaranteed compliments.

Easy Bacon Pepper Jelly

Crispy bacon and creamy cheese layered with sweet-spicy pepper jelly for a delightful appetizer.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Quick & Easy Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 8 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations None specified

What You’ll Need

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)

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately alongside crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese) and pork (bacon). Gluten may be present in crackers or bread unless gluten-free options are chosen.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 190
  • Total Fat: 14 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Protein Content: 6 grams