The World’s Best Party Dip

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A Hot and Cheesy Party Dip With Bacon, Pepper Jelly, and Buttery Crackers

The World’s Best Party Dip is one of those appetizers that people start eating and just can’t seem to stop. This hot and cheesy dip is made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, crunchy water chestnuts, red bell pepper, and green onions. It’s baked with a buttery Ritz cracker topping until golden and bubbly, then finished with warm pepper jelly, crispy bacon, and more green onions.

It’s sweet, savory, creamy, crunchy, and just a little tangy. Everything you could possibly want in a party appetizer, all in one baking dish.

This is the perfect dip for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, football Sundays, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need something that will disappear from the appetizer table.

The Party Dip Everyone Keeps Coming Back For

I have made a lot of dips over the years, and this one is right up there with my favorites. It’s the kind of appetizer that you bring to a party and find yourself standing next to because you can’t stop taking just one more bite.

I originally made this dip while we were spending time at our lake house in Michigan. I brought it over to the neighbors, and within minutes, half of the baking dish was gone.

That’s when I knew I had another good one on my hands.

The combination of ingredients might sound a little unusual at first, especially the water chestnuts and pepper jelly, but trust me when I tell you that everything works together beautifully.

The cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar create a rich, creamy base. The water chestnuts and bell peppers add little bites of crunch, while the green onions bring a mild, savory onion flavor.

Then there’s the topping. Crushed buttery crackers bake into a golden crust, and the warm pepper jelly adds a sweet and slightly spicy finish. A generous sprinkling of crispy bacon takes the whole thing over the top.

This is the kind of recipe that people ask you for before they’ve even finished eating it.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Party Dip

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses ingredients you can find at just about any grocery store.

You don’t have to cook a complicated sauce, stand over the stove for an hour, or use fancy equipment.

Most of the preparation involves chopping a few vegetables, mixing the ingredients together, and spreading everything into a casserole dish.

I also love that this dip has so many different textures. A lot of warm cheese dips are delicious but have the same creamy consistency in every bite.

This recipe is different.

The water chestnuts stay pleasantly crunchy, the red pepper adds a little sweetness, the buttery crackers provide texture, and the bacon adds a salty, smoky finish.

The pepper jelly is really what brings the entire dip together.

You get a little sweetness, a little heat depending on the jelly you choose, and all that cheesy goodness underneath.

It’s also a great appetizer to prepare ahead of time, which makes it especially convenient during the holidays when you have plenty of other things to do before your guests arrive.

How to Make The World’s Best Party Dip

Step One: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by allowing the cream cheese to soften so it’s easy to mix.

Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, six thinly sliced green onions, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely diced red bell pepper, drained and minced water chestnuts, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and celery salt to a large mixing bowl.

Using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, blend the ingredients for approximately two minutes, or until everything is well combined.

You want the cream cheese and mayonnaise evenly mixed with the shredded cheese, vegetables, and seasonings.

The mixture will still have texture from the peppers, onions, and water chestnuts. That’s exactly what you want.

Step Two: Spread the Dip Into the Baking Dish

Lightly spray a 9-by-12-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Transfer the cream cheese mixture to the prepared dish and spread it into an even layer.

Try to make the mixture approximately the same thickness throughout the pan so it bakes evenly.

You can prepare the dip up to this point ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Step Three: Add the Buttery Cracker Topping

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers into small pieces. You don’t need to turn them into fine crumbs. I actually prefer having some slightly larger pieces because they create more texture on top of the dip.

Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the cream cheese mixture.

As the dip bakes, the crackers will become golden and buttery while the creamy cheese mixture heats underneath.

This is one of my favorite parts of the entire recipe.

Step Four: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the casserole dish in your preheated 375°F oven.

Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cream cheese mixture is bubbling around the edges.

All ovens are a little different, so I recommend keeping an eye on the dip the first time you make it.

You want the cheese mixture thoroughly heated and the crackers golden, but you don’t want the topping to burn.

The finished dip should be hot, bubbly, and lightly browned around the edges.

Step Five: Warm the Pepper Jelly

While the dip is baking, add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of pepper jelly to a small saucepan.

Heat over low heat, stirring or whisking occasionally, until the jelly loosens and becomes easier to pour.

You don’t need to boil it. You just want to warm it enough that it can be drizzled evenly over the baked dip.

Keep an eye on the saucepan because the sugar in pepper jelly can scorch if the heat is too high.

If you’ve never used pepper jelly before, you’re going to love the combination of sweet and savory flavors it adds to this recipe.

Step Six: Add the Pepper Jelly and Bacon

Once the dip is golden brown and bubbling, carefully remove it from the oven.

While it’s still hot, drizzle the warmed pepper jelly evenly over the top.

I like to pour it back and forth across the casserole dish so every section gets a little bit of that delicious sweet and spicy flavor.

Next, sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon over the pepper jelly.

Finish everything with the remaining three thinly sliced green onions.

The combination of the golden crackers, warm jelly, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions makes this dip look as delicious as it tastes.

Step Seven: Serve Warm With Crackers

Serve The World’s Best Party Dip while it’s still warm, with extra Ritz crackers or your favorite sturdy crackers for dipping.

I recommend putting a large spoon in the casserole dish so guests can scoop some onto their plates.

The dip is rich and creamy, and a good buttery cracker is the perfect way to enjoy it.

And if your party is anything like the one at our lake house, don’t expect many leftovers.

Where to Find Pepper Jelly

One of the questions I get whenever I share recipes using pepper jelly is where people can buy it.

I think this is one of those ingredients that people have probably walked right past in the grocery store without realizing what it was.

Pepper jelly is a sweet and sometimes spicy jelly usually made with peppers, sugar, and vinegar.

It has a wonderful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat, which makes it especially delicious with creamy cheeses.

I buy pepper jelly at local markets in Michigan, but I’ve also seen it at farmers’ markets, specialty food stores, larger grocery stores, and Walmart.

Believe it or not, I’ve even found jars of pepper jelly at gas stations while traveling.

Depending on your grocery store, look near the jams and jellies, specialty condiments, or gourmet food section.

You can also find many varieties online.

What Kind of Pepper Jelly Should You Use?

I like a traditional pepper jelly that has a good balance of sweetness and mild heat.

You can use red or green pepper jelly, whichever you prefer.

If you’re serving people who don’t enjoy spicy foods, choose a mild variety.

If your guests like a little more heat, a hot pepper jelly would be delicious with the rich cream cheese and cheddar.

You could even use a jalapeño pepper jelly for a more noticeable kick.

The important thing is choosing one that you enjoy eating because its flavor is a big part of the finished dip.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Can You Use a Different Cheese?

Absolutely. I love using sharp cheddar because it has a stronger flavor that stands up to the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pepper jelly.

You could try medium cheddar if you prefer something milder.

Monterey Jack or Colby Jack may also work, although they will give the dip a different flavor.

I haven’t tested every cheese combination, so keep in mind that the finished texture may vary slightly depending on what you use.

Can You Make This Dip Without Water Chestnuts?

You can leave out the water chestnuts if you don’t care for them or cannot find them.

However, I really encourage you to try the recipe with them at least once.

They don’t add a strong flavor, but they provide a wonderful crunch that makes this dip different from an ordinary baked cheese dip.

Without them, the dip will still be creamy and cheesy, but it won’t have quite as much texture.

Can You Use a Different Bell Pepper?

Yes. I use red bell pepper because I enjoy its sweetness and the color it adds.

Orange or yellow bell peppers would be reasonable substitutes.

Green bell peppers have a slightly more pronounced, less sweet flavor, so the finished dip would taste a little different.

Can You Use Bacon Bits Instead of Fresh Bacon?

Yes! This is actually one of the shortcuts I suggest in the original recipe.

You can cook and chop your own bacon or use real bacon bits.

I would avoid using artificially flavored bacon pieces because they won’t provide the same flavor or texture as real bacon.

Can You Make This Dip Spicier?

If you enjoy spicy appetizers, try using a hotter pepper jelly.

You could also experiment with a small amount of diced jalapeño mixed into the cream cheese filling.

I would start with a small amount because you don’t want the heat to overpower the other ingredients.

Can You Use Light Cream Cheese or Light Mayonnaise?

You may be able to use reduced-fat versions of these ingredients, but I developed this recipe with regular cream cheese and mayonnaise.

Because the cream cheese and mayonnaise make up so much of the base, changing their fat content may affect how the dip bakes and the final texture.

For the richest, creamiest results, I recommend sticking with the regular versions.

Can You Make This Dip Without Bacon?

You can leave out the bacon if you prefer.

The dip will still have plenty of flavor from the sharp cheddar, vegetables, seasonings, buttery crackers, and pepper jelly.

If you’re making it for vegetarian guests, be sure to check the ingredients of any packaged products you’re using.

How to Make This Party Dip Ahead of Time

This is one of my favorite things about the recipe, especially when I’m entertaining during the holidays.

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance so you’re not chopping vegetables and mixing ingredients while guests are arriving.

Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar, vegetables, and seasonings as directed.

Spread the mixture into your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

I recommend waiting until you’re ready to bake before adding the crushed Ritz crackers. This helps keep them from absorbing moisture while the dip sits in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the crackers over the dip and bake according to the recipe.

A chilled casserole may need a few extra minutes in the oven, so look for the golden topping and bubbling edges rather than relying only on the clock.

While the dip is baking, cook your bacon if needed and warm the pepper jelly.

Add those toppings once the dip comes out of the oven.

It’s a great way to make a homemade party appetizer without spending the entire party in the kitchen.

Can You Double The World’s Best Party Dip?

Yes, you can double this recipe if you’re feeding a large crowd.

The original recipe already makes approximately 12 to 15 appetizer servings, so it’s a good size for a party.

If you’re doubling it, I recommend using two baking dishes rather than trying to fit everything into one extra-deep casserole.

That way, the dip will bake more evenly and everyone will get plenty of that delicious buttery cracker topping.

You can prepare both dishes ahead of time and bake them when needed.

If you’re baking two casseroles at once, the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on your oven.

The Best Crackers and Dippers for This Party Dip

I love serving this recipe with Ritz crackers because their buttery flavor goes perfectly with the cream cheese and pepper jelly.

They’re also the same crackers I use for the topping, so everything works together.

If you’d like to give your guests a few other options, here are some ideas.

• Butter crackers: My first choice, especially for the flavor and texture.
• Sturdy wheat crackers: A good option if you prefer something a little less buttery.
• Pretzel crisps: The salty crunch would be delicious with the sweet pepper jelly.
• Toasted baguette slices: Perfect for people who want to spread a generous amount of the dip onto bread.
• Pita chips: A sturdy alternative for scooping up the cheesy filling.
• You can also set out small appetizer plates and a serving spoon, which makes it easier for guests to enjoy the dip without breaking their crackers.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Party Dip

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to a shallow, airtight container and refrigerate promptly.

Because this dip contains dairy and cooked bacon, don’t leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Refrigerate leftovers for up to three to four days.

Reheating in the Oven

Transfer the leftover dip to an oven-safe baking dish and cover loosely with foil.

Reheat at approximately 325°F to 350°F until the center is hot.

Because the topping is already on the dip, the crackers may soften a little during storage.

If you want to bring back some crunch, you can add a few freshly crushed Ritz crackers before serving.

Reheating in the Microwave

For individual portions, place the dip in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring if practical, until hot throughout.

The crackers won’t stay as crunchy with this method, but the dip will still have plenty of flavor.

For food safety, reheat refrigerated leftovers to 165°F.

My Best Tips for Making The World’s Best Party Dip

• Soften your cream cheese. Cold cream cheese is harder to blend evenly with the mayonnaise and shredded cheddar.
• Finely dice the vegetables. Small pieces of pepper and water chestnut distribute more evenly throughout the dip.
• Drain the water chestnuts well. You don’t want to add unnecessary liquid to the cheese mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar. I think the stronger cheese flavor makes a big difference in this recipe.
• Don’t crush the crackers too finely. Leaving some small pieces gives the topping more texture.
• Watch the dip toward the end of baking. You want the edges bubbling and the cracker topping golden brown.
• Warm the pepper jelly gently. Low heat makes it easier to drizzle without scorching the sugar.
• Add bacon at the end. This helps maintain its texture rather than baking it under the pepper jelly.
• Serve warm. The cheese is at its best when it’s soft and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions About The World’s Best Party Dip

Can I Make This Party Dip the Night Before?

Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and spread it into the baking dish the day before.

Cover and refrigerate it, then add the crushed crackers immediately before baking.

Finish with the warmed pepper jelly, bacon, and green onions after the dip comes out of the oven.

Can I Make This Dip in a Slow Cooker?

I originally developed this recipe as a baked casserole, and I haven’t tested a slow cooker version.

A slow cooker would not give the Ritz crackers the same golden, baked texture that you get in the oven.

For the results shown in this recipe, I recommend using the oven.

Is This Party Dip Spicy?

That depends mostly on the pepper jelly you use.

A mild pepper jelly will add sweetness with very little heat, while a hot pepper jelly will make the dip spicier.

The cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheddar also help balance the heat.

Why Do You Add Water Chestnuts to the Dip?

Water chestnuts add a wonderful crisp texture without contributing an overpowering flavor.

They stay pleasantly crunchy even after baking, which gives the dip a little something extra in every bite.

Can I Make This Dip Without Pepper Jelly?

You could leave it off, but the pepper jelly is one of the ingredients that makes this recipe special.

It adds sweetness and tanginess that balance the rich, savory cheese mixture.

If you don’t have pepper jelly, I would recommend looking for some rather than trying to replace it with ordinary grape or strawberry jelly.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheddar Cheese?

Yes. Pre-shredded cheddar is a convenient shortcut, especially when you’re making this for a party.

Cheese shredded from a block may melt a little more smoothly, but either can work in this recipe.

How Do I Know When the Dip Is Done Baking?

The cracker topping should be golden brown, and the cheese mixture should be hot and bubbling around the edges.

If the center is still cool, continue baking and check again.

Can I Freeze This Party Dip?

I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled and baked dip.

Cream cheese and mayonnaise-based mixtures can sometimes separate or change texture after freezing and thawing.

For the best results, I would prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it instead.

Can I Serve This Dip Cold?

This recipe is intended to be served warm.

The baking process helps create the creamy texture and golden buttery cracker topping that make it special.

I recommend baking and serving it as directed.

More Easy Party Dips and Appetizers

If you love this recipe, I have plenty of other delicious appetizers that are perfect for football Sundays, holiday parties, and entertaining.

Here are a few of my favorites to add to your next party menu.

Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

If you love the combination of creamy cheese and pepper jelly, you’ll definitely want to try my Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip.

It’s another easy appetizer featuring that wonderful combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip

My Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip is another delicious appetizer for people who love warm, cheesy dips.

It’s especially good for football parties and casual get-togethers.

Doritos Chip Dip

This is another one of those dips that people can’t seem to stop eating.

It’s great for casual parties, game days, and anytime you need something easy to put out with chips.

The Perfect Dip for Your Next Party

I love recipes that make entertaining easier, especially when they taste like you spent a lot more time preparing them than you actually did.

The World’s Best Party Dip is one of those recipes.

It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, crunchy, a little sweet, and a little savory. There’s something delicious happening in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve, having friends over for New Year’s Eve, watching football, or heading to a neighborhood party, this is a recipe that’s worth bringing along.

Just don’t be surprised when someone asks you for the recipe before the party is over.