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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Dips and Spreads

    Hot Jezebel Dip

    Published: Dec 6, 2023 by Dorothy Bigelow · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    A block of cream cheese covered in an apricot sauce.
    A block of cream cheese topped with apricot preserves.
    A block of cream cheese covered in a sweet and spicy apricot mixture.

    If you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer for a last minute party, you have to try this Hot Jezebel Dip! Featuring a block of cream cheese covered in the classic Southern jezebel sauce, this sweet and spicy appetizer is the perfect vintage recipe for any occasion.

    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love It:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Ways to Use Leftover Hot Jezebel Sauce
    • Serving Ideas:
    • Hot Jezebel Dip

    I'm a sucker for vintage recipes, and as soon as I heard the name for this easy appetizer recipe, I just had to try it!

    Likely named for the biblical Jezebel, this sweet and spicy sauce was very popular in the South and the gulf coast, starting as early as the 1950's. It reached its peak of popularity in the 1970's, when pouring a jar of warmed preserves over cream cheese was increasing in popularity.

    Reasons to Love It:

    1. Easy. All you have to do is mix up the sauce and serve it over a block of cream cheese - could it be any easier!?
    2. Flavorful. This sweet and savory sauce combo has the perfect amount of zesty spiciness.
    3. Retro. Perfect for a vintage-inspired party, or to bring back memories for those who may have enjoyed it during the peak of its popularity.
    4. It's a Southern thing. If you just love Southern recipes and lore, you have to try this classic appetizer.

    Ingredients

    • Apricot preserves: These can be found in the jams and jellies section of your local grocery store. If desired, you can use an apricot fruit spread, which is lower in sugar.
    • Dijon mustard: You definitely want to make sure this is dijon and not typical mustard, as the flavor of dijon is mellow and perfect when paired with apricot. Honey dijon would work well too!
    • Horseradish: Look for a jar of prepared horseradish in the condiment aisle of your grocery store. It's not the same as horseradish sauce (which is often cream-based), but instead is primarily made with grated horseradish and vinegar. It's spicy, pungent, and a key element to any hot jezebel sauce recipe.
    • Crushed chilies (optional): for extra heat and color I like to sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes into the sauce, and then a little bit on top. If you like a little less heat, feel free to leave them out.

    For serving:

    • Cream cheese: The most common way to serve this tasty sauce is poured over a brick of softened cream cheese. The spicy kick of the sauce pairs perfectly with the cool creaminess of the cream cheese.
    • Crackers: If you're making the cream cheese version of this recipe, you'll want to provide some crackers for dipping. Use your favorite crackers, offering a variety of options for your guests.

    Instructions

    How to Make Hot Jezebel Sauce

    • Pour the jar of apricot preserves into a medium bowl.
    • Add the dijon mustard, prepared horseradish, and a pinch of crushed chilies (if desired).
    • Stir well and taste, adding salt, pepper, more dijon, or more horseradish to your liking.
    • Optional: For the best flavor, let the apricot mixture chill for 8-24 hours.

    Serving with Cream Cheese

    • Allow a block of cream cheese to soften at room temperature for several hours.
    • Spoon about half of the sauce on top of the block of cream cheese.
    • Serve and enjoy with your favorite crackers, crostini, or pita chips.

    Cook's Tip

    If you don't have enough time to let the cream cheese soften you can heat it in 10-15 second intervals in the microwave until scoop-able. It's important not to overheat the cream cheese, so stick to the short intervals - no matter how tempted you may be.

    Variations

    • With almonds. Top your spicy jezebel dip with a few sliced almonds for a loving tribute to the 1970's.
    • Different types of preserves. If you want to change up the flavor, you can easily do so by swapping the apricot preserves for something else, Apple jelly or pineapple preserves would be tasty options!
    • As a dipping sauce. Portion the spicy sauce into mason jars and serve with crackers, pita chips, egg rolls, chicken nuggets, or anything else that you love to dip!

    Ways to Use Leftover Hot Jezebel Sauce

    • Glazed meatballs
    • With pork chops
    • Egg rolls (or spring rolls)
    • Pork loin or pork tenderloin
    • Holiday ham
    • A spicy ice cream topping
    • For dipping with chicken tenders
    • A spicy condiment for burgers

    Serving Ideas:

    • Roasted almonds
    • Baked brie
    • Little smokies
    • Cheese crisps
    • Sausage rolls
    • Cheese ball and crackers
    • Candied nuts
    • Chex mix
    • Cheese and crackers
    • Pepperoni chips

    If you loved this recipe for Hot Jezebel Dip, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.

    Hot Jezebel Dip

    Hot Jezebel Dip is the perfect easy appetizer for a last-minute party!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Dips and Spreads
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 102kcal
    Author: Dorothy Bigelow

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz cream cheese brick style, softened*

    Sauce

    • 1 jar (12oz) apricot preserves
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
    • Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

    For serving

    • Pinch crushed chilies (optional)
    • Crackers or crostini

    Instructions

    • Transfer the full jar of apricot preserves into a medium-sized bowl.
    • Add the dijon mustard, prepared horseradish, and cracked black pepper to your taste.
    • Stir well to combine. Optionally, refrigerate for 1-24 hours to allow the flavors to mingle, or serve immediately.
    • To serve, place a block of softened cream cheese on a plate and pour about half of the sauce over it. Sprinkle with a pinch of crushed chilies (optional).
    • Serve with crackers and additional sauce on the side (if desired).
    Did you try this recipe?Tag me at @dashfordinner and share your photos!

    Notes

    Leftover sauce: If you have leftover sauce you can use it to make another cream cheese dip, OR use it to coat meatballs for a sweet and savory main dish.
    *Cream cheese: The best way to soften cream cheese is to allow it to rest at room temperature for a few hours, but if you're in a hurry you can microwave it in 10-15 second intervals until easily scooped with a cracker. Be careful though, because it can separate if overheated! 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 382IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    Please note that some of my blog posts here at Dash for Dinner may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.

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    Hi, I'm Dorothy!

    Dash for Dinner was started when I had my first child, as an effort to help other families who were struggling with cooking delicious meals while balancing it all. 

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