The classic that takes less than a minute.

In the South, the most traditional way to serve pepper jelly is actually the easiest.

Odds are, you even have all the ingredients on hand.

pepper jelly on a block of cream cheese

Credit: Emily Laurae

Open up a sleeve of Saltines or Ritzthose are really the only correct optionsand let everyone go crazy.

Crazy they will go.

It doesn’t need it.

It doesn’t want it.

So, why try any harder?

Anything else is time better spent makinghomemade biscuitsor watching another episode ofVirgin Riveron the couch.

Good thing it makes a great tv-watching snack.

The creaminess of the cream cheese complements the cool, spicy pepper jelly to make the perfect bite.

Instantly, the appetizer requirement of any shower, celebration, or holiday is taken care of.