Spicy Roasted Jalapeno Cowboy Cream Cheese (Printable Version)
Bold, creamy roasted jalapeno dip loaded with cheese and southwestern spices for a perfect spicy appetizer.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 6 medium jalapenos, halved and seeded
02 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
04 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
→ Dairy
05 - 12 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
07 - 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
08 - 1/4 cup sour cream
→ Pantry & Seasonings
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp cumin
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Garnish
16 - Sliced jalapenos
17 - Chopped green onions
18 - Fresh cilantro
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Place jalapeno halves on a baking sheet cut-side down, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 12-15 minutes until skins blister. Cool slightly, then dice.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine roasted jalapenos, red bell pepper, corn, red onion, garlic, cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, sour cream, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cilantro. Mix thoroughly.
03 - Transfer mixture to a medium baking dish and smooth top evenly with spatula.
04 - Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly with melted cheese on top.
05 - Garnish with extra jalapeno slices, green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- Roasting the jalapenos first tames their fire while deepening their flavor into something smoky and irresistible
- Everything comes together in one bowl and bakes up bubbly golden in twenty minutes flat
- The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack creates this incredible stretch factor that makes dipping seriously satisfying
02 -
- Letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for an hour before you start mixing prevents those frustrating lumps that never quite blend away
- I once skipped roasting the jalapenos to save time and the dip was still good but missing that signature smoky depth that makes people pause and ask what's different
03 -
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper before roasting the jalapenos and cleanup becomes literally effortless
- Sprinkle an extra handful of cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for those gorgeous crispy cheese edges everyone fights over