Spicy Roasted Jalapeno Cowboy Dip (Printable Version)
Bold, creamy roasted jalapeno dip with southwestern spices and a crowd-plezing kick.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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 (optional)
16 - Sliced jalapenos
17 - Chopped green onions
18 - Fresh cilantro
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F for roasting the jalapenos.
02 - Place jalapeno halves on a baking sheet, cut-side down. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 12-15 minutes until skins are blistered. Let cool slightly, then dice.
03 - 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. Stir until thoroughly combined.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a medium baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
05 - Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly with melted cheese on top.
06 - Garnish with extra jalapeno slices, green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The roasted jalapenos lose that harsh raw bite and gain this incredible smoky sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for just one more bite
- It is one of those rare appetizers that stays creamy and dippable even after it has been sitting out for a while at a party
02 -
- I learned the hard way that touching your face after handling raw jalapenos is a terrible mistake so wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly
- The dip actually tastes better if you let it sit for about 5 minutes after baking so all those flavors have a moment to settle and meld together
03 -
- Grate your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded bags which contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- If your dip seems too thick after baking, stir in a splash of milk or cream before serving to loosen it back up