Name: Roasted Jalapeño Cowboy Cream Cheese Dip for Bold Flavor Fans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pieces Roasted Jalapeño Peppers (substitute with raw jalapeños for a sharper flavor); 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for brushing jalapeños before roasting); 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Neufchâtel cheese can be used for a lighter option); 2 tablespoons Whole-Grain Dijon Mustard (regular Dijon can be substituted); 1 tablespoon Dried Chives (fresh chives for a brighter taste); 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley (fresh parsley also works well); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can enhance flavor); 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (vinegar is a substitute if lemon isn’t available); 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika can intensify flavor); 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for adjusting spice levels); 1 cup Shredded Cheese (adds richness when baking the dip); 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (consider using chopped cilantro or green onions)

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Introduction

If you love bold, spicy flavors with a creamy texture, this Roasted Jalapeño Cowboy Cream Cheese Dip is perfect for you. It combines smoky roasted jalapeños with rich cream cheese and zesty seasonings, making it an irresistible snack for any occasion.

A black bowl filled with a creamy, light orange spread that has visible green pieces mixed throughout, topped with a few dark green, slightly charred pepper chunks in the center. The bowl sits on a wooden surface surrounded by round, golden, salted crackers and bright green whole peppers in the upper left corner. The texture of the spread looks smooth but with some small chunks and flecks of herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pieces Roasted Jalapeño Peppers (substitute raw jalapeños for a sharper flavor)
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for brushing jalapeños before roasting)
8 ounces Cream Cheese (Neufchâtel cheese can be used for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons Whole-Grain Dijon Mustard (regular Dijon can be substituted)
1 tablespoon Dried Chives (fresh chives for a brighter taste)
1 tablespoon Dried Parsley (fresh parsley also works well)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can enhance flavor)
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (vinegar is a substitute if lemon isn’t available)
1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika can intensify flavor)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for adjusting spice levels)
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (adds richness when baking the dip)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (try chopped cilantro or green onions)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Brush the cut sides of the jalapeño halves with extra virgin olive oil, then place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Roast the jalapeños for 12–15 minutes until their skins are slightly charred. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before dicing.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, whole-grain Dijon mustard, dried chives, dried parsley, garlic powder, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Fold in the diced roasted jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Chill the dip in an airtight container for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter, fresher flavor.
Add shredded cheese on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes for a warm, melty dip.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
If you prefer less spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before roasting.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave to soften. If baked with cheese, reheat in the oven until warmed through.

How to Serve

The image shows a black bowl filled with a creamy, thick dip that has a pale beige color with green bits mixed inside. On top of the dip, there are several pieces of roasted green peppers that are slightly charred, giving a darkened texture to parts of them. A knife with a textured, rustic blade is scooping some of the dip, showing its smooth and slightly chunky texture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred white and green background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of roasted?

Yes, fresh jalapeños will give the dip a sharper, more intense heat. Roasting mellows the spice and adds smoky flavor, but fresh jalapeños work well if you prefer a fresher bite.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

You can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter, lower-fat option without sacrificing creaminess. Alternatively, a blend of softened ricotta and cream cheese can create a different texture but still delicious dip.