Description
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a rich, velvety, and perfectly spicy appetizer that combines smooth cream cheese with fresh jalapeños, cheddar, and garlic. This creamy dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser — ideal for parties, game days, or cozy nights in. Serve it hot or cold for a guaranteed hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, diced (or pickled for a milder flavor)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional Additions: ¼ cup cooked bacon bits, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, chopped cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Sauté the Jalapeños: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced jalapeños and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Combine the Creamy Base: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in cheddar, salt, pepper, paprika, and the sautéed jalapeños and garlic. Mix well to combine.
- Heat the Dip: Transfer to a small saucepan or oven-safe dish and warm over low heat or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with green onions and extra jalapeño slices. Serve warm with chips, bread, or vegetables.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: Prevents lumps and ensures smooth texture.
- Adjust spice level: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder version.
- Cheese choices: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for extra heat.
- Serving tip: Tastes amazing warm or chilled.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop or Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip, Spicy Cream Cheese Dip, Cheesy Jalapeño Dip, Hot Dip Recipe, Party Appetizers, Creamy Jalapeño Dip, Easy Cheese Dip, Game Day Snacks, Spicy Appetizer, Jalapeño Recipes