Spicy Roasted Jalapeno Cowboy Cream Cheese (Printer-Friendly)

Creamy, bold dip with roasted jalapenos, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Ready in 35 minutes.

# 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

16 - Sliced jalapenos
17 - Chopped green onions
18 - Fresh cilantro

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange jalapeno halves cut-side down on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and roast 12-15 minutes until skins blister. Cool slightly, then dice.
02 - In large mixing bowl, combine roasted jalapenos, red bell pepper, corn, red onion, garlic, cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, sour cream, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
03 - Spoon mixture into medium baking dish. Use spatula to smooth surface evenly.
04 - Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts completely, surface should be golden and bubbly.
05 - Top with additional jalapeno slices, green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve warm alongside tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted jalapenos lose their harsh edge and turn into something smoky and almost sweet
  • You can make everything ahead and just bake it when guests arrive
02 -
  • Letting the cream cheese soften completely is non negotiable for a smooth dip
  • Grating your own cheese makes a huge difference in how everything melts together
03 -
  • Wear gloves when handling all those jalapenos, trust me on this one
  • Let the dip rest 5 minutes after baking so it sets up slightly

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