Spicy Roasted Jalapeno Cowboy Dip (Printable version)
Bold, creamy blend of roasted jalapenos and savory cheeses with Southwestern flair
# What you 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:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F.
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 well mixed.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a medium baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
05 - Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly, with cheese melted on top.
06 - Garnish with extra jalapeno slices, green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The roasted jalapenos lose some harsh heat but gain this incredible smoky depth that makes everyone keep reaching for chip after chip
- It comes together in about 35 minutes but tastes like you spent all day developing complex layers of flavor
02 -
- The temperature switch from 425°F for roasting to 350°F for baking might seem annoying, but higher heat first gets those jalapenos properly charred while lower heat lets the dip heat through without burning
- Letting the roasted jalapenos cool for even five minutes before dicing prevents them from cooking your other vegetables when you mix everything together
03 -
- Shred your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded bags because the anti-caking coating prevents that smooth melt
- Line your baking sheet with foil for the jalapeno roast so you dont have to scrub charred pepper bits off later