Roasted Jalapeño Cowboy Cream Cheese Dip

This Roasted Jalapeño Cowboy Cream Cheese Dip is creamy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. Roasted jalapeños bring gentle heat and depth, while a blend of herbs and savory mix-ins creates a rich, crowd-pleasing dip that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly creamy with just the right amount of kick.

Roasting the jalapeños adds a smoky depth that fresh peppers simply can’t match.

It comes together quickly with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

It’s versatile enough to serve with chips, crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.

You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2–3 medium jalapeños, roasted, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the whole jalapeños on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the skins are blistered and slightly charred.
3. Remove the jalapeños from the oven and transfer them to a bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a plate and let them steam for 10 minutes. This will make peeling easier.
4. Peel off the charred skin, remove the stems and seeds (leave some seeds if you prefer more heat), and finely chop the peppers.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the chopped roasted jalapeños, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully combined.
7. Fold in the chopped parsley and green onions.
8. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Serve immediately, or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

For a warm dip option, spread the mixture into a small baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8 people

Prep time: 15 minutes
Roasting time: 20 minutes
Additional resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

For extra smokiness, substitute roasted hatch chiles for jalapeños.

Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for more heat.

Mix in 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper for a slightly sweet contrast.

Stir in 1/4 cup cooked and shredded chicken for a heartier dip.

Top with extra shredded cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the dip in a microwave-safe dish and warm in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes.

If the dip thickens too much after chilling, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of sour cream to restore creaminess.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and stir before serving.

How spicy is this dip?

The spice level depends on the jalapeños and how many seeds you leave in. Removing all seeds results in mild heat.

Can I use canned jalapeños instead of fresh?

Fresh roasted jalapeños are recommended for the best smoky flavor, but well-drained canned jalapeños can be used in a pinch.

What can I serve with this dip?

Tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, and fresh vegetables all pair well.

Can I make it without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can also beat the mixture with a hand mixer for a smoother texture.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the dip may be slightly less rich and creamy.

What’s the best way to roast jalapeños without an oven?

You can roast them directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until the skins blister.

Can I turn this into a baked party dip?

Yes, spread it in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly.

How long can it sit out at a party?

For food safety, do not leave the dip out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

Roasted Jalapeño Cowboy Cream Cheese Dip delivers creamy texture, smoky flavor, and just the right touch of heat in every bite. Whether served chilled or baked until bubbly, it’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to customize and perfect for sharing at any occasion.

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