The key to perfect flavor in Red Pepper Jalapeno Cheese Dip is to sauté the peppers and garlic at the beginning of the recipe.
The heat from this fresh, creamy dip can be adjusted by adding more or less of the seeds and membranes in the jalapeno. This can be tricky because heat can vary from jalapeno to jalapeno and you definitely want a little kick here even if you’re prone to tongue slapping fits from just the slightest amount of capsaicin (which is good for you, by the way). When you sauté the peppers and garlic together at the beginning, this step helps blend the flavors and mellow the heat of the jalapeno. Also, if you don’t have smoked paprika, get some! The difference between smoked paprika and regular paprika is significant.
Add some sliced vegetables, chips, quesadillas or baguette slices around this colorful dip.
Red Pepper Jalapeno Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (include seeds and membranes)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ large red bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium tomato, cored and cut into 8 wedges
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan on medium heat. Add jalapeno, red bell pepper and garlic and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, add pepper mixture, cream cheese, tomato, smoked paprika and salt.
- Blend until smooth. Taste and season with additional salt if necessary.
- May serve immediately or chill up to 24 hours before serving.
- Serve with raw vegetables, crackers, chips or baguette slices.
Recipe loosely adapted from Cookin Canuck.
This looks amazing!!! I’m trying to eat healthier and trying not to eat tortilla chips as much. I love you idea of serving this with raw veggies.
LOVE this quick & easy dip. I make it every time I have extra red pepper that I don’t want to go bad. Its truly my favorite!
This was delicious and so easy! I used 1/8 tsp of salt because my tortilla chips were already salty. Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe with us Sally!