Spicy Roasted Jalapeno Cowboy Dip (Print Version)

Creamy, spicy dip with roasted jalapenos, three cheeses, and southwestern flavors. Baked until bubbly and perfect for sharing.

# 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 (optional)

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F for roasting the jalapenos.
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. 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. Mix until thoroughly incorporated.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a medium baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
05 - Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly with melted cheese on top.
06 - Garnish with extra jalapeno slices, green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The roasted jalapenos add this incredible depth that raw peppers just cannot achieve
  • It somehow manages to be creamy and smoky without being overwhelmingly heavy
  • People will literally crowd around this dip like its the only food in the room
02 -
  • Do not skip roasting the jalapenos first, I tried once and the dip tasted completely flat
  • The dip needs those full 20 minutes in the oven to develop the proper depth of flavor
  • Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving or it will be too thin and runny
03 -
  • Wear gloves when handling all those jalapenos or you will regret it later
  • If you want less heat, remove the white membranes inside the peppers before roasting
  • A sprinkle of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens everything beautifully

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