Description
This bold and spicy cream cheese spread combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the tangy heat of pickled jalapeños, making it a perfect addition to crackers, sandwiches, or as a dip for your next party!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño juice (from the jar)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped pickled jalapeños, and pickled jalapeño juice. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the spread and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more jalapeño juice for extra tang or more cheese for a richer flavor.
- Chill: For best flavor, refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled with crackers, tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or spread on sandwiches. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, leave some of the seeds in the pickled jalapeños or add extra chopped jalapeños to the spread.
- You can substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or another melty cheese for a milder flavor.
- This spread works great as a dip or sandwich spread, or even as a topping for burgers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 55mg