If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser to bring some bold, irresistible flavor to your next gathering, you’ve just hit the jackpot. This Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe is a creamy, spicy, and downright addicting dip that combines the earthy goodness of black-eyed peas with melty cheddar, tangy sour cream, and a kick of pickled jalapeños. It’s the perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, and lively punch that will have everyone reaching for more. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for parties, game days, or whenever you want a tasty treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this dip is delightfully simple because the ingredients are all straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one plays its part in delivering a smooth, flavorful, and vibrant dip that hits all the right notes in taste and texture.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz, softened: Provides the creamy, rich base that holds everything together effortlessly.
- Sour cream, 1 cup: Adds a tangy freshness that balances the richness perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese, 2 cups shredded, divided: Offers a sharp, melty goodness, with some mixed in and some sprinkled on top for a golden crust.
- Black-eyed peas, 2 cups drained and rinsed: The star of the show, bringing an earthy, hearty texture that’s uniquely satisfying.
- Pickled jalapeños, 1/2 cup chopped: Gives the dip a pleasant heat and a bright, vinegary zing.
- Green onions, 1/2 cup thinly sliced: Adds a mild onion flavor with a bit of crunch and pops of color.
- Red bell pepper, 1/2 cup finely diced: Introduces sweetness and a vibrant red hue that livens up the dip.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Infuses an aromatic depth that harmonizes with the other ingredients.
- Smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the dip’s complexity.
- Ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the black-eyed peas beautifully.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Essential for pulling all the flavors together.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Provides a gentle kick to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F so it has plenty of time to reach the perfect baking temperature. A hot oven is key to getting that golden, bubbling cheese crust everyone loves.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and sour cream. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will give your dip its luscious, velvety texture right from the start.
Step 3: Mix in the Flavor Bombs
Now add 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese along with the black-eyed peas, chopped pickled jalapeños, green onions, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly, making sure each bite will be rich with flavor and perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish and pour your dip mixture inside. Spread it evenly to ensure consistent baking and melty goodness throughout.
Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Layer and Bake
Top the dip with the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly to form a deliciously melty and golden crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges bubble and the cheese turns a mouthwatering golden brown.
Step 6: Let it Cool and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, give the dip about 5 minutes to cool down just a bit so it’s safe to serve but still luxuriously warm. This brief rest lets the flavors meld and the cheese set slightly, making every scoop perfect.
How to Serve Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro on top just before serving for a burst of fresh, bright color and flavor. For those who like more heat, a few extra pickled jalapeño slices on top can add an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This dip is fantastic with sturdy tortilla chips that can scoop every creamy, cheesy bite. Fresh vegetable sticks like crisp celery, crunchy carrots, and cool cucumber rounds also make wonderful dippers for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe in a colorful ceramic or cast-iron dish to keep it warm longer. You can also put it in small individual ramekins for personal servings—perfect for casual gatherings or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy those delicious leftovers without losing a bit of flavor.
Freezing
This dip freezes wonderfully! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge to ensure it reheats evenly.
Reheating
To bring your Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe back to life, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly again. You can also use a microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this dip vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Replace the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based versions, use vegan cheddar cheese, and ensure your pickled jalapeños have no animal products. The black-eyed peas, spices, and veggies stay the same, so the flavor stays incredible.
What can I substitute for pickled jalapeños if I don’t like spicy food?
If you prefer a milder dip, swap pickled jalapeños with diced roasted red peppers or mild banana peppers. This keeps the tangy flavor without the heat, still adding a lovely pop of color and crunch.
Is it necessary to use both cream cheese and sour cream?
Using both gives the dip the perfect balance of creaminess and tang. Cream cheese provides that thick, rich body, while sour cream lightens it up with a slight tang that keeps the dip from feeling heavy.
Can I prepare this dip without an oven?
You can assemble everything and serve it as a cold dip, but baking brings out the best flavor and texture, especially by melting the cheese and adding the golden crust that makes this dip so special.
How spicy is this Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the pickled jalapeños—enough to be lively and fun without overwhelming most palates. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste, making it milder or bolder as you like.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite—comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly shareable. Whether it’s a festive get-together or a casual night in, this dip will steal the show and have everyone asking for the recipe. Don’t hesitate to try it out—it’s guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation!
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Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer combining tangy cream cheese and sour cream with hearty black-eyed peas, jalapeños, and vibrant vegetables. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheddar crust, it’s perfect for parties or game day snacking.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Main Components
- 2 cups black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating the base of the dip.
- Incorporate Main Components: Add 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, black-eyed peas, pickled jalapeños, green onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients throughout the dip.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish. Pour the mixture into it and spread the dip evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface of the dip for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese topping is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Serve warm with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute the black-eyed peas with canned white beans or chickpeas for a different flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth dip.
- This dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; just bake before serving.
- Serve with sturdy dippers like pita chips or crunchy vegetables to hold the hot dip well.
