Jalapeno Dip with Cream Cheese

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Step aside, Trader Joe’s! You can make the best jalapeno hummus right at home with 9 basic ingredients in just 15 minutes. This Jalapeno Dip with Cream Cheese is silky smooth and bursting with bright and spicy green chili pepper flavor, like jalapeño poppers in dip form. It’s healthier and additive/preservative free too – one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Featured comment: I absolutely love anything spicy and this dip is something I will definitely make again! Super easy and everyone really loved it. Thanks!” – Lucy

Update: This recipe for jalapeno dip with cream cheese published in July 2014. I made updates to the post below to include more information about preparing hummus jalapeno dip at home.

Hi, friends! I hope you love chickpeas as much as we do. Because today we are transforming those wonderful, protein-rich, little gems of creamy deliciousness into a super-smooth, ultra-flavorful, lip-smacking-good dip. Grab a chip, shovel (fine, or a spoon), because this snack recipe is *chef’s kiss* perfection!

About this jalapeno dip with cream cheese

I don’t know about you, but I’m a serious hummus (or, depending where you’re from, houmous) fanatic. How can you not be completely head-over-heels for that light, creamy, protein-and-fiber-packed goodness? This jalapeno cream cheese dip recipe is the perfect appetizer or snack to serve with a veggie platter or cheese board, or, if you’re like me, eating straight from the bowl with a spoon.

If you love rich cream cheese dips, try these delicious recipes next: ricotta dip, warm goat cheese dip, cream cheese dessert dip with cream cheese, warm broccoli dip with cheese and everything cream cheese dip.

Why you’ll love this dip recipe

Aside from being lick-the-bowl delicious and perfectly satisfying, this cilantro hummus is:

• Quick & Easy. All you need is 15 minutes in the kitchen to get this dreamy hummus jalapeno dip on the table.
• Made With Fewer Than 10 Ingredients, many of which you probably already have in the pantry and fridge.
• Meal-Prep Friendly. In fact, it tastes even better after a day in the fridge.
• Better Than Store-Bought. Have you tried Trader Joe’s cilantro and jalapeño hummus? Or the Hannah hummus at Costco? Or Publix hummus? Pardon while I blaspheme, but this is tastier than all of them.
• Budget-Friendly. Making your own jalapeno popper dip doesn’t just yield a tastier dip. It’ll also save you serious $$$! Rather than paying upwards of $5 for a small tub, you can make almost twice as much for about half as much. I’m no math major, but that seems like a win to me.

Ingredients for jalapeno dip recipe

As promised, you only need 9 basic ingredients to make this super smooth and ultra-creamy jalapeno dip recipe. Here’s what to grab:

Dip ingredients

• Canned Garbanzo Beans – Unlike most other hummus recipes, you don’t need to drain or rinse the chickpeas.
• Garlic – Fresh cloves will give you the best flavor. However, you can swap in jarred minced garlic or garlic powder.
• Tahini – This spread is made entirely from ground sesame seeds, sort of like a Mediterranean version of peanut butter. 
• Fresh Lime Juice – Fresh is always best, especially when it comes to citrus juice. To get the most from your fruit, give it a firm roll on the countertop before cutting it open.
  • Substitution: Lemon juice is a fine stand-in. As with the lime juice, make sure you opt for fresh for the brightest flavor.
• Ground Cumin – For warmth. If you only have cumin seeds, give them a quick toast in a dry pan before grinding with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. 
• Smoked Paprika – For a touch of delicious smoky kick.
  • Substitution: You can use regular sweet or hot paprika instead. You can also swap in spicier chipotle chile powder in a pinch. 
• Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – For seasoning.
• Block-Style Cream Cheese – For creamy jalapeno popper vibes.
  • Substitution: Swap in Neufchatel or another creamy farmer’s cheese if needed. You can also use dairy-free cream cheese to keep this hummus dip vegan-friendly.
• Pickled Jalapeños – Feel free to use either jarred, canned, or homemade jalapeno pickles. 
  • Substitution: You can substitute 2-3 fresh jalapenos instead. However, I recommend roasting the peppers to deepen their flavor. 
  • PRO TIP: Wear gloves and/or wash your hands thoroughly whenever you’re working with hot chili peppers. Capsaicin (the compound that tastes spicy) doesn’t just burn your tongue. Take it from me, you don’t want to touch your eyeballs or use the restroom before removing any traces from your hands.
• Fresh Cilantro – Unlike some tender herbs (I’m looking at you, parsley and basil!), cilantro stems are tender and packed with delicious flavor. Feel free to trim off just the woody bottoms and use the rest!
  • Substitution: Hate cilantro? Don’t fret. You can either omit it entirely or swap in fresh parsley leaves. 

Dip variations

While I love this slightly spicy cilantro jalapeno hummus dip just the way it is, there’s always room for customization. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Vegan Hummus – Simply swap in your favorite plant-based cream cheese.
• White Bean Hummus – While garbanzos are always my first pick for hummus, you can easily swap in cannellini beans, great northern beans, or butter beans if you need.
• Extra Spicy Jalapeno Hummus – Trade in freshly roasted jalapeños for the pickled variety to amp up the heat.
• Optional Toppings: Extra-virgin olive oil, jalapeno coins, chopped cilantro and roasted pumpkin seeds are great for topping your cold dip. Panko bread crumbs along with parmesan and shredded sharp cheddar cheese or monterey jack are perfect if you are going to bake the dip. Then, I recommend topping your jalapeño popper dip topping with green onions.
• Optional, For Serving: Fresh Vegetables (what Dr. Oz would call crudité 😂), Pita Chips, Crackers, Toast and/or Bagels

FAQ’s: jalapeno dip

Is hummus jalapeno healthy?

While I always recommend you speak to a licensed healthcare professional before making any big dietary decisions, and prefacing this with the fact that I am NOT a licensed nutrition professional, my short answer is YEP! 

While this particular jalapeno popper-style hummus is a little richer than your usual chickpea dip from the addition of cream cheese, this is a dip that is made with all real, whole foods that are easy to pronounce. Plus, chickpeas are what I’d consider nutritional powerhouses — they’re packed to the gills with fiber, vegetarian protein, and lots of vitamins and minerals.

Serving jalapeno cilantro hummus

As if the delightful flavor of this spicy hummus recipe wasn’t enough to win your undying loyalty and affection, I have some good news for you. You can serve this appetizer dip one of two ways:

• Cold dip: Prepare the hummus without baking it, so it tastes more like what you traditionally envision when you hear the word ‘hummus’.
• Warm dip: Make it really taste like a jalapeno popper dip! Transfer the dip to a baking dish, top it with panko bread crumbs and an extra smidge of parmesan cheese to give it that traditional ‘popper’ crunch. Then broil it just long enough to brown the top. It should still have a cool center but have an extra layer of flavor and an irresistible crunch when you’re done.

I make and enjoy this creamy jalapeno dip both ways. Honestly, it just depends on my mood. If I’m in the mood for a cozy dip, oven baking, crunchy topping and tortilla chips or corn chips it is. However, in the summer, I’m all about enjoying this dip straight from the refrigerator with crisp crudités. But that’s me. You do you!

And, contrary to what you may think, this jalapeno cilantro hummus is not just for dipping — add a swoosh to your avocado toast, quesadillas, or grilled cheese, use it as a substitute for mayo in your sandwiches, burgers, and wraps, use it as the base for your grain bowls, or turn it into a quick and simple pasta sauce.

Serving suggestions

Whether you’re hosting guests or just snacking, these jalapeno cream cheese dip ideas are sure to bring some extra fun and flavor to your table:

• Crackers and Chips: Serve your creamy jalapeno dip with crispy crackers or pita chips. It’s like a little cloud of creamy joy on a crunchy base. Yum!
• Crostini Party: Elevate your toast game! Crisp some bread, top it with a little spicy dip, then get creative with toppings – a drizzle of honey, or some roasted peppers. It’s a flavor fiesta in every bite!
• Fresh Veggies: Looking for a healthy twist? Use your dip with cream cheese as a dip for fresh vegetables, like carrots, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. It’s a creamy, dreamy way to get those veggies in.
• Sandwich or Wrap Spread: Why have a plain sandwich when you can have a fabulous one? Spread jalapeno dip on your bread or wrap, add your favorite fillings, and voilà – lunchtime just got an upgrade!
• Pasta Filling or Sauce: Stir it into your pasta for a creamy sauce or use it as a filling for ravioli or stuffed shells. It’s like a flavor hug for your pasta.
• Breakfast Boost: Slather it on your morning bagel, maybe with slices of avocado, salmon gravlax, and pickled red onions. It’s also great as an omelet or crepe filling. Breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting!
• Celebrate spicy peppers! Make it a celebration of all this fiery and serve your dip with a side of sweet and spicy coleslaw with jalapenos and a refreshing spicy margarita slushie.

Storing jalapeno hummus

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. While reheating is unnecessary, feel free to use the broiler method described under “serving suggestions” for a fun treat.

Alright my little chickpeas, time for you to go out there and pita best you can be! Crank that song “when I dip you dip, we dip” and make this delicious jalapeno hummus dip. Until next time, hum-miss you!

Cheyanne

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More spicy dip recipes!

• Chili con Queso
• Fajita Hummus Dip
• Spicy Avocado Hummus

Recipe for jalapeno dip👇

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