Roasted Jalapeño Cowboy Cream Cheese (Printer-Friendly)

Spicy, creamy blend of roasted jalapeños and rich cheese, perfect for spreading or dipping at any gathering.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dip Base

01 - 2 large jalapeños, stems removed, halved and seeded
02 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
03 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
05 - 1 teaspoon dried chives
06 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure optimal roasting conditions for the jalapeños.
02 - Arrange halved jalapeños on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast jalapeños in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until soft and slightly charred. Remove from oven and allow to cool briefly.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cooled roasted jalapeños, Dijon mustard, dried chives, parsley, garlic powder, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add additional spices or herbs to achieve preferred flavor and heat level.
06 - Transfer mixture to a serving dish. Serve warm or chilled with fresh vegetables, crackers, or bread as desired.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Allow the finished dip to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
02 - For a milder dip, ensure all jalapeño seeds are removed before roasting.
03 - The dip keeps fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
04 - Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature until fully softened for optimal texture.