Description
This Spicy Cream Cheese Spread is a creamy, zesty holiday party favorite that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Packed with bold flavors from jalapeños, roasted red peppers, and aromatic spices, this irresistible spread pairs perfectly with crackers, vegetables, or bagels. Make it ahead for stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients
16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced to a paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon jalapeño peppers, finely minced (seeds removed)
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, minced
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced small
2 tablespoons chives, finely snipped
Extra smoked paprika and fresh herbs for garnish
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
1. Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and let soften at room temperature for 1 hour. Meanwhile, prep all ingredients: mince garlic to a paste, dice roasted red peppers, and finely chop all fresh herbs.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds until fluffy.
3. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to the cream cheese. Beat for 1 minute until completely smooth and airy, scraping down sides of bowl.
4. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly in one direction until spices are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust heat level if needed.
5. Using a spatula, gently fold in green onions, fresh herbs, minced jalapeños, and diced roasted red peppers. Don’t overmix—you want visible flecks of color throughout.
6. Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
8. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Stir gently, transfer to serving dish, and garnish with olive oil drizzle, fresh herbs, and smoked paprika.
9. Serve with crackers, vegetables, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
Cream cheese MUST be fully softened to room temperature for smooth texture—plan for at least 1 hour out of the fridge.
This spread tastes even better when made 24 hours ahead. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For milder heat, reduce cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon and remove all jalapeño seeds.
Pat roasted red peppers very dry with paper towels before adding to prevent watery spread.
Can substitute dairy-free cream cheese for vegan version, though texture will be slightly different.
Freezing not recommended as it changes the texture, making it grainy when thawed.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tablespoons
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: spicy cream cheese spread, party dip, holiday appetizer, cream cheese dip, easy party food, make-ahead appetizer
