Name: Cowboy Pickled Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup pickled jalapeños, chopped; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice (from the jar); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Crushed tortilla chips; Crumbled cooked bacon

Description

This Cowboy Pickled Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread is a spicy and creamy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining softened cream cheese with tangy pickled jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and a kick of garlic and onion powder, this dip is chilled to meld the flavors and can be garnished with crushed tortilla chips or smoky bacon for extra texture and taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice (from the jar)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

Crushed tortilla chips
Crumbled cooked bacon

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Instructions

Prepare the cream cheese base: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, providing the perfect base for the other flavors.
Add the flavor ingredients: Stir in the chopped pickled jalapeños, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeño juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions or chives if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Season to taste: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
Chill the spread: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, smoothing the top with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the overall taste.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with your choice of crushed tortilla chips, crumbled cooked bacon, or extra jalapeños for added texture and flavor. Serve with crackers, chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

For a spicier version, add more chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the spread.
For a smoother dip, blend all ingredients in a food processor until creamy.
This spread can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
If using bacon garnish, this spread is no longer vegetarian.