Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip (Print Version)

Warm, cheesy dip featuring black-eyed peas, pickled jalapeños, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbly.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup sour cream
03 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

→ Canned Goods

04 - 2 cups black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables and Flavorings

05 - 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
06 - 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
07 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or spoon.
03 - Add 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, drained black-eyed peas, pickled jalapeños, green onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a greased 1 1/2-quart baking dish, spreading evenly.
05 - Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
07 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, which means you can make it while guests are still getting ready.
  • The combination of tangy pickled jalapeños and smoky cheddar is addictive in a way that makes people keep coming back for more.
  • It's fancy enough for a dinner party but casual enough to bring to a game night without overthinking it.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned black-eyed peas—the starch and extra sodium will make your dip separate and watery as it sits.
  • If your cream cheese is cold from the fridge, it will take longer to blend smoothly and might leave you with a lumpy start, so let it sit out for 15 minutes first.
03 -
  • Make this dip up to a day ahead, refrigerate it unbaked, and just pop it straight into the oven when you're ready—no thawing needed, just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
  • If your dip looks separated after sitting, a gentle stir brings it back together, and a splash of extra sour cream mixed in saves it if it got too thick.
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