Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño

Featured in: Everyday Country Recipes

This warm, creamy dip combines tender black-eyed peas with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream for a rich base. Diced jalapeños bring the heat while ground cumin and smoked paprika add depth. After 25 minutes in the oven, the top turns golden and bubbly. Serve this vegetarian, gluten-free appetizer warm with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks. It's an ideal make-ahead dish for parties, tailgates, and casual gatherings.

Updated on Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:10:47 GMT
A warm, bubbly Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño and Cumin, topped with fresh cilantro and sliced peppers, ready for tortilla chips.  Save
A warm, bubbly Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño and Cumin, topped with fresh cilantro and sliced peppers, ready for tortilla chips. | cloverhearth.com

This Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño and Cumin is a creamy, spicy appetizer that brings a flavorful twist to your party spread. Perfectly seasoned with warming cumin and smoked paprika, this dish transforms simple black-eyed peas into a crowd-pleasing dip that is both hearty and comforting.

A warm, bubbly Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño and Cumin, topped with fresh cilantro and sliced peppers, ready for tortilla chips.  Save
A warm, bubbly Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño and Cumin, topped with fresh cilantro and sliced peppers, ready for tortilla chips. | cloverhearth.com

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Whether you are hosting a game day or a casual gathering, this dip offers a satisfying blend of textures. The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a rich base that perfectly balances the heat from the fresh jalapeños and the crunch of the diced bell peppers and onions.

Ingredients

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  • Legumes: 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • Vegetables: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup diced red onion, 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper, 2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and finely diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt (to taste), 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Garnish (Optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Combine
In a large mixing bowl, combine black-eyed peas, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and garlic.
Step 3: Season
Add cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Dish
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbling with a golden top.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.
Step 7: Serve
Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita, or fresh vegetables.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra heat, you can leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. Additionally, this dip can be made ahead of time and simply reheated right before your guests arrive.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer a different cheese profile, try swapping the cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack. The pepper jack will add an extra layer of spice that complements the cumin and paprika beautifully.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this bubbly dip warm alongside crunchy tortilla chips, toasted pita triangles, or a selection of fresh vegetables like celery and carrot sticks for a lighter option.

Golden-brown Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño and Cumin, baked until creamy and served alongside crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.  Save
Golden-brown Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño and Cumin, baked until creamy and served alongside crunchy tortilla chips for dipping. | cloverhearth.com

This Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño and Cumin is sure to become a staple in your appetizer rotation. Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible addition to any party menu.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use canned black-eyed peas?

Yes, canned black-eyed peas work perfectly. Just drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the mixture. One 15-ounce can equals approximately 2 cups cooked peas.

How can I make this dip spicier?

Leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

What other cheeses work well?

Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all substitute nicely for cheddar. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining creaminess.

Is this dip freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the unbaked mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

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Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Jalapeño

Creamy Southern-style dip with black-eyed peas, spicy jalapeños, and aromatic cumin. Perfect for gatherings and game day spreads.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cook duration
25 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American Southern

Servings made 8 Portion size

Diet preferences Meatless, No gluten

What you'll need

Legumes

01 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

Dairy

01 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
02 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
03 1/2 cup sour cream

Vegetables

01 1/3 cup diced red onion
02 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
03 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste
04 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
02 Sliced jalapeños

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

Combine base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine black-eyed peas, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and garlic.

Step 03

Add seasonings: Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 04

Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish.

Step 05

Bake until golden: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbling with a golden top.

Step 06

Cool and garnish: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.

Step 07

Serve: Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetables.

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Equipment needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • 1-quart baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy: cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream.
  • May contain traces of milk proteins.
  • Verify packaged ingredients for gluten or additional allergens.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 190
  • Fat content: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 8 grams

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