Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Appetizers

This warm, creamy black-eyed pea dip combines the earthiness of tender black-eyed peas with tangy pickled jalapeños, fresh vegetables, and a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar. The mixture bakes until golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible texture that's perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips or crisp vegetables. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven, this versatile dish serves eight people and easily adapts to your spice preferences by adjusting the jalapeño quantity or adding cayenne pepper.

Updated on Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:41:14 GMT
Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip in a baking dish, melted cheddar and golden bubbles, ready to scoop with tortilla chips. Pin It
Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip in a baking dish, melted cheddar and golden bubbles, ready to scoop with tortilla chips. | metroladle.com

This Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip is a warm, creamy, and cheesy appetizer that is perfect for parties and gatherings. Packed with black-eyed peas and tangy pickled jalapeños, this American classic is incredibly easy to prepare and features a satisfying blend of cheeses that melts into a golden, bubbly delight.

Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip in a baking dish, melted cheddar and golden bubbles, ready to scoop with tortilla chips. Pin It
Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip in a baking dish, melted cheddar and golden bubbles, ready to scoop with tortilla chips. | metroladle.com

With a total time of 40 minutes, you can easily whip this up before guests arrive. This easy-to-follow recipe yields 8 servings, making it a reliable choice for any host seeking a delicious vegetarian-friendly appetizer that is sure to disappear quickly.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
  • 2 cups (200 g) cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
  • 2 cups (or 1 (15 oz/425 g) can) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) pickled jalapeños, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 3
Add 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, black-eyed peas, pickled jalapeños, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 4
Transfer mixture to a greased 1 1/2-quart (1.5 L) baking dish.
Step 5
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Step 7
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a smooth base, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream thoroughly before adding the solids. For the best texture, always serve this dip warm directly from the oven after a brief cooling period of 5 minutes.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer more heat, simply add extra pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses; substituting the cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack offers a unique flavor profile.

Serviervorschläge

This dip is best enjoyed with crunchy accompaniments such as tortilla chips or pita chips. For a lighter alternative, serve it with sliced fresh vegetables like celery or bell peppers. Leftovers can be refrigerated and easily reheated.

Freshly baked Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with visible diced jalapeños, green onions, and red bell pepper. Pin It
Freshly baked Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip with visible diced jalapeños, green onions, and red bell pepper. | metroladle.com

Simple, savory, and satisfying, this Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip is a reliable appetizer for any occasion. Its combination of creamy dairy and hearty peas ensures it remains a favorite among hosts and guests alike.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking cold from the refrigerator.

What can I serve with black-eyed pea dip?

Tortilla chips are the classic pairing, but pita chips, crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers all work beautifully for scooping.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Can I use fresh black-eyed peas instead of canned?

Absolutely. Cook about 1 cup dried black-eyed peas until tender, then drain well. You'll need approximately 2 cups cooked peas to replace the canned version in this dish.

Is this dip spicy?

The pickled jalapeños provide moderate heat with tangy flavor. For a milder version, reduce the amount to 1/4 cup. For more spice, add extra jalapeños, include some seeds, or incorporate cayenne pepper.

Can I freeze this dip?

While possible, freezing may affect the creamy texture. If freezing, do so before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Warm, cheesy dip with black-eyed peas, jalapeños, and three cheeses. An easy crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 8 Portions

Diet Details Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You Need

Dairy

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

Canned Goods

01 2 cups black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Flavorings

01 0.5 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
02 0.5 cup green onions, thinly sliced
03 0.5 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

01 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
02 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
03 0.5 teaspoon salt
04 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Combine Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 03

Mix All Ingredients: Add 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, black-eyed peas, pickled jalapeños, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 04

Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer mixture to a greased 1.5-quart baking dish.

Step 05

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining 0.5 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 06

Bake Until Bubbly: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Step 07

Cool and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or spoon
  • Baking dish (1.5-quart capacity)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Oven

Allergy Advice

Review each item for allergens. If you're unsure, speak with a medical expert.
  • Contains dairy: cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese
  • Check cheese and sour cream labels for vegetarian suitability.
  • If using store-bought chips, verify gluten-free status if required.

Nutritional Info (per portion)

Treat these details as a guide—they're not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 9 g