Cast-Iron Jalapeño Popper Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
This Cast-Iron Jalapeño Popper Cream Cheese Spread is a smoky, creamy appetizer perfect for game day or any casual gathering. It features browned jalapeños cooked in canola oil, topped on warm, baked cream cheese, and garnished with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese crisps, and a drizzle of honey. Served with fresh sweet mini peppers, it offers a balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors with delightful textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Spread Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. canola oil
- 4 jalapeños, seeded and thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime), divided
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (6 slices)
- 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese crisps, coarsely crushed (such as Whisps)
- 1/2 tsp. honey
To Serve
- Sweet mini peppers, halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Cook jalapeño slices: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat the canola oil in a shallow 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced jalapeños and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the edges are browned, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare jalapeño mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the jalapeño mixture to a small bowl. Top with half of the fresh lime juice and sprinkle with kosher salt. Reserve the liquid and strain the jalapeño slices, setting both aside.
- Warm cream cheese: Place the block of cream cheese back into the same skillet and brush it evenly with the reserved jalapeño liquid. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cream cheese is warmed through and lightly golden brown on top.
- Assemble the spread: Remove the skillet from the oven. Evenly top the cream cheese with the strained jalapeño slices, crumbled bacon, and crushed cheddar cheese crisps. Drizzle the honey over the top evenly.
- Serve: Serve the jalapeño popper cream cheese spread warm with sweet mini peppers halved lengthwise for dipping.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of jalapeños and honey to control the spiciness and sweetness to your taste.
- The recipe uses a cast-iron skillet both for browning jalapeños and baking the cream cheese, adding flavor and convenience.
- Cheddar cheese crisps like Whisps add a crunchy texture with a punch of sharp flavor, but crushed tortilla chips can be used as a substitute.
- Sweet mini peppers are used as a healthier alternative to crackers or chips for dipping.
- Cooking jalapeños with seeds removed reduces heat but leaves plenty of flavor; keep seeds if you want more spice.
Keywords: jalapeño popper, cream cheese spread, appetizer, cast iron skillet, spicy appetizer, bacon, party food
