Appetizers

Charred Jalapeño with Lime Cream Cheese Spread

Name: Charred Jalapeño with Lime Cream Cheese Spread
Yield: 1 cup

With the addition of a few simple ingredients, cream cheese can push an appetizer or sandwich from good to outrageously delicious. Try serving this Latin-inspired spread alongside tortilla chips or the Mexican pork cracklings called chicharrones.

Prep

Cook

Servings

1 cup

Level

Easy

Ingredients

2 jalapeños, halved lengthwise
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 Tablespoons heavy cream
zest of 1 lime
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1

Place a cast iron skillet, grill pan or heavy bottom sauté pan on high heat.
2

When the pan is hot, place the 4 jalapeño halves into the pan, skin side up, without any cooking oil and allow them to sit undisturbed for 3 minutes to char the sliced side. Use a smaller pan to press the peppers for a harder sear.
3

After the jalapeños are charred, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool.
4

Mix the tempered cream cheese with the cream, lime zest, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin and paprika, in a bowl or in a food processor until ingredients are completely combined.
5

Once the charred jalapeños are cool, mince them (remove seeds and veins for milder heat.)
6

Fold the charred jalapeños into the seasoned cream cheese (optional -reserve a pinch for garnish.)
7

Scoop flavored cream cheese into a small dipping bowl and garnish with a bit more lime zest, a pinch of charred jalepeños and sprinkle of paprika.
8

Serve with tortilla chips, pork skins or pita chips.