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Lucky Southern Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Lucky Southern Black-Eyed Pea Dip - featured image
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A creamy, cheesy black-eyed pea dip that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve. This quick and easy appetizer brings good luck and great flavor, with a smoky kick from paprika and a fresh finish from green onions and jalapeño.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4–5 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Cholula)
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Optional toppings: extra shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, hot sauce drizzle, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Soften cream cheese: if not at room temperature, microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft.
  3. Drain and rinse black-eyed peas in a colander under cold water for 30 seconds; shake off excess water.
  4. Prep vegetables: thinly slice green onions, separating white/light green parts from dark green tops. Mince jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat). Mince garlic.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, half the shredded cheddar, white/light green parts of green onions, minced jalapeño, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Gently fold in black-eyed peas, keeping some whole for texture.
  7. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly around edges and cheese is melted and golden. For a browner top, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes to set.
  10. Garnish with dark green onion tops and optional extra smoked paprika. Serve hot with sturdy tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.

Notes

Full-fat cream cheese and freshly shredded cheddar are essential for the best texture. Drain black-eyed peas well to avoid a runny dip. Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to bake time if starting cold. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in oven or microwave. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: black-eyed pea dip, New Year's Eve appetizer, Southern appetizer, lucky dip, easy dip, creamy dip, vegetarian appetizer

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/lucky-southern-black-eyed-pea-dip-best-easy-new-years-eve-appetizer/