Our Peppadew Dip recipe is a perfect blend of 3 cheeses, warmed and mixed with the zesty kick of Peppadews. Baked to bubbly perfection, this appetizer promises to be the star of the table.
Let me introduce to you to my fantastic peppadew cheese dip.
It is a sibling of the classic pimiento cheese dip, but with more sweetness, more spice, and a smoother dip.
If pimiento cheese is the caviar of the south, this peppadew dip recipe is the caviar of my house. It is that good.
Everyone loves it, and it outshines pimiento dip because of the more specific flavors that come with peppadew peppers.
I love that it is one of those great recipes that come together so quickly.
Even if I do not make it in advance, I can have a great appetizer put together in 5 minutes, with a 20 minute hands off baking time for me to do other things.
It is a perfect appetizer for entertaining, but this cheese dip with peppadew is also a perfect afternoon snack, and when served with a tray of vegetable sticks, it is a great way to get my family to eat more “nonthreatening” vegetables.
So whether you need more vegetable tricks or just want a perfect cheesy appetizer, this cheese dip is the perfect one for you.
What Is a Peppadew Pepper?
A Peppadew pepper is a brand name of the Piquanté Peppers.
Those are a variety of small red peppers that are sweet and have just a mild heat.
They are a South African specialty pepper.
These little bursts of flavor add a unique kick to our dip, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
But do not worry, they are not a spicy red pepper.
On the scoville heat index, they are not even close to as spicy as a cayenne pepper.
They aren’t even as spicy as a jalapeno pepper.
We buy them in the United States of America pickled in jars, but sometimes you can find them at the olive bar of whole foods or your local grocery stores.
What Ingredients Are in Peppadew Dip?
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: adds a bold and tangy flavor.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Brings a mild, creamy taste to the mix.
- Cream Cheese: gives a velvety smooth consistency.
- Chopped Peppadews: Sweet and spicy peppers for a burst of flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a creamy texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: adds a savory and umami depth.
- Hot Sauce: gives a kick of heat
- Ground Mustard: adds a subtle, tangy note.
- Salt and Pepper: balances the overall flavor.
- Green Onions: Optional, for a fresh and mild oniony kick.
How to Make Peppadew Dip:
- Combine grated cheeses and cream cheese in a food processor.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, and mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet.
- Top with green onions, if desired.
- Bake until bubbly.
Pro Tip: Use a food processor for quick and even cheese blending, but a paddle attachment would work if you are making large batches of dip at a time.
If you are using your paddle attachment, give the bowl a small layer of extra virgin olive oil so none of the cream cheese mixture sticks to the bowl.
Can Peppadew Dip Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, peppadew cheese dip can be made ahead of time!
Prepare the peppadew pepper recipe in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to get it nice and bubbly.
How to Store Peppadew Dip:
Store leftover peppadew pepper dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Though even when I make a large bowl of this hot peppadew cheese dip, I never have any leftovers!
Can You Freeze Peppadew Dip?
Yes you can freeze this peppadew dip! It’s like freezing a nacho cheese dip.
Let it cool (I like to do it overnight in the fridge to prevent ice crystals), make sure it is in a freezer safe container and double sealed if possible.
Then you can freeze it for 3 months or up to a year in a deep freezer.
When you are ready to serve peppadew cheese spread, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and place it in a cast iron skillet to bake until bubbly.
How to Serve Peppadew Dip?
Serve peppadew cracker dip with crackers, Naan bread, potato chips, pita chips, or cut vegetables like celery sticks and carrots.
I like to have it out for party appetizers or fun events like at a Super Bowl Sunday spread.
Pro Tip: Try this peppadew cream cheese dip on panini sandwiches or burgers! It is warm, creamy, and so delicious.
What to Serve With Peppadew Dip:
I like to serve peppadew dip with other appetizers for easy party food. Here are some more favorite appetizers you can serve it with:
- Pineapple Salsa
- Marinated Olives Recipe
- Crab Imperial
- Feta Cheese Dill Dip
- Sweet and Spicy Edamame
- Marsala Mushrooms
- Sriracha Meatballs
- Clam Bruschetta
- Mexican Roasted Tomatoes
- Cottage Cheese and Salsa
- Parmesan Chickpeas
- Candied Pecans
- Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Macadamia Nuts
- Pineapple Cheese Ball
Is Peppadew Dip Gluten-Free?
Yes, peppadew dip is naturally gluten-free.
Be sure to serve it with gluten-free dipping items like fresh veggies and gluten free crackers.
Is Peppadew Dip Keto?
Yes, this peppadew cheese dip is keto!
Even with the peppers, this can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a low carb lifestyle.
Be sure to track your macronutrients to specific details.
Peppadew dip is a perfect cheesy appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more. With its warm cheese spread and sweet and just a hint of spice, this is a dip you will make again and again.
Peppadew Dip
Dive into a cheesy feast with our Peppadew Dip—loaded with sharp Cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, and the zesty kick of Peppadews.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce sharp Cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 14 oz jar of Peppadews (drained and chopped, about 3/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400*F.
- Mix together grated cheeses and cream cheese in food processor.
- Transfer to bowl; add the chopped Peppadews, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, ground mustard, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a cast iron skillet; top with chopped green onions if you’d like.
- Cook for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
- Serve with crackers, Naan bread or cut vegetables like celery sticks and carrots.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 246Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 347mgFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 10g
Photos & Text Updated: October 30, 2024
Joyce
Thursday 11th of May 2023
what is peppadew ?
Janelle
Sunday 3rd of September 2023
It's a type of pepper that usually comes in a jar in a pickling liquid. Here's a link to Amazon to show you what it looks like. I hope this helps! https://amzn.to/45XDZaj
adoringfamily
Monday 25th of November 2019
I LOVE hot dips for the winter! Thank you so much for sharing w us at Creative Muster! Pinned this! xoxo Sharon from Adoring Creations
Beks
Sunday 3rd of November 2019
This looks good! I look forward to trying it. Pepperdew peppers are readily available here in London.
Lori
Sunday 3rd of November 2019
I just made this dip and it's great. I had to eliminate the mayo since my friend is allergic and it's still a winner!
Michaela Kenkel
Monday 7th of October 2019
I LOVE peppadews!! This looks incredible! Just printed it for our next tailgate! Thanks!