How to make Jalapeno Cream Cheese

Creamy with a kick, Jalapeno Cream Cheese is the perfect condiment for bagels, bread and more and also works as a simple spreadable appetizer. This spicy cream cheese recipe comes together in minutes and tastes incredible! Calling for easy to find ingredients, you can make this to enjoy for the week or for a special brunch!

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A bowl of jalapeño cream cheese on a grey plate with a knife in it on marble surface next to a blue linen

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The best Jalapeno Cream Cheese

If you’re a longtime TSP reader, you might recognize this cream cheese as the base for my Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip appetizer that was shared in November.

If you’re not, I recommend checking that out… then coming back here to make the cream cheese as a standalone.

If you’re looking for a new and fun cream cheese to schmear on most anything in the new year, this recipe is for you.

Why I love this recipe:

Well, this one took me by surprise.

I don’t love-love-love anything that’s super spicy, but I do like something that’s got a bit of a kick.

We found the right balance in this cream cheese… and it is so much more interesting and tasty than the stuff you might find in the store. (Also, it doesn’t have the weird gums and stabilizers that are oftentimes added to store-bought products like that.)

Plus, it’s got more flavor than just creamy cream cheese and kick-y jalapeno. We add onion powder and garlic powder for some intrigue. We add lemon zest for a citrusy pop. And some parsley to finish it all for both color and some brightness.

The end result? Spectacular.

And you can serve it along with your favorite toast or a bagel… or serve it as a dip at a gathering because the flavor combination is interesting enough to do just that!

More recipes with jalapeno peppers: Baked Jalapeno Poppers | Honey Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins

A block of cream cheese in a bowl surrounded by bowls of other ingredients on a marble surface next to a blue linen

What you need to make this recipe:

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Let’s talk ingredients!

In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.

Here is what you need to get from the store:

Cream cheese — I like to use full-fat cream cheese, and all the recipes that I make because the consistency is better. The stabilizers and other things that are added to lower fat and fat cream cheese and make it to where it is less creamy.
Jalapeño — we left the seeds in ours to get a nice little kick, but if you were concerned that this is going to be too spicy for you, use half or remove the seeds.
Lemon — we need one for its zest to add some brightness. Make sure it’s fresh and bright yellow.
Spices — onion powder, garlic powder and kosher salt all give flavor to this cream cheese.
Fresh parsley — for color and flavor. I like this better than using a green onion, which I found too pungent for this recipe and application.

Uses for homemade jalapeno cream cheese:

Smear this delicious spread on your bagel in the morning or add a swipe of it to sandwiches for a creamy kick.

Serve it alongside chips and crackers for a cold dip situation.

Sprinkle in crispy bacon to make it even more savory… for any application.

Transform it into Jalapeno Popper Dip by stirring in some sharp cheddar cheese, sprinkling the top with bread crumbs and baking in the oven until gooey.

Softened cream cheese with chopped jalapeños and spices on top of it, before mixing

How to make Jalapeno Cream Cheese at home

Set the cream cheese out to soften, if you have not already. This will help the mixture come together more easily.

Mise en place. Chop the jalapeño pepper. I left the seeds and ribs in mine, but you can remove these if you are concerned about the heat level.

Add the chopped pepper, herbs and salt to the cream cheese in a large bowl.

Mixed jalapeno cream cheese in a bowl with a small rubber spatula next to a blue linen on a marble surface

You can mix this together with a hand mixer or you can use a rubber spatula if the cream cheese is truly soft and at room temperature.

Please do not mix this in a food processor or a blender for the best results and best flavor. The cream cheese will become runny if you overmix it.

Lemon zest on top of Jalapeno Cream Cheese in a bowl, before mixing

Next, zest the lemon directly onto the cream cheese mixture. Gently stir it in.

Once combined, chill or use immediately.

How to store:

Store the cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

You can use it straight from the refrigerator or let it warm up on the countertop before smearing on bread, etc.

Close up of finished jalapeño cream cheese in a bowl before serving

Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips

While it might not immediately be obvious as to why or how you should entertain with a spicy-creamy-flavorful cream cheese… brunch at home is always a great and special idea.

If I were to make this spicy cream cheese for a gathering, here are some things I might do:

Make it early and keep it cold in the refrigerator.
Make it into a board situation… like a bagel bar, with different flavors of cream cheese and other toppings. Add toasted bagels or crackers to the mixture.
Double the recipe for a crowd (or to have extra in your fridge… just in case!)

A halved bagel slathered in Jalapeno Cream Cheese on a grey plate on a marble surface

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make dairy free or vegan?

No. I haven’t tried this recipe with a dairy free or vegan cream cheese and do not recommend it at this time.

I’m sensitive to spice. How can I make sure this isn’t too spicy for me?

I would start off with half of the jalapeno pepper, then give it a taste before adding more or stopping there. Also, you can remove the seeds from the pepper if you’re concerned.

A bowl of jalapeño cream cheese on a marble surface next to a blue linen

A hand holds a bagel half covered in homemade jalapeno cream cheese

Quick tips and tricks to making flavored cream cheese at home

Let the cream cheese come to temperature before mixing everything together. This will make it a LOT easier.
Taste as you go. This is super important if you’re concerned that the spices might make your tastebuds sad. Start off with half of the pepper before tasting and adding more.
Mix it early. Feel free to mix everything well in advance and keep it cold in the fridge before serving.
Meal prep it. If you’re a bagel with a schmear of cream cheese person, make a batch of this on a Sunday and enjoy all week for breakfast!

Here’s how you can make this jalapeno cream cheese recipe at your house…

Jalapeno Cream Cheese

Servings: (1 oz.) servings

Erin Parker, The Speckled Palate

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

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EQUIPMENT

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