Imagine a creamy, vibrant dip that transforms ordinary vegetable snacking into a gourmet experience. This Creamy Red Pepper Dip is not just another appetizer—it's a flavor explosion that will elevate your party spread from ordinary to extraordinary! With its rich, velvety texture and bold roasted red pepper notes, this dip is so delicious, you'll want to skip the vegetables and eat it by the spoonful.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assorted vegetables for dipping (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature by removing from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to preparation.
- Drain roasted red peppers thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Finely mince the garlic clove using a sharp knife or garlic press.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add chopped roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients until well incorporated.
- Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- While dip is chilling, prepare vegetable tray by washing and cutting carrots, celery, and bell peppers into uniform sticks.
- Before serving, give dip a quick stir and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Arrange prepared vegetable sticks around the dip and serve chilled.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Let cream cheese soften completely at room temperature for the smoothest, most luxurious texture.
- Moisture Control: Always drain and pat roasted red peppers dry to prevent a watery dip.
- Flavor Enhancement: Allow the dip to chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry and intensify.
- Vegetable Prep: Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized sticks for an elegant presentation.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making party planning a breeze.
- Customization: Experiment with adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra flavor kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
