Fiesta Baked Cheese Spread
A creamy, cheesy dip with green chilies and Mexican flavors, perfect for parties and snacking, served with tortilla chips and garnished with colorful peppers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until softened.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of shredded cheese for garnish.
- Mix the remaining shredded cheese, chopped green chilies, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and ground red pepper into the softened cream cheese.
- Spoon the mixture into a 10-inch pie plate or quiche dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.
- Spread the remaining 3/4 cup of sour cream over the baked cheese spread.
- Sprinkle with the reserved 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.
- Garnish with bell pepper cut-outs.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of taco seasoning to the cheese mixture. If you want a milder dip, use a mild cheddar instead of the four cheese blend. For a twist, mix in some black beans or corn, which can also complement the flavors well. This dish is a great companion to Mexican recipes like Miss Irene'S Mexican Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Fiesta Baked Cheese Spread warm, accompanied by tortilla chips, sliced vegetables, or even crackers. It pairs beautifully with Pearl'S Special Mexican Cornbread for a delightful gathering. Feel free to garnish with fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the spread in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Baked Cheese Spread contains roughly 48 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply transfer it to the baking dish and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for parties or gatherings.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
This recipe is already vegetarian, as it contains no meat. However, you can enhance its appeal by adding more vegetables like diced bell peppers or olives for extra flavor and texture, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a blended tofu mixture, although the texture and flavor will differ slightly. For a dairy-free alternative, try using a vegan cream cheese product available in stores.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).