Janette'S Black-Eyed Pea Dip
A rich, creamy black-eyed pea dip with spicy flavors, melted cheese, and fresh green onions, perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place black-eyed peas in a heavy medium saucepan and add water to cover by 2 inches.
- Let peas stand with sliced garlic for 30 minutes, then boil until tender, about 1 hour, adding water if necessary.
- Drain the peas and place in a food processor with the softened cream cheese, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Pulse until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch pie plate and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese on top and bake until melted.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with white corn chips.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider roasting the garlic cloves before adding them to the dip for a richer taste. If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese and use low-fat cheese. This dip can also be made ahead of time; just assemble it and bake when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious dip with white corn chips for a delightful crunch. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Bentley'S Sugar Cookies for a sweet finish to your gathering. You can also accompany it with fresh veggie sticks or pita chips for a healthier option. This dish is perfect for parties or game day snacks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Janette'S Black-Eyed Pea Dip contains roughly 343 calories, with 12g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (104% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 543mg per serving (24% 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 use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas for convenience. Make sure to drain and rinse them before proceeding with the recipe. This will save you time, and you can skip the soaking and boiling steps, making the dip quicker to prepare.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can substitute Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, ensuring you still get that creamy texture in your dip.
Can I make this dip in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the dip in your baking dish and cover with plastic wrap. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it as directed. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.
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).