Roasted Pepper Spread
A smoky, creamy roasted pepper spread with sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for dipping, spreading, or adding vibrant color to sandwiches and appetizers. Suitable for all gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sweet peppers and jalapeno pepper on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 500°F for 5 to 10 minutes or until skins look blistered, turning once.
- Add onion and garlic and bake for 10 minutes.
- Set onion and garlic aside.
- Place peppers immediately into a heavy-duty, Ziploc plastic bag.
- Seal and let stand for 10 minutes to loosen skins.
- Peel peppers and remove and discard seeds.
- Peel onion and garlic; cut onion into quarters.
- Place onion, garlic, and peppers into the container of an electric blender.
- Process until smooth, scraping down sides once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider grilling the peppers instead of roasting them in the oven. If you want a milder spread, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno or remove the seeds. Cream cheese can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version. This spread can also be enhanced with herbs like basil or oregano for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This roasted pepper spread is perfect as a dip for pita chips or fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Herbed-Stuffed Tomatoes as an appetizer or can be served alongside grilled meats and Mediterranean recipes for a flavorful side. Spread it on sandwiches or use it as a flavorful base for wraps for a delightful lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover roasted pepper spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals or allow it to come to room temperature before serving. This spread can also be enjoyed cold, making it versatile for various serving occasions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roasted Pepper Spread contains roughly 120 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 650mg per serving (28% 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 other types of peppers for this spread?
Absolutely! While sweet red, yellow, or green peppers are recommended, you can experiment with other varieties like poblano or even roasted bell peppers for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that each type of pepper will impart its unique taste to the spread.
How can I adjust the spice level of the spread?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno or remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can add a bit more jalapeno if you prefer a spicier kick. Tasting the mixture before serving will help you find the right balance.
Is there a way to make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this roasted pepper spread up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when served. Just give it a good stir before serving.
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).