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Easy Southern Black-Eyed Pea Dip for New Years Luck

black-eyed pea dip - featured image

A creamy, smoky, and cheesy black-eyed pea dip inspired by a beloved Southern diner recipe. Perfect for New Year’s traditions or any gathering, this easy dip comes together in under 30 minutes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips, pita chips, or crostini (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray your baking dish with nonstick spray or rub it with a little butter.
  2. Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water. Let them sit in a colander while you prep the other ingredients.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent and starts to soften.
  4. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic smells amazing. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  6. Add the black-eyed peas, sautéed onion mixture, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly.
  7. Fold in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar and all of the Monterey Jack cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar for the top.
  8. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden. If you want a browner top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes—but watch it closely.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a browner top, broil for the last 2 minutes. To keep warm for a party, transfer to a slow cooker on ‘warm’ setting after baking. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold. Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: black-eyed pea dip, New Year's dip, Southern dip, easy appetizer, cheesy dip, black-eyed peas, party dip, game day dip