If there’s one bowl you’ll find at nearly every gathering I host, it’s this irresistible Roasted Red Pepper Dip. Creamy, smoky, and bursting with Mediterranean flair, this dip never fails to steal the show—whether I’m serving it as a simple snack or the centerpiece of a party platter. Packed with roasted red peppers, luscious cream cheese, just the right hint of garlic, and a whisper of spice, it’s the sort of recipe that guarantees you’ll be scraping the dish clean. If you’re looking for your new go-to appetizer, you absolutely need to try Roasted Red Pepper Dip!

Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Roasted Red Pepper Dip is how each ingredient brings something special to the table. With just a handful of simple staples, you create complex, crave-worthy flavor and an ultra-smooth, colorful finish everyone loves.

Roasted red bell peppers: These give the dip its sweet, smoky depth and that gorgeous bold color. Use jarred for convenience, or roast your own for extra flavor!
Cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious richness and a silky mouthfeel—let it come to room temperature for easiest blending.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: This adds tang and lightens the texture for scoopable creaminess.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the dip a sharp, nutty bite and helps balance the sweetness of the peppers.
Garlic (minced): Just one clove is all you need to bring a quiet heat and that classic Mediterranean aroma.
Olive oil: For gloss, depth, and classic Mediterranean flavor—plus a drizzle on top when serving.
Smoked paprika: A touch of earthiness and smoke that echoes the roasted peppers so beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Delivers everyday seasoning—taste as you go for just the right balance.
Cayenne pepper (optional): If you like a gentle kick, this adds a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Step 1: Prep Your Peppers

If you’re using jarred roasted red peppers, drain them thoroughly and then pat dry using paper towels. Extra moisture can make your dip runny, so don’t skip this simple step. If roasting your own peppers, peel and seed them once they’re cool.

Step 2: Gather and Measure Ingredients

Set out your cream cheese to soften (if you haven’t already), and measure out all the other ingredients. Having everything at your fingertips makes mixing a breeze and ensures the Roasted Red Pepper Dip blends to a perfectly smooth consistency.

Step 3: Blend Until Creamy

Add the roasted peppers, cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Parmesan, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if you like it spicy) to your food processor or blender. Give it a good blend until you reach a smooth, creamy texture—scrape down the sides as needed so nothing gets left behind!

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Spoon out a little taste and add more salt, pepper, or even paprika if needed. Dialing in the seasoning at this point really personalizes your Roasted Red Pepper Dip. Trust your tastebuds!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer your dip to a serving bowl and cover. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This simple step helps the flavors meld beautifully, making the Roasted Red Pepper Dip even more addictive. Finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of paprika when ready to serve.

How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Garnishes

Think of garnishing your Roasted Red Pepper Dip as that final little flourish—it looks as lovely as it tastes! A simple drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a dusting of smoked paprika make the colors pop, while a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds fresh, herby brightness. For something different, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta on top for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

The classic way to serve this dip is with crunchy pita chips, but fresh vegetables like cucumber spears, sweet peppers, or carrot sticks make the perfect dippers too. Try it alongside warm slices of crusty bread or with crackers for crowd-pleasing snacks. Honestly, anything scoopable will shine with a generous dollop of Roasted Red Pepper Dip!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to think beyond dipping! Spread Roasted Red Pepper Dip inside wraps or sandwiches for a creamy, zesty surprise, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a lighter bite. It’s dreamy stirred into warm cooked pasta as a sauce, or spooned over grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for an instant flavor upgrade. Set it at the center of a Mediterranean mezze platter and watch it vanish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The good news: Roasted Red Pepper Dip stores like a dream! Keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it just as perfect for easy weekday snacking as for parties.

Freezing

While this dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if you need to. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, dairy-based dips might lose some of their silky texture after thawing, so be sure to remix or re-blend for best results after defrosting in the fridge.

Reheating

If you’d like to gently warm your Roasted Red Pepper Dip, scoop it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts (about 20 seconds at a time), stirring regularly. Alternatively, let it sit out at room temperature until soft and creamy. The dip is meant to be served chilled or at room temp, but a bit of gentle warming can revive the flavors nicely, especially after refrigeration or freezing.

FAQs

Can I make Roasted Red Pepper Dip dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream or yogurt with your favorite plant-based alternatives. The dip will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful, so everyone (including vegan or lactose-intolerant friends) can dig in happily.

Can I use roasted peppers from a jar?

Yes, jarred roasted red peppers are perfect for this recipe! Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry to prevent your dip from becoming watery. Homemade roasted peppers will work, too—use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

How spicy is this dip?

The Roasted Red Pepper Dip is quite mild by default, with the option to ramp up the heat using a bit of cayenne pepper. Feel free to customize the spice level to taste—add more for a noticeable kick, or leave it out for a gentle, crowd-pleasing blend.

What can I serve with Roasted Red Pepper Dip besides pita chips?

This dip pairs wonderfully with all kinds of dippers! Think fresh veggie sticks, sliced baguette, crackers, even pretzel thins. It’s also fantastic as a sandwich spread or dolloped onto salads.

Does this dip work for meal prep?

Definitely! Roasted Red Pepper Dip is an excellent make-ahead option. Stash it in single-serve containers in the fridge for easy snack packs, lunchboxes, or last-minute party platters throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed appetizer, you can’t go wrong with this Roasted Red Pepper Dip. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again—so effortless, yet always impressive. Grab your favorite dippers, gather your people, and get ready to savor every scoop!