Start your New Year celebrations with a flavorful and creamy Pioneer Woman-inspired black eyed pea dip! This warm and cheesy dip, perfect for any gathering, promises good luck and prosperity in the year ahead, a cherished Southern tradition. Served with crispy tortilla chips, this black eyed pea dip recipe elevates the humble legume into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious.
Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip -perfect for New Year
Why Black Eyed Peas for New Year’s Luck?
The tradition of eating black-eyed peas for good luck on New Year’s Day is a deeply rooted custom in the Southern United States. Dating back to the Civil War, black-eyed peas were considered a humble food and were sometimes overlooked by foraging armies, thus becoming a symbol of survival and good fortune. Eating them on New Year’s Day is believed to bring prosperity and ward off bad luck in the coming year. This Pioneer Woman Black Eyed Pea Dip recipe embraces this tradition in a fun and flavorful way, making it a perfect addition to your New Year’s Day menu or any winter gathering.
Pioneer Woman Inspired Hot Black Eyed Pea Dip Recipe
This recipe takes the classic Southern good luck charm and transforms it into a delectable, shareable dip. It’s inspired by the hearty and flavorful style of Pioneer Woman recipes, focusing on simple, comforting ingredients that come together to create something truly special. The combination of creamy cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and flavorful black-eyed peas makes this dip irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced finely
- ½ – 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled jalapenos (adjust to your spice preference)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can seasoned black-eyed peas, drained (Margaret Holmes seasoned black-eyed peas recommended for enhanced flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
Seasoned Black-Eyed Peas
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add softened cream cheese, sour cream, drained Rotel tomatoes, drained black-eyed peas, pickled jalapenos, and cumin. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Season to Perfection: Season the dip with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, the Rotel and seasoned black-eyed peas already contribute some salt, so season gradually.
- Bake to Cheesy Goodness: Transfer the black eyed pea dip mixture to a greased cast iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Until Hot and Bubbly: Place the dip in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.
Hot, Cheesy Black-Eyed Pea Dip. Perfect for New Year
Tips for the Best Black Eyed Pea Dip:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of pickled jalapenos to control the heat. For a milder dip, use less or omit them entirely. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese will add an extra kick, while Monterey Jack provides a creamy melt.
- Bean Flavor Boost: If using unseasoned black-eyed peas, enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of seasoned salt, garlic powder, or onion powder to the dip mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Besides tortilla chips, this dip is also fantastic with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.
Enjoy Your Lucky Dip!
This Pioneer Woman black eyed pea dip is more than just a delicious appetizer; it’s a warm and comforting dish that embodies the spirit of New Year’s traditions and Southern hospitality. Gather your friends and family, serve up this cheesy, flavorful dip, and welcome the New Year with good luck and great taste!
