Chipotle Cream Cheese Recipe

This creamy, smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Recipe is made with softened cream cheese, spicy chipotle peppers, and a splash of lime, ready in just 10 minutes. The rich heat builds perfectly as the deep red adobo sauce swirls into the smooth dairy base. I love keeping a jar of this in the fridge for upgrading plain morning bagels.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to grab a tub of spicy smear from my local bagel shop every Sunday until I realized how easy it is to make at home. My first attempt failed because I tried blending cold cream cheese, resulting in a lumpy, uneven mess that wouldn’t spread properly on toast.

Now, I always let the block sit out for an hour, ensuring a velvety texture that rivals any bakery version. This homemade spread allows you to control the spice level, making it far superior to the one-note heat found in store-bought tubs.

Jump to Recipe

Chipotle Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• 8 oz block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

How To Make Chipotle Cream Cheese Recipe

1. Prepare the Peppers: Remove the chipotle peppers from the can and finely mince them on a cutting board until they form a paste-like consistency, reserving the adobo sauce separately.
2. Soften the Cheese: Place the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer or stiff spatula until completely smooth and fluffy.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the minced peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to the bowl, folding everything together until the color is uniform and creamy.

Recipe Tips

• Control the Heat: Start with one pepper and a teaspoon of sauce, then taste before adding more if you prefer a milder kick.
• Let it Meld: The flavors intensify significantly after sitting in the fridge for at least an hour, so make it ahead if possible for the best taste.
• Use Block Cheese: Tub cream cheese often has added air and stabilizers; using a block yields a richer, denser spread that mimics professional bagel shops.

What To Serve With Chipotle Cream Cheese

Smear this generously over toasted plain or everything bagels for a classic breakfast treat with a kick. It also works beautifully as a zesty spread for turkey sandwiches, a dip for pretzel crackers, or a melting topping for grilled burgers.

How To Store

Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I do not recommend freezing this spread, as the cream cheese texture becomes grainy and separates upon thawing.

FAQs

• Is this recipe very spicy?
  

  It has a medium heat level that lingers pleasantly. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing the number of peppers or removing the seeds before mincing.

  
  
• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
  

  Yes, Neufchâtel or light cream cheese works well in this recipe. Just note that the texture might be slightly softer and less rich than full-fat versions.

  
  

Nutrition

• Calories: 100
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 2g
• Protein: 2g