Jalapeno cream cheese is a popular cream cheese variety that incorporates jalapeno peppers. The peppers add a kick of heat and a hint of jalapeno flavor. But the question is, how spicy is it really? Jalapeno cream cheese contains less jalapeno than you may expect. The spiciness can vary between brands. Overall, jalapeno cream cheese provides mild to moderate spiciness along with creamy, tangy cream cheese.
What is Jalapeno Cream Cheese?
Jalapeno cream cheese is a cream cheese that has been blended with jalapeno chili peppers. It is often sold in blocks or tubs under brands like Philadelphia and Kraft. The cream cheese base provides a rich, creamy texture and tangy dairy flavor. Chopped jalapeno peppers are mixed in to add heat and the characteristic jalapeno taste. The jalapenos provide a nice contrast to the smooth cream cheese. This combination makes jalapeno cream cheese popular for spreading on bagels and crackers. The cream cheese cools down some of the jalapeno heat. Jalapeno cream cheese can have flecks of green jalapeno throughout or come swirled with red pepper jelly. It is commonly used on appetizer trays, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Are Jalapenos Themselves Spicy?
Jalapenos are a moderately spicy chili pepper. They rank around 2,500 to 10,000 on the Scoville scale. The Scoville scale measures the concentration of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Bell peppers rank at the bottom at 0 Scoville units. Jalapenos land in the middle of the pack for heat level. They are hotter than poblano or banana peppers but cooler than serrano, habanero, or ghost peppers. So jalapenos themselves provide a nice kick of spiciness. Their level of heat can vary based on growing conditions and genetics. The white pith and seeds of jalapenos contain the highest concentration of capsaicin.
How Much Jalapeno Is in the Cream Cheese?
Most jalapeno cream cheese contains a relatively small amount of actual jalapenos. Brands like Philadelphia and Kraft use just enough for mild spice and the green flecks you see. The cream cheese is the main component. On average, jalapeno cream cheese contains about 4 to 8% real jalapenos. This keeps the heat level on the lower end while still providing flavor. The amount of jalapenos may be higher in artisanal or gourmet brands. Spicy food lovers can also make their own extra spicy jalapeno cream cheese at home with more peppers. Overall, the actual jalapeno content of store-bought varieties is quite low compared to the cream cheese base.
Spiciness Level
Due to the small amount of jalapenos used, jalapeno cream cheese provides a mild to moderate level of heat. It registers around 1,500 to 3,500 on the Scoville scale. This is lower than the jalapenos themselves. The creaminess of the cheese helps temper the pepper spice. So you get mainly a nice jalapeno flavor with a bit of a kick. It is not so spicy as to overpower whatever food you put it on. The spiciness does tend to increase slightly as you get to the flecks of actual peppers. Some batches may be hotter based on the specific peppers used. Certain brands also incorporate more jalapeno for a spicier cream cheese. Overall, jalapeno cream cheese is mildly spicy, making it agreeable for those who cannot tolerate intense heat.
Spiciness Compared to Other Cream Cheese Spreads
Compared to other spicy cream cheese varieties, jalapeno is one of the mildest. It has less heat than chipotle cream cheese which uses smoky, spicy chipotle peppers. Spreads made with hotter peppers like habanero and ghost pepper are significantly spicier than jalapeno cream cheese. Even serrano cream cheese beats it out in terms of heat. Jalapeno cream cheese also contains less spice than combinations mixed with hot sauces like sriracha. Plain cream cheese with just herbs and seasonings tends to be completely non-spicy. So jalapeno cream cheese brings more heat than the plain version but remains on the lower end of the spectrum for spiced cream cheeses.
Does Brand Make a Difference?
There can be some variation in spiciness between different brands of jalapeno cream cheese. For example:
Kraft
Kraft jalapeno cream cheese tends to be on the milder side. Many customers feel it does not have enough pepper flavor or heat. The cream cheese is noticeable stronger than the jalapeno taste.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia brand provides more of a kick than Kraft. Reviewers find it has a good balance of creaminess and moderate spiciness. The jalapeno flavor comes through nicely.
Boar’s Head
Boar’s Head uses more real jalapeno puree in their version. It is often described as hotter and more pepper-forward than either Kraft or Philadelphia.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s jalapeno cream cheese manages to be both creamy and tangy while also providing a stronger jalapeno taste. The heat level is a solid medium.
Tillamook
Tillamook uses fresh jalapeno peppers for a flavorful cream cheese. It has a thicker texture than other brands while remaining spreadable. The heat level is mid-range.
Ways to Moderate the Spice
If you find a particular brand of jalapeno cream cheese to be too spicy, there are some tricks to tone down the heat:
– Mix it with original cream cheese for a milder version. The plain cream cheese dilutes the jalapeno flavor and spice.
– Add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. The coolness helps neutralize heat.
– Mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey jack for more texture and mellowness.
– Sweeten it up with a drizzle of honey or some chopped fruit like strawberries or pineapple. The sweet counteracts the spice.
– Switch to a milder cream cheese variety like chive and onion or garden vegetable.
– Drink milk with it. The protein casein in milk actually washes away capsaicin heat.
Uses for Jalapeno Cream Cheese
Bagels, Toast, and Crackers
Slather jalapeno cream cheese across a toasted everything bagel, slice of sourdough, pita, or multi-grain crackers. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the crunch.
Quesadillas
Mix shredded Mexican cheese blend with a few spoonfuls of the cream cheese. Place between flour tortillas and pan fry until crispy.
Stuffed Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers or hollowed out jalapenos with the spiced cream cheese. Top with chili flakes for more heat.
Chicken Enchiladas
Roll up tortillas with shredded chicken, jalapeno cream cheese, enchilada sauce, and other favorite fillings. Bake until bubbly for amazing enchiladas.
Taco Dip
Layer refried beans, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, olives, and jalapeno cream cheese for a crowd-pleasing chip dip.
Pasta Sauce
Swirl a few tablespoons into hot pasta with red sauce for a creamy, spicy kick.
Toppings and Fillings
Use as a spread on sandwiches and burgers or add a dollop to omelets, mac and cheese, baked potatoes, chili, or tacos.
Nutrition Facts
Jalapeno cream cheese offers nutritional value along with great taste. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a typical 2 tablespoon serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
It provides moderate amounts of fat, protein, and key micronutrients like vitamin A and calcium. The cream cheese base supplies these nutrients. Jalapeno cream cheese makes a nourishing addition to any diet.
Storage and Food Safety
Like regular cream cheese, an unopened package of jalapeno cream cheese is safe stored in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. Once opened, it will last for about two weeks. To maximize freshness, wrap tightly in plastic wrap with minimal air exposed. The texture may become drier and oilier over time. If mold develops, discard the cream cheese. For best quality and food safety, use jalapeno cream cheese within a couple weeks of opening. To freeze, divide into portions, wrap well, and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Handle jalapeno cream cheese like you would any perishable dairy food.
Conclusion
Jalapeno cream cheese brings a nice level of heat and zip to everyone’s favorite spread. The small amount of jalapeno provides moderate spice along with tanginess, creaminess, and characteristic flavor. Brand and batch differences affect the exact heat level. But overall, jalapeno cream cheese is mildly spicy, making it versatile for any time of day. It can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into a variety of recipes. Just adjust the amount of peppers if you prefer it hotter. Whipped into dips or slathered on bagels, jalapeno cream cheese satisfies cravings for something indulgent and full of flavor. Its blend of rich, creamy, spicy, and tangy notes makes it a top choice for cream cheese fans who want an extra kick.