Smoky Red Pepper Crema is a rich and creamy, versatile sauce that fits in perfectly with all of your favorite dishes! Try it as a dip with chips and veggies, or use this delicious dip to jazz up your taco night.
Why This Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe is So Good
- Amazing Flavor: Roasted red peppers are the main ingredient in this crema recipe, and they bring sweet, savory, and smoky notes. We'll show you how to roast fresh peppers in the oven. It takes about a half hour, and it's totally worth it!
- Easy Recipe: After you've roasted the peppers, all you need to do is toss all of the ingredients in your food processor or blender! Smoky red pepper crema is blended up in about a minute, and ready to eat right away.
- Make Ahead: While you can enjoy homemade red pepper sour cream dip right after making it, it also stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Hearty Consistency: Some recipes for red pepper crema will have you peel the peppers and add additional liquid to make the sauce very smooth and thin. I like it better this way, with the skins left in, and some bits and chunks of peppers throughout.
- Easy to Adjust: As written, this dip recipe is just a little bit spicy. You can adjust the amount of chili powder you add to get your crema to the perfect spicy level for your taste buds!
Tips and Tricks for Making The Best Smoky Red Pepper Crema
- Don't peel the peppers! Toss them right into the food processor, skins and all. The flavor from the charred peppers, along with some smoked paprika, is what makes this dip smoky.
- But you can if you want to. For a smoother dip, remove the skins from the roasted red peppers before blending. It's up to you!
- Let the peppers cool a bit. You don't need to cool them down all the way, but it's best not to add super hot things to sour cream. Give the peppers 5-10 minutes to rest before blending up the dip.
- Make this dip vegan by replacing the sour cream with your favorite dairy-free alternative.
- Enjoy your homemade red pepper dip right away, or store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
What to Serve With Smoky Red Pepper Crema
Use this creamy flavorful sauce to drizzle over tacos, nachos, or any of your favorite Mexican dinner recipes!
My favorite meat-free tacos include these Vegan Birria Tacos and Air Fryer Tofu Tacos.
It's also delicious as a dip, with chips, sliced veggies, or gluten-free crackers.
Don't stop there though! You can dip everything into red pepper crema! Try it with french fries, air fryer kale chips, or air fryer zucchini chips too.
If you like pasta with roasted red peppers, try using this as a super simple fresh pasta sauce! Just toss freshly cooked pasta with crema and a bit of pasta water. Yum!
Daniel from Fire and Saw, said that this Smokey Red Pepper Crema Sauce is perfect for any type of backyard BBQ-ing! Whether you top it on your tofu or grilled veggies!
Easy Red Pepper Crema Variations
- Roasted Poblanos can be used instead of roasted red peppers. They bring a bit of heat, but won't be overpowering.
- Reduce the Calories by using a low-fat sour cream.
- Make it Extra Spicy by adding additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or tabasco sauce.
- Make it Extra Creamy by including a tablespoon or two of mayo in the recipe.
More Easy Sauce and Dip Recipes
- Mediterranean Sauce
- Hot Corn Dip
- Copycat Bitchin Sauce
- Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- Vegan Buffalo Sauce
- Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Palomino Sauce
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Smoky Red Pepper Crema
Equipment
- roasting pan or sheet pan
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 red bell peppers
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Slice the peppers in half and discard the seeds and stalks. Place them on a baking sheet and rub with the oil and some salt and pepper to taste. Roast for 25-30 minutes until starting to char.
- Place the peppers in a food processor or blender with all remaining ingredients and blitz until smooth.
- Transfer to your serving bowl of choice.
Notes
- Don't peel the peppers! Toss them right into the food processor, skins and all. The flavor from the charred peppers is what makes this dip smoky.
- Make this dip vegan by replacing the sour cream with your favorite dairy-free alternative.
- Serve crema as a dip with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh veggies.
- It's also delicious as a pasta sauce or salad dressing.
- This recipe makes about 1 cup of roasted red pepper crema.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
