Baked Black-Eyed Pea Dip

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Published Oct 12, 2026

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This Baked Black-Eyed Pea Dip blends creaminess and cheesiness, capturing the essence of Southern comfort food. With its straightforward recipe and minimal ingredients, it’s a breeze to prepare and sure to be a hit at any gathering, vanishing in no time.

Baked black-eyed pea dip in a cast iron skillet topped with cilantro, served with a side of tortilla chips and pickled jalapeños.

Why You’ll 🫶🏻 this Dip
Key Ingredients for Baked Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Tips for Making Baked Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Substitutions and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Baked Black-Eyed Pea Dip Recipe

Why You’ll 🫶🏻 this Dip

This baked dip is a delightful treat that goes beyond New Year’s Eve celebrations, as the tradition of cooked black-eyed peas symbolizes prosperity for the year ahead. It offers a comforting, warm Southern vibe you can enjoy any time of year. Its simplicity makes it a crowd-pleaser, with everyone eager to get their hands on the recipe. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for those who love meal prepping; you can easily prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance by sautéing the bell peppers and onions, then combining them with black-eyed peas, cream cheese, and other ingredients. Enjoy! ~Nicole

Key Ingredients for Baked Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Ingredients for a baked black-eyed pea dip arranged on a counter, including shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeño slices, a red bell pepper, red onion, a garlic clove, cream cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Black-Eyed Peas are creamy legumes with a delightful nutty flavor and smooth texture.

Unsalted Butter enhances the flavor, adding subtle richness.

Red Onion adds sweetness and depth.

Garlic brings a fragrant zing that elevates the dip.

Green Onions provide a vibrant touch with their mild flavor, complementing the richness of cream cheese, which lends a velvety texture that makes the dip truly irresistible.

Sour cream adds a tangy note that enhances the creaminess.

Cheddar and Monterey Jack bring sharpness and a wonderful melty quality. Remember my Kitchen Tip: How to Grate Semi-Soft Cheese on a Box Grater

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes infuse a deep, sweet smokiness.

Pickled Jalapeños introduce a tangy, spicy twist.

Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal, slightly citrusy note.

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper are essential for bringing out the best in all these flavors.

Diced red bell peppers, red onions, and minced garlic for a baked black-eyed pea dip cooking in a black cast iron skillet on a stovetop.

A black cast-iron skillet on a stovetop next to a glass bowl filled with a creamy baked black-eyed pea dip.

Tips for Making Baked Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Note: The recipe calls for a 10-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes, and those are hard to find at times. You can replace a 10-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes with a 15-ounce can by using about two-thirds of the 15-ounce can, since 10 ounces is roughly two-thirds of 15 ounces. You can use a silicone ice cube container with lid to freeze the remaining tomatoes for another use. Another idea, although I cannot speak from experience, would be to use a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilis. It has a higher chili-to-tomato ratio, and the dish would lose that fire-roasted, smoky flavor.

In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add red onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, blend the grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese, sour cream, and ¾ of the cheese mixture until smooth. Stir in cooked vegetables, peas, tomatoes, green onion, jalapeño, and 1 tablespoon cilantro. Spread mixture into the skillet. Cast iron skillets can be heavy and get very hot, so place them on a rimmed baking sheet for easy removal from the oven.
Bake until hot and bubbly, 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes—top with the remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro.

Cast-iron skillet filled with baked black-eyed pea dip topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro.

Substitutions and Variations

For a vegan twist, consider swapping out traditional cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free options like cashew cheese and coconut yogurt, which will provide a rich and creamy texture.
If you’re looking to add heat, increase the amount of diced jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to satisfy spice enthusiasts.
Don’t forget to ponder the impact of cooked bacon on your dish; it could inspire some creative flavor combinations.
To boost freshness, add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the dip for vibrant layers of flavor.
For a smokier depth, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder to transform your dip into a truly irresistible treat.
Mixing in various beans, like black or pinto beans, can also introduce new flavors and textures while maintaining a hearty consistency, making each bite a delightful surprise.
To boost creaminess, add a dollop of Greek yogurt alongside the sour cream for an extra tangy kick that elevates every scoop.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gouda or Pepper Jack, to create a unique flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.

Two tortilla chips topped with a creamy baked black-eyed pea dip on a white plate, with a cast-iron skillet of the same dip in the background.

Serving Suggestions

Crunchy tortilla chips are the perfect match for dips, as their satisfying crunch complements the creamy texture, creating an irresistible combination in every bite. Opt for thicker tortilla chips that can hold the weight of the beans and cheese.
Pita chips offer a soft, chewy alternative to traditional chips, making them ideal for scooping up warm, cheesy delights.
A veggie platter featuring fresh carrots, celery, and bell peppers adds a crisp, refreshing element, enhancing the overall flavor while adding a healthy crunch.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

You can substitute a cast iron skillet for baked dips with a regular non-stick pan, a heavy stainless steel bottom pan, or an oven-safe Dutch oven.

How do I reheat this dip?

You can reheat leftovers in a microwave with a paper-towel covering the dip to prevent spattering, a small crock-pot or Instant Pot set on the reheat setting, or in the oven set at 275°F covered loosely with a sheet of non-stick foil until melted.

How do I store leftovers? Can I freeze them?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I do not recommend freezing because the texture of the cheese will change once thawed.

Other Black-Eyed Pea Dishes You May Enjoy…

A white bowl filled with black-eyed pea salad mixed with diced tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and garnished with parsley, placed on a blue and white checkered tablecloth. — **Black-Eyed Pea Salad**

A bowl of soup with black-eyed peas, greens, carrots, and ham pieces sits on a table. In the background are cornbread muffins, a stick of butter, and a bottle of hot sauce. — **Black-Eyed Pea Salad**

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