Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Cheese Spread

Name: Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Cheese Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 jalapeños, finely chopped; 2 tbsp seltzer water; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

This jalapeño cheddar cream cheese spread uses a New York bagel shop secret—seltzer water—to achieve an impossibly light, smooth texture without extra equipment. It's soft enough to spread straight from the fridge and bold enough to anchor any bagel or cracker.

🌍American 🏷️Cream cheese 🏷️Jalapeno cheddar 🏷️Bagel spread 🏷️Dip Appetizer

🏷️

🏷️New york style

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TikTok

Total

10 min

Servings

8

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$11–$18

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese, softened
2 jalapeños, finely chopped
2 tbsp seltzer water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and most of the finely chopped jalapeños, reserving a small amount for garnish.
2
Pour the seltzer water over the cream cheese mixture. This will help create a lighter, whipped texture.
3
Add most of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small amount for garnish.
4
Using your hands (preferably with gloves) or a sturdy spoon, mix all ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
5
Transfer the jalapeño cheddar cream cheese to a serving dish.
6
Garnish the top with the reserved chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before whipping—cold cream cheese won't incorporate seltzer smoothly and will result in a lumpy texture.
Add seltzer water in small splashes (about ½ tbsp at a time) while whipping to control the aeration; too much liquid makes the spread break or separate.
Finely chop jalapeños and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from loosening the spread's texture.
Whip the cream cheese first until fluffy before folding in the jalapeños and cheddar gently by hand to preserve the airy texture.

Substitutions

Cream cheese → mascarpone (result will be slightly richer and less tangy)
Jalapeños → roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes (omit the cheddar for a different flavor profile)
Seltzer water → club soda or plain sparkling water (carbonation level may vary slightly)
Cheddar → gruyère or aged gouda (for a more complex, nutty flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; no reheating needed—serve cold or at room temperature.

Equipment

hand mixer or stand mixer

Common Questions

Why do you add seltzer water to cream cheese?

Seltzer water incorporates air bubbles into the cream cheese as you whip it, creating a light, fluffy texture similar to what bagel shops achieve. The carbonation breaks apart during mixing and makes the spread easier to spread.

Can I make this spread without seltzer water?

Yes, but the texture will be denser. Whip softened cream cheese with a hand mixer for 3–5 minutes, then fold in the jalapeños and cheddar. You won't get the same airy result, but it will still taste good.

How long does this spread keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it keeps for up to 5 days. The texture may firm up slightly as it sits; re-whip gently with a fork if needed before serving.