Description

This Cowboy Caviar Jalapeño Popper Cheese Log is a flavorful and creamy appetizer combining classic jalapeño popper ingredients with vibrant cowboy caviar elements. Packed with cream cheese, cheddar, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and jalapeños, it’s rolled into a delightful cheese log, coated in crunchy tortilla chips, and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cowboy Caviar Mix

1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup corn (canned or frozen)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup jalapeños, diced (fresh or pickled)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Coating and Garnish

1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips (for coating)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Mix the Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended, which will form the base of your cheese log.
Incorporate Cowboy Caviar Ingredients: Add the rinsed black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, diced jalapeños, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir gently but completely to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the blend.
Shape and Chill the Cheese Log: Using clean hands, shape the mixture into a log or cylinder on a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly to maintain its shape, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the cheese log for easier handling and serving.
Coat with Crushed Tortilla Chips: Once the cheese log has chilled and set, remove it from the plastic wrap. Roll the cheese log in the crushed tortilla chips, pressing lightly to adhere the chips evenly around the surface for a crunchy exterior.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated cheese log to a serving platter. Garnish the top with chopped fresh cilantro to add a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve chilled with extra tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your desired spice level.
For a smoother texture, finely chop or mash the black beans before mixing.
Fresh lime juice enhances the tanginess, but bottled can be used as a substitute.
Keep the cheese log refrigerated until just before serving to maintain firmness.
Try adding diced avocado or green onions for extra flavor variations.