If you’re looking to add a burst of smoky, creamy goodness to your meals, this Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe is an absolute game changer. It’s smooth, vibrant, and has just the right balance of roasted red pepper sweetness paired with a gentle smoky kick. Whether you’re drizzling it over tacos, mixing into pasta, or using it as a dipping sauce, this crema elevates simple dishes with its luscious texture and complex flavor. It’s easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and so versatile that it will quickly become your go-to condiment for all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to blend seamlessly into a creamy, smoky delight that sings with flavor and color. From the roasted red bell peppers providing that vibrant base, to the sour cream and mayo giving it a velvety texture, every component plays a crucial role.
- Red bell peppers (2): Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the crema.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps in roasting the peppers evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Gives the crema its signature creaminess; you can use low-fat or fat-free for a lighter version.
- Mayo (¼ cup): Adds smoothness and a slight tang; light mayo works well too.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Brings the essential smoky flavor that makes this crema stand out.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds a gentle depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Lime juice (1 tsp, optional): A hint of acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the richness.
How to Make Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Toss the red bell peppers with olive oil to coat them evenly and lay them on a baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes, turning halfway through to make sure they cook evenly and develop that beautiful char and sweetness. Roasting is key—it transforms the peppers from raw and sharp to soft, smoky, and luscious.
Step 2: Steam and Cool
Once roasted, place the peppers into a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap while still hot. This steaming process loosens the skin, making it easier to peel off. Let them cool covered for 10 to 15 minutes until they are comfortable to handle but still warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Peppers
Remove the stems, seeds, and skin from the peppers. Pat them dry gently with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture—this step ensures your crema doesn’t become watery. Then, slice them roughly to prepare for blending.
Step 4: Blend to Perfection
Place the roasted peppers, sour cream, mayo, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and lime juice into a food processor. Blend everything until smooth and velvety. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or an extra squeeze of lime juice makes all the difference.
How to Serve Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe
Garnishes
This smoky red pepper crema shines even brighter when paired with fresh garnishes. Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro, a few red pepper flakes for heat, or a light dusting of extra smoked paprika on top to add a pop of color and texture that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Think crispy fries, warm corn tortillas loaded with grilled meats, or crunchy vegetable sticks for dipping. The bright, smoky flavors of this crema make it stellar alongside Mexican street food or as a creamy contrast to roasted vegetables, making your side dishes anything but ordinary.
Creative Ways to Present
Use it as a swirl on your soups for a stunning presentation, dollop it over baked potatoes for a flavorful twist, or spread it on your favorite sandwich or burger instead of mayo. The versatility of the Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe means you can get truly creative and Instagram-worthy with your dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover crema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled maintains its fresh, creamy texture and vibrant flavor. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to bring it back to life.
Freezing
Because it contains dairy, freezing isn’t ideal as it can affect the texture and separate the ingredients. If you must freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and expect some texture changes upon thawing—best to enjoy it fresh for maximum deliciousness.
Reheating
This crema is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to warm it slightly, do so gently over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce, or simply add it as a cool accent to a hot dish for an exciting temperature contrast.
FAQs
Can I use roasted red peppers from a jar instead of fresh?
Yes, jarred roasted red peppers can be used to save time, but fresh roasted peppers deepen the smoky flavor and give a fresher, brighter taste that really makes this recipe shine.
Is the Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe spicy?
Not at all! It has a smoky, slightly sweet flavor with just a hint of spice from the smoked paprika, but overall it’s very mild and approachable for all palates.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream and mayo with your favorite plant-based alternatives, such as vegan sour cream and vegan mayo. The smoky red pepper flavor will still be the star.
What dishes pair best with this crema?
This crema is perfect with tacos, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, sandwiches, or simply as a dip for chips and fries. It’s a versatile companion for many meals.
How long does the Smoky Red Pepper Crema keep in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed container, it will keep fresh for up to 4 days. Be sure to smell and taste before using if stored for a few days, just to confirm freshness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe. It’s one of those special sauces that effortlessly upgrades so many dishes with its vibrant color and indulgent flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how much this creamy, smoky magic can brighten up your meals. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be looking for every excuse to drizzle it everywhere!
Print
Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 tablespoons
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This smoky red pepper crema is a versatile and flavorful condiment perfect for enhancing tacos, pasta, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. Roasted red peppers blend with creamy sour cream, mayo, and smoky spices to create a rich, tangy sauce with a subtle smoky depth that’s guaranteed to become a kitchen staple.
Ingredients
Roasted Red Peppers
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Crema Sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (can use low fat or fat free sour cream)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (can use light mayo)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the red bell peppers.
- Roast Peppers: Coat the red bell peppers with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking and charred skin development.
- Steam Peppers: Remove the hot roasted peppers and place them in a bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to steam and loosen the skins, allowing them to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Prep Peppers: Once cooled, carefully remove the stems, seeds, and peel off the skins from the peppers. Slice the cleaned peppers into strips and pat dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.
- Blend Ingredients: Combine the prepared roasted peppers with sour cream, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and lime juice in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the crema and adjust salt or lime juice as needed to balance the smoky and tangy flavors.
Notes
- This crema keeps well refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Use fat-free or low-fat sour cream and light mayo to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Lime juice is optional but adds a nice tangy brightness to balance the smoky flavor.
- Perfect drizzled over tacos, mixed into pasta, as a sandwich spread, or a dipping sauce for fries and chips.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder.
