Easy Poblano Dip (Pan-Seared)

Poblano and onion dip takes less than 30 minutes to make and works as a topping too. A delicious, versatile dip that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. You can kick up the spice by adding a jalapeño pepper. 

Are Poblano Peppers Spicy?

Poblano peppers are mildly spicy but lose some of their spice once cooked. They are spicier than banana peppers but not as spicy as jalapeño peppers.  

What You Need To Make Poblano Dip

You can customize this dip to your liking. Here are the basic ingredients of the poblano dip. 

• Poblano Peppers- You’ll need 4-5 poblano peppers or 4 cups chopped
• White or Red Onion- Either white or red will work and about half a cup or half of an onion chopped. 
• Cilantro- You can use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cilantro. For those that don’t like cilantro, simply omit. 
• Plain, Whole Fat Yogurt or Greek Yogurt- You’ll use 1 1/2 cups of plain, whole fat yogurt. You can use less for a thicker, creamier dip. 
• Lime Juice- One whole lime juiced makes about two tablespoons of lime juice. If you can use fresh lime do. 
• Garlic Powder- You’ll add about 1/4 teaspoon. 
• Sea Salt- Add 1/2 teaspoon or more to taste. 
• Ground Cumin- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin. This is another you can omit if you don’t have or don’t like.
• Optional: Jalapeño Pepper– To add some spice, add one jalapeño pepper chopped. 

How To Make Poblano Dip

You’ll have this dip ready to serve in under 30 minutes. No oven required. Follow these four easy steps to create a delicious dip. 

STEP ONE: PREP INGREDIENTS

To save on time, it’s always helpful to prep all of your ingredients first. You’ll need to dice the poblano peppers and onion. If adding, you’ll also dice the jalapeño pepper. Set these aside. Juice one lime and set aside. 

STEP TWO: PAN SEAR ONION & PEPPERS

Next, you’ll heat up a tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a medium-sized pan on medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. 

Then add the peppers and sear for 5-6 minutes. If using a jalapeño pepper you’ll want to add along with the poblano peppers. Once cooked, set the pan aside to allow the ingredients to cool.  

STEP THREE: ADD INGREDIENTS TO FOOD PROCESSOR

Set aside about 1/4 cup of the pepper onion mixture. You’ll add this at the end for texture. To a food processor or high-powered blender add the remaining poblano and onion mixture. Next, add the lime juice, salt, cumin, garlic powder and yogurt. Process until smooth about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as you go. Once processed, stir the reserved 1/4 cup of onion and pepper mixture back into the dip. 

STEP FOUR: SERVE OR CHILL

You can serve the dip right away or chill it in the fridge and serve later. You can make this a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until ready to serve. This dip works well with a variety of veggies, corn chips, or whole wheat crackers. 

Additional Ingredient Ideas

You can completely customize this dip to your liking. Consider adding the following as a topping:

• Chopped green bell pepper
• Chopped green onion
• White or red onion chopped
• More cilantro
• Pine nuts
• Feta cheese
• Sliced jalapeño peppers

What Else Can Poblano Dip Be Used For?

Besides using as a dip, poblano dip works great as a topping on fish, and rice, or as a sauce in tacos or on burgers. You can also use it on top of nachos.  

Looking For Other Dip Ideas?

Check out these other recipes for more dip ideas. Consider bringing these to your next gathering. 

• Buffalo Hummus Recipe
• Edamame Guacamole Recipe [Fresh, Easy, & Homemade]
• Black Bean, Peach, & Mango Salsa (Fresh & Delicious!)
• Roasted Red Pepper Dip (Deliciously Tangy)