Cooking tasty food doesn’t have to be difficult. A smokey red pepper crema can be the ideal addition to your meals if you’re wanting to give them some zing. This adaptable sauce gives tacos, grilled meats, or even vegetables a flavorful burst when used as a dip.
I’ll walk you through the easy steps to create your own recipe for smoky red pepper crema recipe at home. You can make your food taste even better with just a few ingredients and a little work. So get ready to wow both your company and your taste senses with this simple dish!

What is A Crema?
Similar to sour cream, crema is a Mexican cream made from buttermilk and heavy cream.
‘Cremas’ are sour cream-based dips and sauces that go well with Mexican food, like this smoky red pepper crema.
This might not be entirely accurate in the strictest meaning of the word, but it seems to have become more popular recently.
Ingredients Of Smoky Red Pepper Crema
Smoky Red Pepper Crema is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. You can make this Smoky Red Pepper Crema with some simple ingredients:
Mexican Crema- 1 Cup
Perfectly counteracting the smokiness of the red peppers, this rich and creamy dairy product gives the dish a smooth and tart flavor.Mexican crema is similar to sour cream but has a milder taste and a thinner consistency, making it ideal for drizzling over dishes or incorporating into sauces.
Sour Cream- 1 Cup
This creamy dairy product adds a tangy richness to the sauce that perfectly complements the smokiness of the red peppers. Its smooth texture helps bind all the flavors together, creating a velvety and indulgent topping or dip.
Roasted Red Peppers – ½ Cup
Roasted red peppers are the star ingredient of Smoky Red Pepper Crema, lending their sweet and smoky flavor to this creamy condiment. The process of roasting red peppers enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful charred aroma to the dish. When roasted, red peppers develop a tender texture and release their natural sugars, resulting in a savory yet slightly sweet taste profile.
Smoked Paprika- ¼ Teaspoon
Smoked paprika is a key ingredient in creating a flavorful and aromatic Smoky Red Pepper Crema. Rich and deep smoky flavor gives the meal a special depth and improves the taste profile overall.When combined with other ingredients, smoked paprika helps to elevate the dish, bringing warmth and complexity to every bite.
Olive Oil – 2 Tablespoons
Olive oil not only adds richness and a silky texture to the crema but also enhances the overall flavor profile with its subtle fruity notes. When combined with roasted red peppers, garlic, and other seasonings, olive oil helps create a creamy and smoky sauce that is perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip for crusty bread.
Garlic -1 Clove
The pungent and slightly sweet flavor of garlic adds depth to the crema, while also providing numerous health benefits. Given its antioxidant and possible immune-boosting qualities, garlic is a tasty and nutrient-dense supplement.
Lime Juice- ¼ Teaspoon
Lime Juice adds a zesty kick to this savory condiment is lime juice. Freshly squeezed lime juice not only enhances the brightness of the red pepper but also balances out the richness of the cream base, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The acidity of the lime juice complements the smokiness of the red peppers, resulting in a tantalizing crema that can elevate a wide range of dishes with its vibrant taste.
Salt- ¼ Teaspoon
Salt is a multipurpose ingredient that serves to balance the dish’s taste overall while also enhancing the red pepper’s tastes. When added in moderation, salt can elevate the dish by bringing out its natural flavors and creating a harmonious blend of savory and smoky notes.
How To Make Smoky Red Pepper Crema?
Step 1:
For a nice smooth consistency, just pop those red peppers into a little food processor and give them a quick pulse.
Step 2:
Just toss in the peppers, sour cream, and lemon juice. Make sure to thoroughly combine everything.
Step 3:
Give it a good stir once you’ve added the rest of the spices and smoked paprika.
Step 4:
Feel free to give the crema a try and add any extra seasoning if needed. Just remember to store it until you’re ready to serve it in a tightly sealed jar!
Expert Tips Of Making Perfect Hello Fresh Red Pepper Crema
- Just make sure those peppers are cooked until they get a nice little char on ’em. Keep an eye on the peppers as they roast in the oven and make sure they’re fully cooked before removing them.
- Simply place the peppers in a basin, cover with plastic wrap, and let cool.This step is important because it will make the peppers softer and easier to peel off their skins, which will make them simpler to mix.
- Before serving, simply place the crema in the refrigerator for a few hours. This sauce is delicious when chilled or left at room temperature until it thickens and blends with the other ingredients.
Variations For Smoky Red Pepper Crema
- Turn up the heat! For your smokey red pepper crème, you can give it an extra kick by adding some spicy sauce or a hint of cayenne pepper.
- Make it more delicious. Just squeeze the juice from a lime and toss in a handful of cilantro. I’m really digging this fish taco variety!
- Change the level of coherence. Skip the Mexican crema and use pure sour cream to thicken it instead. Just swap out the sour cream for Mexican crema to give your red pepper crema a milder flavor.
- Want a smokier flavor? Hey, you might want to try adding some ground chipotle chili pepper to your crema.
- Throw in some freshly harvested garlic. The smokey red pepper crème goes really well with the intense, spicy scents. Simply add a few cloves to the food processor along with the remaining ingredients. Just begin with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Recipe Substitutions
Red Peppers
If you prefer not to go through the hassle of roasting your peppers, you can simply opt for a jar of pre-roasted red peppers. Hey, if you’ve got some canned red peppers, a quick tip is to give them a rinse under water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps get rid of any excess liquid and makes them ready to use. If you’re using jarred red peppers, you might want to consider reducing the amount of vinegar and salt since they could already be packed with flavor. After everything is well combined, taste and adjust the salt or vinegar as needed.
White Vinegar
Replace white vinegar with lime or lemon juice.
Olive oil
Feel free to use any other oil that you like, like avocado oil or a neutral oil.
How To Store Leftover Red Pepper Crema?
You can store this sauce in an airtight jar or mason jar and simply use as much as you need whenever you want.
If you make sure to keep it tightly sealed, it should stay fresh for about four to five days in the refrigerator. Just give the sauce a quick swirl before serving and you’ll have a great make-ahead option for entertaining.
Unfortunately, smokey red pepper crema can’t be frozen. . Dairy tends to separate when frozen and thawed, making it pretty much impossible to eat because of the not-so-pleasant texture.
What to Serve With Smoky Red Pepper Crema?
When I gave Hello Fresh’s smokey red pepper cream a shot, I decided to pair it with Cantina Shrimp Fajitas. This is the method I absolutely love for serving the crema!
They’ve got a few other dishes on the menu that pair nicely with this creamy topping. Personally, I would recommend trying the Yucatan Citrus Chicken Bowls and One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Tacos. If you’re cooking their red pepper crema at home for supper, here’s some more food alternatives to go with it:
Tacos
Slather this smooth and delicious topping on your go-to tacos, no matter if they’re filled with beef, chicken, or veggies.
Salad dressing
Just add a little water to the crema and you’ll have a delicious dressing for your salads.
Dipping sauce
You can also use the smoky red pepper crema as a dip for vegetables, chips, and chicken tenders.

Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Mexican Crema
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 Cup Roasted Red Peppers
- 1/4 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1/4 Teaspoon Lime Juice
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- To achieve a smooth consistency, place the red peppers in a small food processor and pulse.
- Add the peppers with the sour cream and lemon juice after that. Mix thoroughly until everything is incorporated.
- Stir well after adding the remaining spices and smoked paprika.
- If necessary, taste the crema and adjust the seasoning. Keep in a tightly sealed jar until you're ready to serve!
Nutrition
Final Words
Elevate your dishes with the vibrant flavors of a smoky red pepper crema. This versatile recipe offers a perfect balance of richness and tanginess, making it a delightful addition to various meals. Whether used as a dip, sauce, or drizzle, the smoky red pepper crema will impress your taste buds and enrich your culinary masterpieces. Embrace this simple yet flavorful recipe to add a touch of excitement to your kitchen adventures. Let the smoky essence and creamy texture of this red pepper crema take your dishes to a whole new level!
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