Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Jalapeno Popper Dip is a deliciously creamy and spicy appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or game day. Loaded with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh jalapenos, it offers a flavorful kick sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4-6 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 heaping tablespoon ranch seasoning (optional but delicious)
- 3 tablespoons chives, divided
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Pepper jack cheese (or Monterey jack)
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Take the cream cheese and sour cream out of the fridge to bring them to room temperature. Measure all other ingredients to prepare.
- Step 2: Fry the bacon over low heat until crispy on both sides. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, roughly chop the bacon, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Step 3: Add the diced jalapenos and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to soften. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese, reserving 1 cup for topping. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, 2 tablespoons of chives, onion powder, the cooked jalapenos and garlic, and half of the chopped bacon. Mix well until fully combined.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of bacon. Add 2 tablespoons of this breadcrumb mixture into the dip and stir gently.
- Step 6: Transfer the dip to a lightly greased 8 or 9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of cheese, remaining bacon, and the rest of the breadcrumb mixture on top.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven, sprinkle with the remaining chives, and serve warm with tortilla chips.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder dip, reduce the number of jalapenos or remove all seeds and membranes.
- Swap ranch seasoning for taco seasoning for a different flavor twist.
- Use Monterey Jack cheese instead of Pepper Jack if you prefer less heat.
- For a crunchy topping, toast the Panko breadcrumbs lightly before mixing with butter and garlic powder.
Storage
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture and assemble it in the baking dish a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.
What can I serve with this dip?
Tortilla chips are classic, but you can also serve it with sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
Print
Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Jalapeno Popper Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. It combines crispy bacon, spicy jalapenos, a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, cream cheese, and sour cream with a crunchy panko topping baked to golden perfection. Serve it with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with flavor and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4–6 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ¼ cups shredded pepper jack cheese (or Monterey jack)
- 3 tablespoons chives, divided
Seasonings and Others
- 1 heaping tablespoon ranch seasoning (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Prep Work: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Allow the cream cheese and sour cream to come to room temperature. Measure out all remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon over low heat in a skillet until it’s crispy on all sides. Use a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then roughly chop the bacon once cooled. Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet for cooking the jalapenos and garlic.
- Sauté Jalapenos and Garlic: Add the diced jalapenos and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Dip Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, reserving 1 cup for topping. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, 2 tablespoons of chives, onion powder, cooked jalapenos and garlic, and half of the chopped bacon. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and garlic powder. Add 2 tablespoons of this breadcrumb mixture into the dip and stir to combine.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the dip mixture to a lightly greased 8 or 9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of cheese on top, followed by the remaining chopped bacon and the remaining panko breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, and serve hot with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of jalapenos based on your preferred spice level.
- If ranch seasoning is unavailable, you can substitute with a simple mix of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- For a crispier topping, broil the dip for 1-2 minutes after baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth, creamy dip.
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: jalapeno popper dip, bacon dip, cheesy dip, party appetizer, jalapeno appetizers, spicy dip, baked dip
