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