This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Dip is the ultimate party appetizer! It's a creamy, cheesy, and spicy dip that combines all the flavors of a classic jalapeño popper in a shareable, dippable form. I love how easy this recipe is to make, and it's always a huge hit with a crowd. It's perfect for game day, potlucks, or any gathering where you need a delicious and addictive appetizer. Get ready for this dip to disappear fast!
Why You'll Love This Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Creamy and Cheesy: Made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan, this dip is incredibly rich and cheesy.
- Spicy Kick: Fresh jalapeños add a delicious kick of heat.
- Bacon Goodness: Crispy bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dip is always a hit at parties and gatherings.
Ingredients for Jalapeño Popper Dip
Here's what you'll need to make this addictive dip. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Cooked bacon, chopped (Meat)
- Cream cheese, soft, at room temperature (Dairy)
- Mayonnaise (Condiment)
- Sour cream (Dairy)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated (Dairy)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (Dairy)
- Jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced (Vegetable)
- Garlic powder (Spice)
- Green Onions
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love this Jalapeño Popper Dip as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Adjust the Heat: Use more or fewer jalapeños to control the spice level. You can also use pickled jalapeños for a milder flavor.
- Different Cheese: Try using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Add Cream Cheese: For a creamier dip.
- Add Corn: Stir in some corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
- Add Ranch: For extra flavor
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Dip
Let me show you how easy it is to make this Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Dip:
Cook the Bacon (if not pre-cooked)
- If not using pre-cooked bacon, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bacon slices on a wire rack over a sheet pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Set aside to cool for a few minutes, then cut into small pieces.
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine Ingredients
- Set aside a little of the cooked bacon and diced jalapeños, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of the sharp cheddar cheese, and one sliced green onion for topping.
- In a large bowl, I mix together the remaining cooked bacon, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, ½ cup of the sharp cheddar cheese, the seeded and diced jalapeño peppers, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and 2 of the sliced green onions. I mix everything until it's fully combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- I add the mixture to a 1.5 qt (1.5 liter) baking dish.
Add Topping
- I sprinkle the top with the reserved cooked bacon, jalapeños, Parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and green onion.
Bake
- I bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve
- Serve
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Jalapeño Popper Dip
Here are my secrets for making this dip truly amazing:
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Seed the Jalapeños: Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños reduces the heat. If you like it spicier, leave some of the seeds in.
- Don't Overbake: Bake the dip just until it's bubbly and golden brown. Overbaking can make it dry.
How to Serve
This Jalapeño Popper Dip is delicious served with:
- Low Carb Crackers: A classic pairing!
- Celery Sticks: For a healthier option.
- Tortilla Chips: Another classic choice
- Vegetable Sticks: Carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices are all great options.
- Bread: Serve with slices of baguette or crusty bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the dip (without the topping) ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping and bake just before serving. Leftover dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
FAQs about Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Can I make this without the bacon?
- Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses.
- Can I freeze this dip?
- I wouldn't recommend it.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and spicy Jalapeño Popper Dip! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion.
Print
Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Jalapeño Popper Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer that's perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering. It combines the classic flavors of jalapeño poppers in an easy-to-make and irresistible dip.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 1 pound (454g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (125ml) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (125ml) sour cream
- ¾ cup (90g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 green onions, sliced, divided
Instructions
-
Cook Bacon (if not already cooked):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Place the bacon slices on a wire rack set over the baking sheet (or directly on the lined baking sheet).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Chop into small pieces.
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Reserve Toppings: Set aside a small amount of the cooked bacon, diced jalapeños, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of the cheddar cheese, and 1 sliced green onion for topping the dip later.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the remaining cooked bacon, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the majority of the diced jalapeños (reserving some for topping), garlic powder, and 2 of the sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a 1.5-quart (1.5-liter) baking dish.
-
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the reserved bacon, jalapeños, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup cheddar cheese, and 1 sliced green onion evenly over the top of the dip.
-
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
-
Serve: Serve warm with low-carb crackers, celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Jalapeños: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for a milder dip. For a spicier dip, leave some of the seeds and membranes.
- Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, if you prefer.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dip ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dip with low-carb crackers, celery sticks, bell pepper slices, pork rinds, or any other low-carb dippers.
