Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe for Game Day

Creamy, cheesy goodness meets spicy excitement in this irresistible jalapeno popper dip that promises to steal the show at any gathering.

The classic appetizer flavors pack a serious punch of deliciousness.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese create a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.

Jalapeños bring that perfect kick of heat without overwhelming the palate.

Serve this dip warm and watch everyone dive in with tortilla chips or crispy bread.

This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms simple ingredients into an addictive snack that’ll have guests coming back for more.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Crowd Pleasers

  • Supercharge Party Appetizer: Elevate any gathering with this crowd-pleasing dip that packs a spicy punch and creamy texture, perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Easily adjust spiciness by controlling jalapeño quantities, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combines simple ingredients with quick cooking steps, delivering a restaurant-quality appetizer without complex techniques or extensive kitchen time.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Requires minimal cleanup with a single baking dish, offering convenience and reducing post-cooking kitchen work for busy home cooks.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Ingredient List

Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich and creamy base for the dip.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and smooth texture.
  • Mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and richness.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Offers sharp and classic cheese flavor.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides mild and melty cheese element.
  • Feta Cheese: Contributes salty and crumbly texture.
Protein and Vegetables:
  • Bacon: Adds smoky and crispy texture to the dip.
  • Poblano Peppers: Introduces mild and slightly spicy flavor.
  • Jalapeño Peppers: Brings heat and distinctive pepper taste.
  • Scallions: Provides fresh and mild onion-like garnish.
Seasoning and Spices:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds savory and aromatic flavor.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances overall depth of taste.
  • Salt: Balances and highlights other flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Easy Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your skillet and cook bacon over medium heat until it transforms into crispy, crunchy goodness.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain excess grease, then crumble it into delightful bits.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor Explosion

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the creamy dream team:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Crumbled bacon (save some for topping)
  • Poblano peppers
  • Jalapeños (keep a few for garnish)
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Monterey jack cheese
  • Feta cheese

Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors dance.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the incredible mixture into an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese, bacon crumbles, and jalapeño slices on top.

Slide into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the dip turns golden and bubbly.

For an extra crispy finish, broil for 3 minutes to achieve that irresistible golden crust.

Crown your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh scallions and get ready to dive in!

Jalapeno Dip Cheesy Pro Tips

  • Cook bacon slowly and evenly to achieve maximum crunchiness, which adds delightful texture to the dip.
  • Mix different cheese types for complex, rich flavor – the combination of cheddar, Monterey jack, and feta creates depth.
  • Adjust jalapeño and poblano quantities based on your spice tolerance; remove seeds for milder heat.
  • The final 3-minute broil creates a golden, crispy cheese topping that elevates the entire dip's appearance and taste.
  • Fresh scallions add a bright, oniony freshness that cuts through the richness of the creamy, cheesy base.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Creative Swaps

  • Vegetarian Jalapeño Popper Dip: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh bacon or smoked mushroom bits. Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Carb Jalapeño Popper Dip: Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt cream cheese. Reduce cheese quantity and add more herbs like chives and fresh thyme for extra flavor.
  • Healthier Green Chile Version: Substitute poblanos and jalapeños with roasted green chiles. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to lower calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Keto-Friendly Jalapeño Popper Dip: Use full-fat cream cheese, replace mayo with avocado oil mayonnaise. Increase bacon quantity and add almond flour as topping for extra crunch.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Serving Ideas

  • Party Platter Companion: Serve with crispy tortilla chips, crunchy pita wedges, or toasted baguette slices for perfect dipping textures.
  • Spicy Appetizer Spread: Arrange dip alongside fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a healthier crunch and color contrast.
  • Game Day Favorite: Create a fun football watch party setup by presenting dip in a central location with multiple dipping options and small plates for easy sharing.
  • Comfort Food Upgrade: Pair with a cold beer or zesty margarita to complement the dip's rich, spicy flavors and enhance the overall eating experience.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Storage Guide

  • Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
  • Transfer dip to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing if containing fresh scallions.
  • Warm refrigerated dip in microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through, typically 1-2 minutes total.
  • Spread dip in oven-safe dish, cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, removing foil last 3 minutes to restore crispy top.

FAQs

  • Is this dip spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños used. Remove seeds for milder flavor or keep them for extra kick.

  • Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add fresh toppings just before serving.

  • What if I don't have feta cheese?

Substitute with cream cheese or additional cheddar to maintain creamy texture and rich flavor.

  • How do I prevent the dip from becoming greasy?

Use full-fat cream cheese and drain bacon completely to reduce excess oil in the final dish.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Spicy and creamy jalapeno popper dip delivers classic appetizer flavors in a crowd-pleasing party dish. Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty peppers combine for an irresistible starter that keeps guests coming back for more.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
  • 10 slices bacon
  • 3 jalapeños finely diced
  • 1 poblano pepper finely diced

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Scallions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Crisp bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until perfectly golden and crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces.
  2. Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate most of the crumbled bacon, poblano peppers, and jalapeños, reserving some for garnishing.
  3. Fold in cheddar, Monterey jack, and feta cheeses. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Transfer the creamy mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it smoothly and evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, bacon bits, and jalapeño slices across the top for a vibrant presentation.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the dip for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center becomes bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 3 minutes to achieve a beautiful caramelized cheese layer.
  6. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped scallions. Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Notes

  • Swap bacon for vegetarian bacon bits or smoked tempeh to create a meat-free version that maintains the smoky flavor profile.
  • Reduce heat by removing jalapeño seeds and membranes, making the dip milder for sensitive palates while preserving the pepper’s bright taste.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of full-fat ingredients to create a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing creamy texture.
  • Prepare dip ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking, resulting in a more complex and delicious appetizer.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 233 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 342 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.7 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star