Jalapeño Popper Dip – Clara quick dinners

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Jalapeño Popper Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy appetizer inspired by the classic jalapeño popper. It’s everything you love about the popular snack—melty cheese, tangy cream cheese, a little heat, and a crunchy topping—served warm and scoopable, perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip is quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor. It combines bold jalapeño heat with smooth, cheesy goodness and a crispy topping for the perfect contrast in texture. Whether served with chips, crackers, or veggies, it’s a guaranteed hit. Plus, you can make it ahead and bake it right before serving.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Sour cream or mayonnaise
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh jalapeños, finely diced (or canned for milder heat)
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but recommended)
  • Green onions or chives (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Butter, melted

directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (8×8 or similar).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream (or mayo), cheddar, Monterey Jack, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and bacon if using. Stir until well combined.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the dip.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with green onions or chives if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Use canned jalapeños or green chiles for a milder version
  • Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for more heat
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon
  • Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack or Colby for extra flavor
  • Serve in a bread bowl for a fun presentation

storage/reheating

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.

FAQs

Can I make Jalapeño Popper Dip ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it fully (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use canned jalapeños?

Absolutely. They’re great for a milder flavor and easy to use.

How spicy is this dip?

The spice level is mild to medium, depending on how many jalapeños you use. Remove the seeds for less heat.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 2–3 hours until hot and bubbly, then serve directly from the slow cooker.

What can I serve with this dip?

Tortilla chips, baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies all pair well.

Can I use light cream cheese or sour cream?

Yes, reduced-fat versions can be used, though full-fat gives the creamiest texture.

Do I have to use a breadcrumb topping?

No, but it adds a great crunch. You can skip it or use crushed Ritz crackers instead.

Can I freeze this dip?

It’s not ideal. Cream cheese can become grainy after freezing and reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Can I add meat to make it heartier?

Yes, cooked bacon or crumbled sausage work great in this dip.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Popper Dip is a rich, creamy, and flavorful appetizer that brings the beloved taste of jalapeño poppers into a warm, dippable dish. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at parties and gatherings. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Print

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Description

This creamy, cheesy Jalapeño Popper Dip is everything you love about the classic appetizer—rich cream cheese, spicy jalapeños, crispy topping—all baked into one easy-to-make dip. Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in with chips and crackers.

For the Dip:

For the Topping:

 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, green chilies, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese until well combined.

  3. Spread the mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish.

  4. In a small bowl, mix Panko bread crumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the dip.

  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dip is bubbling around the edges.

  6. Let sit for 5 minutes, then serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.

Notes

  • Use fresh diced jalapeños if you prefer more heat and texture.

  • Add crumbled cooked bacon to the dip for a smoky twist.

  • You can make this ahead and refrigerate before baking—just add the topping right before baking.

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