Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe (Easy & Delicious)

Jalapeno Popper Dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into an addictive treat, perfect for any party or gathering. Imagine a creamy, cheesy concoction packed with the perfect amount of Jalapeno heat – a dip so good, you’ll want to make it year-round!

Forget about spending hours in the kitchen; this dip can be made ahead of time. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up this delicious creation from start to finish in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can prep it ahead, bake it later, and easily customize the heat to your liking. Serve it warm or cold – either way, it’s a flavor sensation that will keep your guests coming back for more.

What is jalapeño popper dip made of?

Let’s talk about what makes this great party dip tick. It’s all about the cheese, folks! We’re talking a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and sour cream that brings that irresistible creaminess you crave. This combo pays homage to the classic jalapeño popper we all know and love. 

Now, throw in some crispy bacon bits and diced jalapeños for that signature kick. A splash of Worcestershire sauce, a hint of garlic, and a dash of black pepper give it that extra punch of flavor. Trust me, it’s one of those dips that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance!

Ingredients 

• Jalapeños: Use fresh jalapenos for best flavor. Customize heat by adding or removing seeds and membranes.
• Cream cheese: Forms the base of the dip. For a lighter version, swap half the cream cheese with light sour cream.
• Cheddar cheese: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar from a block. Add more if desired.
• Bacon: Chopped and mixed into the dip. Can be omitted or increased based on preference.
• Seasoning: Garlic powder adds flavor.
• Sour cream: Contributes to the creamy texture.

RELATED: Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

How To Make Jalapeno Popper Recipe

This jalapeno dip is incredibly easy to make. No need to waste time on individual jalapeño poppers, slicing and filling each jalapeño half. Instead, mix the cream cheese mixture and other ingredients in a bowl, then bake for 15 minutes. The result? A delicious, creamy dip that’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Simply throw all the ingredients into an oven-safe casserole dish, top with extra cheddar and cooked bacon, and it’s ready to bake. It’s one of the most popular appetizer recipes for good reason.

Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe

Recipe by Carmen FoodieCourse: AppetizersCuisine: Tex Mex

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

263

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

Get ready to be addicted to this cheesy, spicy sensation! Our Jalapeno Popper Dip is pure party perfection.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces diced jalapeños

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese shredded

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Using a mixer, on medium speed, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, and sour cream until fluffy.
• Add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and diced jalapeños, then mix well.
• Spread the mixture in a 8×8 baking dish.
• In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, melted butter, shredded Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
• Sprinkle this crumb topping over the cream cheese mixture.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

The easiest way to serve baked jalapeno popper dip is to bake it in a casserole dish and serve it hot and bubbly. You can also serve it chilled for a refreshing appetizer.

For dipping, offer a variety of options like crostini, baguette slices, pita chips, crisp crackers (with cream cheese), or tortilla chips. Baking the dip in a bread bowl transforms it into a fun and interactive appetizer, similar to Queso Dip.

For a finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions.

RELATED: How to Make Cowboy Butter

Variations

This jalapeno popper dip recipe with bacon is great to play around with, adjusting ingredients until you find your perfect version. Here are some exciting twists to try:

1. Customize the core ingredients by adding more or less bacon or cheddar to suit your taste preferences.
2. Experiment with the crispy topping – try panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for an extra crunchy topping.
3. Serve the dip in a bread bowl by baking it in a hollowed out Shepherder’s bread loaf for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
4. Use a cast iron skillet for baking – simply pour in the mixture and bake. This rustic presentation adds a charming touch to your table.
5. Mix up the cheeses – swap out the cheddar for mozzarella cheese, pepper jack, or add extra Parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.

What To Do With Leftovers

Leftover dip can be stored in the fridge in a tightly covered container for 3–4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in short 30-second intervals to prevent the cheese from separating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a small oven-safe dish.

Recipe Tips

1. Canned vs. fresh: While canned jalapenos are convenient, fresh jalapenos offer a superior flavor. If short on time, roasted canned jalapenos can be a good alternative.
2. Heat level: Adjust the heat level by changing the ratio of jalapeno peppers to green chilies. For milder flavors, remove the seeds from the peppers. To add more heat, include the spicy jalapeno seeds.
3. Keep warm: If serving a crowd, keep the dip warm in a crock pot on HIGH for an hour, then switch to warm for serving.
4. Additions: For a thicker dip, use full-fat cream cheese. For a looser dip, use chilled mayonnaise and sour cream.

RELATED: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe

Can You Make Jalapeno Popper Dip Ahead of Time?

It’s not smart to leave this cheesy dip in a cast-iron skillet for a long period of time. Doing so might damage the skillet and to avoid this hassle, make the dip in a regular baking dish or an oven-proof, nonstick skillet instead.

Here’s a clever trick: bake the dip in the same pan you mixed it in, then transfer it to a preheated cast-iron skillet right before serving. Top it with some chips, reserved bacon, and jalapeño slices just as it comes out of the oven. This method gives you that rustic presentation without the potential cleanup headache.

Is cast iron best for baked dips?

Cast-iron skillets are renowned for their ability to heat evenly and cook evenly, making them great for cooking dishes like skillet cornbread. However, when it comes to cheesy dips, they might not always be the best choice.

A non-stick skillet can be an easy-to-clean substitute for cast iron in this recipe. If you opt for this, just make sure it’s oven-safe. Alternatively, you could cook the bacon and garlic in a skillet on the stove top, then combine everything in a medium baking dish before you transfer to the oven.

Is this jalapeño popper dip spicy?

The spiciness of this dip largely depends on your preparation method. For most people, it’s considered very mild, but you can easily control the heat level. Here’s how:

To increase heat, simply add more jalapeños to the mix. Don’t be shy – throw in an extra pepper or two if you like it hot. On the flip side, to decrease heat, focus on removing seeds during prep. The seeds and membranes contain most of the pepper’s heat, so discarding them will significantly tone down the spice.

Can I Make Substitutions to This Recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or low-moisture mozzarella are all great melty alternatives. Stay away from nuttier cheeses like Gruyère, as they might overpower the other flavors. If you don’t have chips, panko bread crumbs are a fantastic substitute. Just toss them in a bit of olive oil and salt before sprinkling on top. Bake until golden brown and delicious.

____________________________________

FAQs about Jalapeno Popper Dip

How spicy is this Jalapeno Popper Dip?

The spiciness can be adjusted, but it’s generally mild. You can control the heat by adding more jalapenos or keeping the seeds.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and bake it just before serving.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I use canned jalapenos instead of fresh?

While fresh is best, canned jalapenos can be used as a time-saving alternative.

What can I serve with this dip?

Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, bread slices, or vegetable sticks.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?

Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream to lower the calorie content.

Can I freeze this Jalapeno Popper Dip?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dip as the texture may change upon thawing.

How long does this dip stay good in the refrigerator?

When properly stored, it stays good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make it in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Are there any vegetarian variations of this recipe?

Skip the bacon for a vegetarian version, or use plant-based bacon alternatives.