Jalapeño Popper Dip
If you’re anything like me, you know the magic moment when a party appetizer steals the whole show. That’s exactly what happens every time I set out this Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip. Imagine everything you love about those crispy, cheesy jalapeño poppers, but transformed into a hot, bubbly dip you can scoop up with chips.
It’s smoky from the bacon, a little spicy from the jalapeños, and extra creamy from a blend of sour cream and melted cheddar.
I first made it for a family game night, and let’s just say the board games were forgotten long before the bowl was empty. One bite in, and you’ll understand why this is my go-to crowd pleaser for every gathering.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Yield | 10–12 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Category | Appetizer |
| Method | Oven |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Creamy and cheesy perfection: Loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream, this dip melts beautifully into gooey, irresistible bites.
• Smoky bacon crunch: Crisp bacon adds that savory touch that keeps everyone going back for seconds.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor: All the classic jalapeño popper taste you love, without having to stuff or fry anything.
• Customizable spice level: Keep it mild for a crowd or kick up the heat with pickled or canned jalapeños.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble early, chill, and just bake before serving for effortless entertaining.
Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip has all the spicy, cheesy, smoky flavor of classic jalapeño poppers, baked into a creamy, crowd-pleasing dip. Perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in!
Ingredients
- 12 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup petite diced fresh jalapeños, ribs and seeds removed
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Crackers or tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish.
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine 2/3 of the cheddar, bacon, sour cream, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well blended.
3. Add Toppings: Spread evenly in your baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar, bacon, and jalapeños for garnish.
4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges.
5. Broil for Golden Top: Remove foil and broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and serve warm with crackers or tortilla chips.
Notes
To make ahead, assemble the dip up to 5 days in advance and refrigerate covered. Before baking, bring to room temperature and bake as directed. For extra spice, use canned or pickled jalapeños or add cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of dip
- Calories: 336
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Sodium: 436mg
- Fat: 30.7g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3.4g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 11.7g
- Cholesterol: 76.8mg
Ingredients
- 12 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup petite diced fresh jalapeños, ribs and seeds removed
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Crackers or tortilla chips, for serving
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and better melt. |
| Bacon | Cook until crisp, then crumble for texture. |
| Cream Cheese | Let soften at room temperature for smooth blending. |
| Jalapeños | Remove ribs and seeds for mild flavor, keep some for spice. |
| Green Onion | Adds freshness and a pop of color on top. |
| Garlic Powder | Balances richness with subtle depth. |
| Sour Cream | Use full-fat for the creamiest consistency. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine 2/3 of the cheddar, cooked bacon, sour cream, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
- Add Toppings: Reserve some bacon and jalapeños for garnish. Spread the dip evenly into your prepared dish, then sprinkle with remaining cheddar, bacon, and jalapeños.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until hot and slightly bubbling around the edges.
- Broil for Golden Top: Remove foil and broil for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with extra green onion for a fresh finish. Serve hot with crackers, crostini, or tortilla chips.
Looking for another creamy, crowd-pleasing dip? Don’t miss my 5-Minute Bruschetta Dip – a rich, cheesy Italian appetizer that comes together fast and vanishes even faster. Perfect for last-minute get-togethers or cozy nights in!
Helpful Tips
• Let cream cheese soften before mixing—it’ll blend easily and stay fluffy.
• Don’t skip broiling, it gives that irresistible golden top.
• Adjust salt after adding bacon and cheese, since both bring natural saltiness.
• Serve in a heatproof bowl so it stays warm longer on the table.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
• Use block cheese, not pre-shredded: It melts creamier without anti-caking agents.
• Double the recipe for a crowd: It’s always the first appetizer to disappear.
• Add crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs for texture.
• Balance the heat: If using canned jalapeños, reduce the amount slightly for milder flavor.
Recipe Variations
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper Dip: Use canned hot jalapeños or add cayenne for extra kick.
• Chicken Jalapeño Popper Dip: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for a hearty twist.
• Jalapeño Corn Dip: Mix in a cup of corn kernels for sweetness and color.
• Vegan Option: Swap dairy for plant-based cream cheese and sour cream alternatives.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Assemble the dip up to 5 days in advance and refrigerate tightly covered. Before baking, let it rest at room temperature for an hour. Bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes if chilled. Freezing isn’t recommended since cream cheese can separate after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bubbling dip in a rustic cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish. Pair it with buttery crackers, crunchy tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices. Garnish with fresh jalapeño rings for a colorful finishing touch.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a light beer, chilled margarita, or sparkling water with lime. It’s also fantastic alongside sliders, tacos, or nachos at any party.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dip spicier?
Yes! Use canned or pickled jalapeños for extra heat, or keep some seeds for added spice.
2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze jalapeño popper dip?
It’s best fresh, as cream cheese tends to separate after freezing.
4. What should I serve with this dip?
Crackers, pita chips, crostini, or celery sticks all pair perfectly.
5. Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your chips or dippers are certified gluten-free.
6. Can I use low-fat cheese or sour cream?
You can, but full-fat versions give the creamiest, richest flavor.
7. How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy veggie bacon bits.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1/12 of dip |
|---|---|
| Calories | 336 |
| Protein | 11.7g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.4g |
| Fat | 30.7g |
| Fiber | 0.1g |
| Sugar | 1.9g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip is rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—the kind of party appetizer everyone gathers around. Whether you serve it at a family get-together or a game-day bash, one scoop is never enough!
