Description
Spicy jalapeño popper dip blends creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and bold jalapeño flavors into an irresistible party appetizer. Guests will devour this crowd-pleasing dip that delivers zesty Southwest-inspired comfort in every delicious scoop.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers and Spices:
- 4 jalapenos, diced (seeds removed)
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Topping and Serving Ingredients:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
- Celery or carrot sticks
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9-inch baking vessel with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cream cheese, sour cream, melted cheese varieties, finely chopped jalapenos, crispy bacon bits, aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, and smoky paprika until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
- Create a crunchy topping by blending panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter in a separate smaller container, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the creamy jalapeno mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
- Generously scatter the buttery breadcrumb mixture across the top of the dip, covering the surface completely to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate the dip is perfectly heated through.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dip to rest for 4-5 minutes, which helps it set and prevents burning while cooling to a safe serving temperature.
- Present the dip alongside an array of dipping companions like crisp tortilla chips, rustic crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will spark conversation and delight taste buds.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder dip or adding extra peppers for more kick.
- Choose bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or skip entirely for vegetarian-friendly version.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to create a lighter, healthier appetizer without compromising flavor.
- Prep ingredients ahead and refrigerate mixture up to 24 hours before baking to save time during party prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg