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Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

Delicious, fiery and easy to make Jalapeno Popper Dip! Yum! This warm, creamy and smoky bacon dip has a crunchy Panko bread crumb topping and a jalapeno kick.

hot jalapeno popper dip in a blue stoneware baking dish served with crackers
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My Jalapeno Popper Dip recipe is served hot; and has all the delicious flavors of stuffed jalapeno poppers: crispy bacon, rich cream cheese, Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses and crunchy Panko mixed with butter, all stirred into a luscious dip.

It will be one of your most popular appetizers. Everyone will want the recipe. Jalapeno Popper Dip is so easy to put together (only 10 minutes of prep) and it can be made ahead of time or just before serving.

The bubbly, baked, cream cheese base is studded with cheddar, bacon and jalapeno. A crunchy Panko bread crumbs and Parmesan topping adds palate-pleasing texture to every bite. Best news? It’s hot and on the table in 45 minutes!

Surprise everyone at your next celebration or gathering with this delectable treat. This Jalapeno Popper Dip is perfect for snacking, for movie night or any occasion where people gather for fun and laughter. It’s simple to prepare and, in our house, one of my most popular fall and winter recipes!

hot jalapeno popper dipspread on crackers on a white plate

The Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese, softened
  • Sour Cream
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • Jalapenos, minced with seeds (remove them if you prefer milder spice)
  • Bacon, fried, drained and minced (4-5 strips, thick-cut bacon)
  • Panko Bread Crumbs
  • Butter, melted

My whole family enjoys Jalapeno Popper Dip, (even the littles). When it’s cold outside, it delivers heat in two different ways. The natural heat of a baked dip starts the warm-up, and then the gradually rising heat of the fresh jalapenos finishes the toasty job.

Cream cheese does a good job of tempering the jalapeno heat. But, this dip still has a delicious, spicy kick! My easy Jalapeno Popper Dip recipe is a perfect complement and counter-balance to any cold or sweet snacks & appetizers on your party menu. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make!

And, if this recipe has your mouth all fired up for tasty jalapeno dishes, check out my Jalapeno Chicken Corn Chowder, too! It will change the way you think about chicken soup!

grating cheddar cheese with a box grater. cheese and grater on a wooden cutting board.

FAQs About Jalapeno Popper Dip

Is it really that important to grate my own Cheddar cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

Yes. If you enjoy melty, gooey cheese in your hot dips. Pre-grated cheese is tossed with a coating that keeps it from clumping in the bag. It also prevents it from melting properly. And, that coating dulls the flavor of your cheese. Your mind will be blown when you taste the difference between it and your own freshly grated cheese.

How long does Jalapeno Popper Dip last in the fridge?

4 days. Cover any leftovers tightly, pushing out as much air as possible. Refrigerate up to 4 days. Leftovers can be eaten cold or rewarmed in the microwave or oven.

hot jalapeno popper dip in a cast iron skillet served with crackers
Can I make Jalapeno Popper Dip ahead of time?

You can make the dip up to 24 hours ahead of time and then pop it in the oven to bake just before serving. Keep in mind that if the dip is very cold, it will need slightly more baking time than the recipe calls for. I recommend setting it out on the counter, 30 minutes prior to baking, to allow it to come to room temperature.

Safe Jalapeno Handling

jalapenos being sliced on a wooden cutting board

Guys, just a quick note, before getting on with the recipe. The oils in the skin of a jalapeno can cause a serious irritation to some people’s skin. And, if you’ve ever had the misfortune of getting even a minute amount of that juice in your eye, you understand pain.

Please take the necessary precautions when handling jalapenos for this jalapeño popper dip recipe, or any other. Wear some food-grade plastic gloves. Never touch your face or eyes while working with them. Wash your hands, cutting board and knives or utensils thoroughly after chopping them.

Let’s Make that Dip!

hot jalapeno popper dip in a cast iron skillet served with crackers

Ok, back to the easy recipe. Jalapeño Popper Dip is a quick fix. It’s just minutes to mix and then straight into the oven. I normally bake it in an 8×8 pan, if I’m preparing it for a family movie night or just for snacking. But, when we’re having a crowd, I double the recipe and bake it in my 12″ cast iron skillet, instead.

Match your baking containers to your party theme. If it’s a more elegant party, then choose a clear or crystal baking dish. If you have a Mexican theme, then put it in some brightly colored bakeware. You can even go more rustic, like me, and bake it right in a cast iron skillet.

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Dip

adding dip ingredients
  1. Blend the cream cheese and sour cream together, until they’re smooth. I use my stand mixer for this, but you could definitely do it by hand, if you don’t have one.
  2. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of Parmesan, bacon bits and minced jalapenos.
  3. Spread the yummy cream cheese mixture into an 8×8 baking dish.
  4. Now, combine the panko, last 1/2 cup of Parmesan and melted butter. Sprinkle the crunchy topping over the dip in your baking dish.
  1. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly. Pull it out of the oven and it’s ready to serve.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Dip

I garnished with fresh jalapeno slices, but minced parsley or cilantro would also be pretty. Get creative and use what you have on hand.

And if you need a gluten-free, low-carb party snack idea that will have guests coming back for more try these Keto Popcorn Cheese Pops. So delicious!

Serve Hot Jalapeno Popper Dip with crackers, corn chips, bagel chips or tortilla chips and all your guests will be coming back for seconds, not to mention, asking for the delicious recipe!

The Recipe

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jalapeno popper dip

Jalapeno Popper Dip


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Glenda Embree
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 36 servings 1x

Description

You’ll memorize this recipe, because it will be a go-to favorite appetizer for any fall or winter gathering. Simple to throw together and ready to serve in around 30 minutes.  Plus, the cheesy, creamy flavor, with plenty of spicy kick, will have everyone clamoring for the recipe!  I’ve even had people who don’t like spicy food flip for this yummy dip!  This recipe is a keeper.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 (8 oz blocks) Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • 4 large jalapenos, minced with seeds (remove them if you prefer milder spice)
  • 1/2 cup Bacon, fried, drained and minced (4-5 strips, thick-cut bacon)
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Blend together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add sharp cheddar, ½ cup Parmesan, minced jalpenos and bacon bits. Stir until well combined.
  3. Spread cream cheese mixture into 8×8 baking dish.
  4. Mix melted butter, panko, and 2nd ½ cup of Parmesan until well combined.
  5. Spread panko topping mixture over cream cheese mixture in baking dish.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Panko/Parmesan topping will be lightly browned and crispy.
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Category: Appetizer, Dip
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

More Recipes with Jalapeno

First of all, Jere, over at One Hot Oven, makes to-die-for Baked Jalapeno Popper Rolls. You have to check out that scrumptious recipe!

And, don’t miss one of my favorite soups of all times, Jalapeno Chicken and Corn Chowder. It’s one of the best soups I make and it will blow your mind!

jalapeno chicken and corn chowder

More Easy Dip Recipes

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glenda embree

About Glenda

I believe cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated and that YOU can do it. My simple recipes, tutorials, and cooking tips will help you get weeknight dinners on the table with less stress. Forget takeout or the drive-thru. Let me show you how to make homemade easy. Read more...

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