This Jalapeño Popper Dip recipe is going to be a hit at your next gathering thanks to warming flavors of jalapeño all wrapped up in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, spices, and bacon.
The Best Jalapeño Popper Dip
We love our grilled jalapeño poppers, but when we want that bold popper flavor quickly, we turn to this easy and delicious recipe. Whether you’re serving it at your next party or for the big game, we’re confident that it’ll be a crowd-pleasing dip with incredible flavor. And if you’re not a fan of spice, don’t worry. We’ve removed the seeds from the jalapeno peppers, making this one easy to enjoy for all.
Looking For More Irresistible Dip Recipes?
Then you’ve gotta try our Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip our our Mexican Street Corn Dip. Both will having you go back to the snack table for just one more bite.
What You Will Need
- bacon – Because what’s a popper without bacon?
- sweet yellow onion and fresh jalapeños – Since we like the mild version, we remove the seeds, but feel free to leave ’em in if you want a spicy dip.
- cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese – Two simple ingredients that create the creamy base for the best creamy dip.
- onion powder and garlic powder – Classic warming spices that amp up the flavor.
- kosher salt & ground black pepper – Can’t forget the classics!
- green onions – Just a few to add some subtle freshness.
How To Make Jalapeño Popper Dip
Start by gathering and measuring out all of your ingredients while your oven preheats to 350 degrees F.
Then bring a cast iron skillet to medium high heat and cook up the bacon pieces. Remove them onto a paper towel lined plate to save for later. Using the same skillet, cook up the onion and jalapeño for 1-2 minutes or until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Next, place the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper into a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to combine everything together.
Add the cooked onion and jalapeño and all but about 2 tablespoons of the cooked bacon to the bowl and combine. The remaining bacon pieces will be sprinkled on top of the dip once it’s done cooking.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into a small cast iron skillet and then top with the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the prepared skillet into the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or when you notice bubbly, melty cheese.
Last but not least, sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the top and add a few slices of jalapeño and chopped green onion if you’re feeling fancy.
What To Serve With Jalapeño Popper Dip
In our opinion, the best way to consume this delicious appetizer is with your favorite hearty carbohydrate, whether that be baguette slices, tortilla chips, pita chips, or crackers. And if you’re in the mood for a low carb option, don’t be afraid to throw some of your favorite fresh veggies into the mix.
Recipe FAQs and Tips
- Gluten Free: serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers or gluten-free bread.
- Dairy-Free: Our favorite dairy-free cream cheese is Kite Hill and then just grab some dairy-free cheddar cheese.
- Prep Ahead of Time: Simply make the dip mixture, top with cheese/bacon, cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge for up to three days or until ready to bake. Cook time will need to be increased if it goes into the oven cold.
- Spice Level: Making the dip as-is will be pretty mild, if you prefer a higher spice level, feel free to keep some of the jalapeño seeds in there or add some slices of fresh jalapeño on top.
- Skillet: you can use other vessels besides a cast iron skillet for baking, such as a baking dish. Just know that if you use a smaller size, you may need to cook longer and if you use a bigger vessel you won’t have to bake as long.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Other Easy Appetizer Recipes You Might Like
Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven + Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
Our delicious Jalapeño Popper Dip recipe is the perfect appetizer to share for the big game, at a cookout, or before a dinner party!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of bacon, cut into small pieces (extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sweet yellow onion, diced
- 2 fresh jalapeños, remove seeds and membranes, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded & divided (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, minced
- optional garnish: extra slices of jalapeño and green onion
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook Bacon: Bring an 8-inch cast iron skillet to a medium-high heat. Add bacon pieces and move around pan until cooked to your desired crispness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate covered with a piece of paper towel and drain excess grease.
- Sauté: Bring the same skillet back to a medium heat and add the onion and jalapeños. Move around in the pan to sauté for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
- Combine: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Use an electric hand mixer to fully combine everything together.
- Add Cooked Ingredients: Add most of the cooked bacon (leaving about 2 tablespoons for garnish), onion, and jalapeño to the bowl and fold together.
- Bake: Pour out the mixture into the same skillet and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes or until bubbly and cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with the reserved bacon, extra sliced green onion and jalapeños. Enjoy with your favorite crostini, sliced baguette or crackers for dipping!
Notes
- Gluten Free: simply serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers or bread for dipping.
- Dairy-Free: use dairy-free plain cream cheese (I like Kite Hill) and a dairy-free cheddar cheese.
- Prep Ahead of Time: this recipe could easily be made ahead of time. Simply make the dip mixture, top with cheese/bacon, cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge until ready to bake. Cook time will need to be increased if it goes into the oven cold.
- Spice Level: Making the dip as-is will be pretty mild, if you prefer a higher spice level, feel free to keep some of the jalapeño seeds in there or add some slices of fresh jalapeño on top.
- Skillet: you can use other vessels besides a cast iron skillet for baking, such as a baking dish. Just know that if you use a smaller size, you may need to cook longer and if you use a bigger vessel you won’t have to bake as long.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 1.7 g
- Sodium: 383.9 mg
- Fat: 23.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
- Protein: 9.4 g
- Cholesterol: 62.4 mg
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