Jalapeño Popper Dip is just like classic jalapeño poppers in an easy-to-serve dip. This ultimate party appetizer combines rich cream cheese, spicy jalapeños, and sharp cheddar topped with crumbled bacon, baked until warm and gooey. Ready in 30 minutes, it's a perfect addition for game day, parties, potlucks, or any gathering.
I honestly can’t tell if my husband loves this jalapeño popper dip more than the Super Bowl itself. The moment this dip hits the table, touchdowns take a backseat! Packed with jalapeños, crispy smoky bacon, and a creamy, cheesy base, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it hot or cold with sourdough, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies—just be prepared for guests to ignore the game and focus on the real MVP: this dip!
Everybody's favorite game day appetizer
Alright, I’m not about to blow your mind with rocket science here, but bacon jalapeño popper dip is a crowd favorite for a reason. It’s got everything—creamy, cheesy, smoky, spicy, and of course, bacon. The creamy dip paired with melty cheddar and crispy bacon? It's a match made in snack heaven. Plus, you can adjust the heat from the jalapeños to your liking—so it’s as spicy or mild as you want.
It’s also super versatile, whether you’re dipping chips, crackers, or bread, and you can serve it hot or cold. Perfect for game day or any gathering, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up. Trust me, once you set this out, everyone’s going to be fighting over the last bite!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Sour Cream → Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- Salt & Pepper → Adjust to taste or use seasoning blends
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder → Fresh minced onion and garlic (1 teaspoon powder = ~2 teaspoon fresh)
- Cream Cheese → Neufchâtel (lower fat) or dairy-free cream cheese
- Cheddar Cheese → Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or dairy-free shredded cheese
- Jalapeños → Canned diced green chilies, serrano peppers (spicier), or bell peppers (mild)
- Bacon → Turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit for a vegetarian option
How to make jalapeno popper dip
Here's a brief overview with step-by-step photos for guidance. For exact ingredient measurements and detailed instructions, check the recipe card below.
1) Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
2) Add softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar, stirring until smooth.
3) Fold in diced jalapeños, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon crumbles (reserve ⅓ of bacon).
4) Transfer to a cast iron skillet and bake for 10 minutes. Stir gently, then top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
5) Bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When ready, top with the remaining crumbled bacon and garnish with jalapeno slices
Jalapeño Popper Dip
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 7 jalapeno peppers seeded and diced
- 10 strips cooked bacon crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, stir until evenly distributed. Add in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar.
- Fold in the diced jalapeno peppers and ⅔ of the bacon crumbles.
- Transfer the mixture to a cast iron pan. Cook at 350 F for 10 minutes, then lightly stir the dip and add the remaining half cup of cheese on top. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve topped with the remaining crumbled bacon and jalapeno slices.
- NOTE: I provide helpful step-by-step photos above the recipe card. Scroll up if you need visual guidance.
Notes
How to tone down the heat of jalapenos
- To reduce jalapeño heat, remove seeds and membranes, where most capsaicin is concentrated.
- Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation and avoid touching your face or eyes while handling the jalapenos.
- Can you use a different kind of peppers? To make the recipe less spicy, you could use small sweet peppers instead of jalapeno.
Tips for Success
- Crispy bacon. For best results, have the bacon cooked very crispy so that it crumbles and can be easily distributed throughout the dip.
- For healthier options, you can swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon. You can also use prosciutto instead of bacon.
- Cheese. You can use Pepper Jack Jalapeno Cheese or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar. Shred your own cheese - pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Make it ahead. Prep the dip in advance, store in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.
- Garnish. Sprinkle with extra bacon, jalapeño slices, or chopped green onions for presentation.
Presentation idea
- Serve in a bread bowl. Elevate your appetizer by scooping the jalapeño popper dip into a hollowed-out round loaf. Leave about an inch of bread around the edges, then bake the dip right inside. Use the removed bread chunks for dipping!
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Serving suggestions
- Chips & Crackers → Bagel chips, tortilla chips, pita chips, pretzels, Ritz crackers
- Bread → Sliced baguette, crostini, breadsticks, soft pretzels
- Veggies → Celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices
- Creative Options → Crescent roll-ups, stuffed into mini peppers, spread on toasted English muffins, Wonton cups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about jalapeno popper dip
- What supplies will I need to complete this recipe? You will need a medium mixing bowl and a cast iron pan.
- What is jalapeno popper dip? Jalapeno popper dip is a creamy and cheesy dip inspired by jalapeno popper appetizers. It is made by combining a cheese filling with crumbled bacon and diced jalapenos.
- How should I store the jalapeno popper dip? You can store the jalapeno dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, just cook the dip in the cast iron pan at 350 degrees until the cheese has melted.
- How should I serve the jalapeno popper dip? The dip is best served with toasted bread slices or tortilla chips as an appetizer.
- What substitutions can I make? You can substitute the cheddar cheese for many other types, including mozzarella, pepper jack, or white cheddar. If you wish the dish to be less spicy, you can use poblano peppers for a milder, smoky flavor.
- Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Is it low-carb? Yes, jalapeno popper dip is keto, low-carb, and rich-in-protein.
- Have a question that's not covered here? Please add it in the comments below and I will respond and add my response here, too.
Other dips to try
Planning a party and need more dip ideas? Check out these recipes - there’s a flavor for every occasion—Super Bowl, holidays, or summer BBQs. Grab the chips and dig in!
More party food recipes
Looking to wow your guests? Explore more crowd-favorite party recipes on my site—perfect for game day, potlucks, and Super Bowl celebrations!
- Mexican Street Corn Sheet Pan Nachos
- Baked Chicken Wings (with 3 sauces!)
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Can you freeze the popper dip before cooking?