Jalapeño Popper Dip

Jalapeno popper dip in a cast iron skillet.

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.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword Jalapeño Popper Dip

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 328kcal

Author Julia

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

US Customary - Metric

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 BELOW the recipe card. Scroll DOWN 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

The dip is best served with toasted bread slices or tortilla chips.
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!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.
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.

Nutrition