Jalapeno Popper Dip (Easy Recipe)

This jalapeno popper dip is incredibly rich and creamy with a crunchy golden topping! To say it’s addictive is an understatement.

If you’re looking for the perfect easy party appetizer, you’re looking right at it. 

Best Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

If you consider yourself a cheese addict, this dip will drive your taste buds insane.

It’s the richest, creamiest, most delectable appetizer ever! 

There’s a heavenly mix of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Mayo, bacon, jalapenos, and green onion also join the party.

To cap it off, a crunchy and buttery cracker crust is sprinkled on top. 

It’s basically jalapeno poppers in dip form. Serve it at a party and watch it disappear!

Ingredients

Aside from all the cheese and jalapenos, there are a few things you need.

So let’s take a peek:

• Bacon – Jalapeno poppers are often wrapped in or topped with bacon. So it only makes sense that the dip version should have bacon in it, too.

• Cream Cheese – It serves as the base of the dip. Soften it to room temperature so that it’s easy to mix. 

• Mayonnaise – Its fluffiness counterbalances the heaviness of the cream cheese. It also adds some tanginess. 

• Cheddar and Mozzarella – Is it even a dip without cheese? These two are my combo of choice, but feel free to use yours. I just love the saltiness of cheddar and the ooey-gooeyness of the mozzarella. 

• Green Onion – For a lively green pop of color. Its peppery flavor enhances the dip’s flavor, as well.

• Jalapenos – This is a jalapeno popper dip, after all. I use fresh jalapenos, but canned ones will work, too. Remove the seeds if you don’t like a spicy dip. 

Topping

• Crushed Buttery Round Crackers – Ritz, in short. These crackers are key to the dip’s wonderfully crunchy topping!

• Parmesan – The nuttiness of the parmesan pairs well with the buttery crackers. Also, in case you already lost count, we’re already on queso numero quatro. Hurray for cheese for days! 

• Melted Butter – It adds even more richness to the topping and helps it crisp up even more.

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Dip

What I love about this dip is that you don’t have to stuff each pepper individually.

You just bake it all in a casserole dish. So it’s super easy!

1. Preheat the oven. Set the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cook the bacon. Preheat the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the bacon and stir until it’s brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a dish lined with paper towels and set aside.

3. Make the cream cheese mixture. Beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and spreadable. Add the mayo, cheddar, mozzarella, green onion, jalapenos, and bacon and mix to combine. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.

4. Make the topping. Mix the crushed crackers, parmesan, and butter, until well combined. Sprinkle the topping over the cream cheese mixture.

5. Bake the dip. Pop the dish in the oven and in just 20 to 30 minutes, your rich, creamy, and bubbly dip is done. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Jalapeno Popper Dip

Want to make this dip even more addicting? Then follow these tips:

• Soften the cream cheese. You can place it in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. Or microwave it for 1 minute. You should be able to smoothen and spread it easily with a spoon.

• Drain the bacon well. Otherwise, its excess oil will make the dip greasy. So be sure to drain and pat off the grease with paper towels.

• A bigger dish equals a crunchy topping. Bake the dip in a bigger dish, such as a 9×13-inch dish. Doing so creates a wider surface to sprinkle the topping on. That way, you get a better crunch in every bite.

Recipe Variations and Additions

One of the great things about this dip is that it’s so easy to customize.

So while you can certainly follow my recipe to a tee, you’re also free to follow what your heart tells you to do!

If you need ideas on how to elevate this dip or make it your own, I have a few for you:

• Adjust the ratios. The measurements below are just a guide. Add more or less of the ingredients to suit your taste.

• Make it pop with roasted red peppers. They add extra flavor and a bright pop of color. Together with the green onion, they look like Christmas!

• Add extra crunch with onions. Sprinkle French fried onions on top for extra crunch.

• Give it a garlicky twist. Mix in some minced garlic to brighten up your dip. Got no time to chop? Opt for garlic powder.

• Make it tangy. Swap half of the mayo for sour cream to give the dip a delightfully tangy contrast. For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead.

• Use whatever cheese you like. Monterey Jack, Italian blend, muenster, white cheddar – seriously, all cheeses work. Just use your favorite!

Can I Make Jalapeno Pepper Dip Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. In fact, I prefer preparing the dip in advance because it gives the flavors time to marry. And I love a beautiful combination of flavors.

Don’t add the topping yet, though. Prepare the cream cheese mixture and topping separately.

Put the cream cheese mixture in the baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap.

Place the topping in a separate, air-tight container or Ziploc bag. 

Refrigerate both the cream cheese mixture and topping for up to 3 days in advance.

On the day you plan to serve it, sprinkle the topping over the cream cheese mixture and bake, adding 10 minutes to the total baking time.

How to Store Leftover Jalapeno Popper Dip

Leftover jalapeno popper dip makes for a great snack. You can freeze it too, but there’s a catch. 

The topping doesn’t thaw so well. So freeze the pre-baked dip without it. Then add the topping after you reheat. 

To Store: Cover the dish with its lid for plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: Wrap just the cream cheese mixture with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. The dip will last for up to 1 month.

To Reheat: Place the dip in an oven proof dish. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until fully heated. For frozen dip, just add 10 to 15 minutes to the total time. There’s no need to thaw it first.

What to Serve with Jalapeno Popper Dip

I usually serve this dip with tortilla chips and crackers.

It’s also great with wheat thins, toasted bread, pita chips, and basically, anything flat and crunchy works.

You can also use wonton cups or Fritos Scoops. Those guys have major scooping powers!

This dip isn’t just for dipping, though. Feel free to use it as a sandwich spread or a filling for crescent rolls.

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