Description
This jalapeño popper dip is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy appetizer inspired by classic jalapeño poppers. Made with cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and fresh jalapeños, this warm, bubbly dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3–4 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for milder heat)
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (optional, for extra tang)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
Crunchy Topping:
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup bacon bits (for a smoky touch)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tsp hot sauce (for extra spice)
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dice jalapeños, removing seeds if you prefer a milder dip.
- Shred the cheeses if using block cheese for better melting.
2. Make the Dip Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
3. Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until evenly coated.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a greased 8×8 or 9×13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the dip cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dip without the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
- Spicier Version: Add finely diced habanero or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg