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Crispy Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe with Bacon

jalapeño popper dip - featured image

This creamy, spicy, and crunchy jalapeño popper dip is loaded with crispy bacon, two cheeses, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 34 medium jalapeño peppers, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 23 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup extra shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position rack in the center.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 8 minutes). Drain on paper towels and crumble.
  3. Dice jalapeños (remove seeds for milder heat) and thinly slice green onions.
  4. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
  5. Transfer mixture to an 8×8-inch oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top.
  6. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until crumbs are moist. Fold in half the crumbled bacon and extra shredded cheese if desired.
  7. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the dip base. Scatter reserved bacon on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  9. Let dip sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or parsley.
  10. Serve warm with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or veggie sticks.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. For vegetarian, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or roasted mushrooms. Taste jalapeños before adding to control heat. Shred your own cheese for best melt. If dip is too thick, add 2-3 tbsp milk before baking. Leftovers reheat best in the oven to keep topping crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, bacon dip, party appetizer, cheesy dip, spicy dip, game day, easy dip, crowd pleaser, comfort food