Jalapeño Popper Dip

Originally Published by Southern Living on July 20, 2023

Written by Julia Levy

 

PHOTO: JENNIFER CAUSEY; FOOD STYLIST: MELISSA GRAY; PROP STYLIST: KAY CLARKE

 

Active Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 8

If stuffed jalapeños are always a hit at your gatherings, then you and your friends will get a kick out of this baked Jalapeño Popper Dip. Cheesy, spicy, and creamy, this dip is perfect for any gathering. Tailgating events, family reunions, holiday parties, and the like all call for a spread of savory appetizers. Oftentimes, a crowd-pleasing dip earns even more praise than the main course!

This recipe yields eight delicious servings, but, if your guest list is longer, it can easily be doubled. With only 20 minutes of active time in the kitchen, this quick, simple appetizer levels up any party spread.

What Is Jalapeño Popper Dip?

Reminiscent of a favorite appetizer, jalapeño popper dip is all the good of stuffed jalapeños packed into a shareable party dip. It’s delicious as is, but, for even more color and texture, fold in chopped red and yellow bell peppers.

Ingredients for Jalapeño Popper Dip

Cheesy, spicy, and creamy—this baked dip is perfect for any gathering. Here’s what you need to make it:

  • Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky flavor and savory bite to the spice.
  • Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise: Softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream create a smooth, creamy base for this dip recipe.
  • Jalapeños: Both fresh and pickled, jalapeños lend a spicy kick to an ultra-rich dip. Pickled jalapeños also go great in nachospimento cheese and sandwiches.
  • Cilantro: This herb brightens up this spicy dip, lending a light, fresh flair.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder heat up dip.
  • Cheese: Cheddar and pepper Jack cheese add a the ooey-gooey factor.

What To Serve With Jalapeño Popper Dip

With a creamy, cheesy base, this spicy dip is smooth and spreadable—making it the perfect topper for heavy chips, crackers, or mini toasts. For another simple way to impress your guest, try dressing up the table with a crudités platter—veggie slices pair great with Jalapeño Popper Dip, too!

Can You Make Jalapeño Popper Dip Ahead?

If you’re planning ahead, you’re in luck! This Jalapeño Popper Dip can be made up to three days in advance before baking. And if you want to serve it fresh, just cover tightly and stow in the fridge until it’s time to bake. Bake as directed or until heated through.

Can You Reheat Jalapeño Popper Dip? 

Leftovers are a rarity with a dip that tastes this good. But, if you do wind up with a little extra on hand, a quick reheat delivers the same fresh taste.

Simply pop it in the microwave on 50 percent power for one minute. Leftovers can last up to four days.

Cooking Tips

Jalapeños lend this recipe a significant bite as is, but to amp up the spice even more, one Southern Living Member recommends doubling the jalapeños. Spice tolerance differers person to person, so add slowly, and adjust as needed.

Ingredients

  • 6 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickled jalapeños
  • 2 large fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (about ½  cup), divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups), divided
  • 6 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups), divided
  • Corn tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

  1. Cook bacon:

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium. Add bacon; cook, stirring often, until crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.

  2. Make dip mixture:

    Stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, 1/3 cup of the fresh jalapeños, 3 tablespoons of the cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a large bowl. Fold in 1 cup of each of the cheeses and 1/3 cup of the bacon. Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart baking dish greased with cooking spray or a medium cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cheeses, bacon, and fresh jalapeños.

  3. Bake dip:

    Bake in preheated oven until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro; serve hot with tortilla chips