When it comes to appetizers, there are few things more crowd-pleasing than a delicious dip. This jalapeno popper dip is sure to be a hit at your next party! It’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Plus, it can easily feed an army! Your guests will be begging you for the recipe.
Would you believe that one of my favorite ways to show appreciation for someone is to make them a homemade baked Jalapeno Cream cheese dip?
Trust me – if I could, I'd make this recipe for each and every one of you reading this post!
As much as I'd love to, that would be A LOT of cheesy dip to make and I don't think I have a dish that big – so I'm sharing how you can make it right at home! 😉
It's so easy and so delicious, you'll be making it right away – I just know it. 😀
Just look at that melty cheese all mixed in with that cream cheese, crispy top and zippy little jalapenos…
It's everything you ever wanted in a warm baked dip – melty, creamy, cheesy with a mild zip, and a crunchy golden top.
This is just like having jalapeno poppers but in dip form! YUM!
This jalapeno popper dip is so good – plus it's great for parties and for get togethers. I don't know about you, but when something you bring to a get together is delicious and crazy simple to make – that's a win in my book. 🙂
Pair this dip with some large tortilla chips or some crusty bread and you've got something absolutely spectacular.
I hope you feel the love from this recipe as much as we do! 😀
If you enjoy this recipe or have an obsession with jalapeno poppers like we do, you might like to try my recipe for the traditional homemade jalapeno poppers. 😀
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
What is jalapeno popper dip made of?
Jalapeno popper dip is a creamy, cheesy dip that is full of flavor. It is made with jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, garlic, onion, and a little cayenne. This dip is perfect for any party or get together. It is always a hit!
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make Jalapeño Popper Dip – Overview
You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions, at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make the best jalapeno popper dip recipe!
This jalapeño popper dip is the perfect appetizer for your next party! It's creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of spice. And the best part is that it's so easy to make! Just mix everything together and bake!
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Combine well in a mixing bowl: sour cream, minced garlic, onion, diced jalapenos, cayenne, salt, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and spread the jalapeno cream cheese mixture over it. Then add shredded mozzarella cheese to the top.
In a casserole dish, combine the melted butter and Panko bread crumbs to make an irresistible crunchy topping. On top of the mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with Panko bread crumbs and butter.
On top of the Panko bread crumbs, add a few more pickle jalapeno peppers for garnish.
Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, uncovered until the top is golden.
Serve warm with large tortilla chips or slices of toasted baguette.
How to Prepare Jalapeno Popper Dip Ahead
It's super easy to make jalapeño popper dip ahead of time!
All you have to do is prepare the recipe according to the instructions, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.
Place the dish in the oven to bake with care – it should be left out at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes or so before being baked, to avoid temperature shock when the cold dish is put into a very hot oven, which can result in your dish breaking!
How to make Jalapeño Popper Dip in a Slow cooker:
Combine the ingredients according to the recipe instructions in your slow cooker, but set aside the panko crumb and butter mixture. Heat on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 hours.
To make the crumb topping crispy you can toast them in a small frying pan until golden brown, then sprinkle on top of the dip in the slow cooker. Garnish with jalapeño slices.
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
Recipe Variations:
Different cheese combinations: Along with cream cheese you could also use different shredded cheeses! Mozzarella, sharp cheddar cheese, and jack are my favorite combination for this recipe but just about any others would work as well! ex. parmesan cheese, gouda, etc.
Mix-ins: Want to add some things to the dip for some extra flavor or texture? Try adding in finely diced onions, green onions, tomatoes, or even corn! I've added ½ -1 cup of prepared salsa to the cream cheese mixture and it's amazing!
Use different peppers: You could use banana peppers, poblano peppers, or even sweet bell peppers!
Mix in some crumbled bacon: because everything is better with bacon!
Add a layer of refried beans at the bottom: for a heartier dip that will keep you full longer.
Different Crumb Topping Ideas: I've used everything from panko bread crumbs to crushed Ritz crackers or corn chips! Spicy Cheez-Itz are great too! Get creative and use whatever you have on hand.
Instead of fresh garlic: You could also use garlic powder. 1 clove of garlic is equal to about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Instead of pickled jalapenos: You could also use fresh jalapenos! Just be sure to remove the seeds and ribs before adding them to the dip.
🤔 Looking for alternatives or substitutes to cream cheese?
👉 Explore this helpful guide on tasty substitutes!
Leftovers – How to Store and Reheat
How long is Jalapeño Popper Dip Good for?
Leftover dip will last in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it the perfect dish to meal prep or make ahead for a party. Be sure to store it in an airtight container so it doesn't dry out.
Reheat in the oven (in its baking dish) at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Before putting it in the oven, please leave the dish on the counter for at least 15 minutes so the container isn't super cold – it's important to avoid temperature shock as your dish could break!
Can Jalapeño Popper Dip be Frozen?
Yes! This dip freezes really well, making it the perfect make-ahead appetizer. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through – about 15-20 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks and enjoy
What to serve with jalapeño popper dip:
Jalapeño popper dip is the perfect appetizer for your next party! It's easy to make and can be served with a variety of different dippers. I like to serve mine with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, and veggies. This dip is always a hit with my guests!
Other recipes you'll enjoy:
Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About about 4 cups of dip 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup of pickled jalapeno slices, chopped
- 10 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- pinch of cayenne
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsps of butter, melted
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- Additional slices of jalapeno, for garnish
Serve with any of the following:
- Toasted slices of baguette
- Large tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Using an electric mixer or by hand combine well: sour cream, garlic, onion, chopped jalapenos, cayenne, salt, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Jack cheese with ½ cup of the mozzarella.
- Spray a small baking dish with cooking spray (I used a 1 quart baking dish similar to this one).
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into the dish, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- In a small bowl combine the melted butter with the Panko bread crumbs. (If you'd like you can also add a little pinch of cayenne pepper to this). Sprinkle the Panko bread crumb and butter mixture on top of the mozzarella cheese.
- On top of the Panko bread crumbs garnish with a few additional slices of pickle jalapeno peppers.
- Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, uncovered until the top is golden.
- Serve warm with large tortilla chips or slices of toasted baguette.
Notes
For a shortcut, you can make this recipe using a food processor! To do this, first pulse the onion, garlic and jalapeños until finely chopped. Next add the cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and cayenne. Mix on high until everything is well combined. Next, add the shredded mozzarella, jack cheese and cheddar – combine these using a mixing spoon by hand – don't process the shredded cheese as it will break up the pieces too small. Once the dip is combined, follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
For this recipe, you can change up the amounts of shredded cheese! I usually don't measure my cheese and just put a nice thick layer on top!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American/Canadian
