Jalapeño Popper Dip (Printer-friendly)
Enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and spicy jalapeño popper dip, ideal for game days and gatherings. Easy to prepare and always a hit!
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
04 - 1/2 cup sour cream
→ Produce
05 - 4 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (reserve 1 for garnish)
→ Optional Meats
06 - 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
→ Seasonings
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - Pinch of salt, to taste
→ Topping
12 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish, approximately 1.5–2 quart capacity.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
03 - Stir in the diced jalapeños (remember to reserve some for the final garnish), crumbled bacon (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
04 - Evenly spread the prepared dip mixture into the greased baking dish.
05 - In a separate small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the dip mixture in the baking dish.
06 - Bake the dip for 20–25 minutes, or until it is bubbly around the edges and the topping has achieved a golden brown color.
07 - Remove the dip from the oven. If desired, garnish with the reserved jalapeño slices and fresh chives. Allow the dip to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
08 - Serve the warm jalapeño popper dip with an accompaniment of tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This dip is incredibly forgiving and tastes gourmet without all the fuss you might expect.
- It disappears shockingly fast at any gathering, making you look like a culinary wizard without breaking a sweat.
02 -
- Always taste your jalapeños before adding them. their heat level can vary wildly, and sometimes a little extra spice is exactly what's needed.
- Do not skip the panko topping. It's truly the secret to that irresistible golden, crunchy contrast against the creamy, gooey dip below.
03 -
- For the absolute best melty texture, shred your own cheese from blocks. It avoids the anti caking agents that can sometimes make pre shredded cheese a little grainy.
- If your cream cheese isn't fully softened, a quick zap in the microwave for 15 20 seconds can save the day, but be careful not to overheat it into a liquid.