My favorite jalapeno popper dip recipe made with loads of bacon, it is extra cheesy, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy. It's the perfect party appetizer.
This jalapeno popper dip is so cheesy and filled with bacon, it's just like having your favorite jalapeno poppers appetizer in dip form. Grab yourself a handful of chips, my friends, and dig on in.
If you're a fan of jalapeno poppers - and really, who isn't? - you're going to LOVE this recipe. It's perfect for all of your game day celebrations, or for whatever party your throwing.
Got a gathering at someone else's place? Bring this! You can bake it in their oven and serve it right up. Be the life of the party. Win Friends. Influence People.
Everyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE lover of jalapeno poppers. You can tell by the many variations in my Jalapeno Poppers Recipes section of the site, but also by the entire cookbook I've dedicated to the subject - Jalapeno Poppers and Other Stuffed Chili Peppers.
I just can't help myself! They really are the best thing. Ever. Especially in dip form.
Let's talk about how we make this wonderfully cheesy-creamy Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip, shall we?
Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip Ingredients
- Cream Cheese. Softened.
- Cheddar Cheese. Shredded.
- Pepperjack or Monterrey Jack Cheese. Shredded.
- Cooked Bacon. Chopped.
- Mayo.
- Mexican Crema. Or sour cream.
- Jalapeno Peppers. Finely chopped.
- Garlic Cloves. Minced.
- Fresh Cilantro. Chopped.
- Cayenne Powder.
- Paprika.
- Cumin.
- Salt and Pepper.
How to Make Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip – the Recipe Method
First, gather up your ingredients, which includes cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pepperjack cheese, cooked bacon, mayo, Mexican crema or sour cream, jalapeno peppers (of course!), garlic, cilantro and some seasonings. You can use extra jalapeno peppers if you'd like. Toss in some serrano peppers for even more heat.
Next, add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl, but reserve some of the shredded cheeses, chopped jalapenos and cilantro for garnish.
Mix everything until it is fully combined, like so.
Next, spread the cream cheese mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly to fit in the dish.
Top with the reserved shredded cheeses.
Bake the whole dish for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until the cheeses are nicely bubbly and the to is golden brown.
Remove and top with the reserved jalapenos and cilantro.
Serve it up with tortilla chips! Please, dig in!
That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy your Jalapeno Popper Dip with Extra Bacon!
Recipe Variations
- Core the Jalapenos for a Milder Jalapeno Popper Dip. If you're concerned about the spiciness of the dip, core out the fresh jalapeno peppers before cooking with them. Most of the heat resides in the whitish innards, so that will reduce the overall heat.
- Spice It Up! If you'd like a spicier version of the recipe, include more jalapeno peppers, or incorporate some hotter peppers, such as serrano peppers or habanero peppers. Ghost peppers, anyone? You can also vary up the amounts of jalapenos and bacon. Include more or less to your preference. I doubled the jalapenos and loved it.
- Cheeses. Pepper jack cheese is nice and melty and I use it for this recipe, but any melty cheese will do. Try it out with Monterrey jack cheese or cheddar cheese. You can also use a mix of cheeses. Add in some parmesan cheese for some added flavor.
- Crumbly Topping. As a variation, try topping the dish with bread crumbs or crispy panko bread crumbs mixed with some melted butter for a crumbly topping with some added crunch.
- Other Ingredients. If you can't find fresh jalapeno peppers, try a can of diced green chilies for a cheese chili dip. Green onions are nice for a topping. I normally use fresh chopped herbs and some chopped jalapeno peppers. And chili flakes!
Storage & Leftovers
Storing your Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip in an airtight container in the fridge may allow you to store the leftovers for about 3-4 days. To maximize the storage life, make sure to refrigerate it promptly.
Try Out Some of My Other Popular Dip Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip – Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepperjack or Monterrey Jack cheese
- 1/2 pound cooked bacon chopped (or more as desired)
- 1/3 cup mayo
- ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 2 jalapeno peppers finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro + more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl, but reserve some of the shredded cheeses, chopped jalapenos and cilantro for garnish.
- Mix everything until it is fully combined, then spread into a baking dish. Top with the reserved shredded cheeses.
- Bake about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until the jalapeno popper dip cheeses are nicely bubbly.
- Remove and top with the reserved jalapenos and cilantro.
- Serve with chips!
Jane says
Can you freeze this recipe?
Mike Hultquist says
Jane, yes, you can freeze it, though it may change the texture of the dip itself a bit.
Linda says
Looks delicious. Can I make day before?
Mike Hultquist says
Linda, you can make this the day before, but not bake it. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Then, when ready to serve, you can bake it until warmed through and nice and melty.
Keith says
Is there a way to sub out the mayo or omit it entirely?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Keith, you can sub in more cream cheese and crema/sour cream instead. It won't have the richness, but still tasty. Let me know how it goes for you. Enjoy.
Kelsey Hathaway says
This looks so perfect for an office party I have coming up! I can't wait to make it. Would it work just as well in a crock pot? We need it to stay hot for about 4 hours. Any variations or suggestions if I'm making a giant batch of it? I figure I'll put out veggie sticks to make the whole display super festive. Thanks again!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Kelsey. Yes, you can make this in a crock pot, but I would keep it on low so the cheeses don't burn. Just as long as they stay soft and gooey. It batches up very easily for large gatherings. Let me know how it turns out for you! Enjoy the party!
Jeremie says
Cheese+bacon+chili = Holy Trinity!!!
Mouth-watering recipe, Mike, I'll try it very soon!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Absolutely! Extra for us both.
Jeremie says
Hey Mike! I just made some dip yesterday, as an appetizer with tortilla chips. It was succulent: cheesy, gently spicy and rich. You didn't mention the exact cooking time, so I put the dish in the oven at 350°F for almost half an hour and I served it right away! What a success: I received the order to make some for New Year’s Eve!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Perfect! I love it. I hope it's a big hit this NYE!