Jalapeno Popper Dip

Jalapeno poppers are definitely one of the best Super Bowl foods around. But have you tried the dip version of the popular appetizer? This jalapeno popper dip lets you get more of the best part—the creamy, cheesy filling—without having to eat half the jalapeno poppers off the tray. Plus, you can enjoy the dip with the crunchy vessel of your choosing, whether it’s tortilla chips, crackers or even veggie sticks.

Here’s everything you need to know to make baked jalapeno popper dip the next time you’re hosting or attending a game day party. 

Ingredients for Jalapeno Popper Dip

• Jalapenos: We use canned jalapenos in our recipe to keep it easy, but you could also use fresh peppers if you’re willing to chop them up yourself. Using fresh jalapenos would also give you the ability to add more spice, since the canned version keeps the flavor mild. 
• Cheese: We use cheddar and Parmesan, two classic types of cheese that you may already have on hand.
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese is the bread and butter of jalapeno popper dip. Use two blocks of cream cheese, as opposed to the tub of spreadable cream cheese you’d use for bagels.  
• Bread crumbs: The crunchy bread crumb topping is a delicious feature of baked jalapeno popper dip that you wouldn’t normally get with poppers on their own. Since we combine the crumbs with oil and cheese, they get crunchy and golden brown in the oven. 

Directions

Step 1: Beat the cream cheese mixture

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In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, chiles, peppers and 1/4 cup Parmesan until blended.

Step 2: Spread the mixture into the baking dish

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into an ungreased 1-1/2-quart baking dish.

Step 3: Make the crunchy topping

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In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, oil and remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle the topping over the cheese mixture in the baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the jalapeno popper dip

Bake the jalapeno popper dip, uncovered, at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

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Sprinkle with green onions and sliced jalapenos, if desired. Serve with chips or crackers.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Variations

• Add some meat: This baked jalapeno popper dip recipe is pretty solid on its own, but adding bacon bits or chorizo would only make it better.
• Swap in different cheeses: In Europe, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parmesan are considered the same cheese. But U.S. Parmesan may not come from Italy’s Parmigiano-Reggiano region. Using the authentic Italian cheese (in a lesser amount than the original’s 1/2 cup) ensures a cheesy richness with less fat and calories. Or, try swapping in Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for the cheddar, and Cotija for the Parmesan.
• Experiment with spices: If you love to put your own touch on recipes by experimenting with spices, adding garlic powder or onion powder would boost the flavor in every bite.

How to Store Jalapeno Popper Dip

Let the dip cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. If you keep leftovers in the baking dish, wrap it tightly with foil or storage wrap. If you don’t have too much dip left, transfer it to an airtight container. Either way, it will last for three to four days. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350° for 10 to 20 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.  

Can you make jalapeno popper dip ahead of time?

Making jalapeno popper dip ahead of time is a wonderful option, especially if you’re preparing other dip recipes for your gathering. After assembling the dip, cover it tightly and refrigerate it. Pull the dip out about 30 minutes before you’re ready to cook it to allow the ingredients to come to room temperature before you pop it into the oven.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Tips

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How can you make jalapeno popper dip less spicy?

We make baked jalapeno popper dip with canned jalapenos, which tend to be milder than their fresh counterparts. You can further tame the heat by reducing the amount of jalapenos and increasing the amount of mild green chiles, which is a type of pepper that’s less spicy than jalapenos.

Or, instead of adjusting the peppers, you could also increase the proportion of creamy ingredients (cream cheese, mayonnaise and cheddar cheese) to dilute the spiciness, or add other cooling ingredients such as sour cream or avocado puree. Try these options to cool down other jalapeno popper-inspired recipes as well.

What else can you serve with jalapeno popper dip?

We love to serve jalapeno popper dip with tortilla chips, corn chips or buttery Ritz crackers as part of an appetizer spread. Pretzels, toasted baguette slices or even wavy Ruffles would work too. No matter what you serve with the dip, it’s an especially popular potluck or tailgate appetizer.

For a gluten-free, healthy option, serve jalapeno popper dip with crunchy vegetables, like carrot sticks, celery or bell pepper slices. The leftovers can be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. Jalapeno popper dip tastes particularly good with shredded chicken or deli turkey.