Description
Spicy jalapeño popper dip combines creamy cheese and zesty peppers for an irresistible appetizer. Guests will devour this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings bold southwestern flavors to your party spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 jalapenos, diced (seeds removed)
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsps melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
- Celery or carrot sticks
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mixing: In a large bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, melted cheese varieties, chopped jalapenos, bacon bits, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Topping Creation: Construct a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter until evenly distributed and slightly crumbly.
- Assembly: Spread the creamy jalapeno mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even surface for consistent flavor distribution.
- Topping Application: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture generously over the dip, completely covering the surface to guarantee a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a rich golden-brown and edges start bubbling, indicating thorough heating.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the dip to settle for 4-5 minutes after removing from the oven, then present with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a delectable appetizer experience.
Notes
- Pepper Prep: Remove seeds and membranes from jalapenos to control heat level, ensuring a milder flavor for sensitive palates or kids.
- Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling for maximum crunch and intense smoky flavor throughout the dip.
- Cheese Selection: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and prevent lumpy texture in the final mixture.
- Temperature Timing: Let dip cool slightly after baking to prevent mouth burns and allow flavors to meld together more effectively.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg