This Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip is rich, creamy and loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon. The classic heat from fresh jalapeños, gives it a kick making it a crowd-pleasing, with none of the fuss.
Perfect for game days, family gatherings or any event where snacks reign supreme, this baked dip is best served warm and gooey straight from the oven with your favorite chips, crackers or veggie sticks.
Game day dips are essential in our house, enjoy some of our go-to recipes: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip, Garlic Bread Dip and Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Dip.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crowd Favorite: Bacon and jalapeños make it a party hit every time.
- Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps and minimal prep.
- Great for Snacking: Perfect with tortilla chips, baguette slices or fresh vegetables.
- Adaptable Heat: Adjust the spice level based on how many jalapeños you use, and if you seed them or not.
Ingredients
This cheesy dip comes together with simple ingredients that pack bold flavor.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Full Fat Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, rich base for the dip.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and that classic cheesy pull.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and balances the cheddar with mild creaminess.
- Fresh Jalapenos: Brings the perfect amount of heat and fresh pepper flavor.
- Sour Cream: Helps loosen the mixture and adds a tangy, creamy finish.
For this quick dip recipe, you'll want to have a 1.5 quart baking dish, measuring cups, non-stick skillet and a cheese grater.
Variations
- Parmesan Cheese: Add a layer of shredded parmesan on top for a salty, golden crust.
- Green Chiles: Swap jalapeños with canned green chiles for a milder heat.
- Greek Yogurt: Use in place of sour cream for a tangy, protein-packed option.
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon or use a plant-based version to make it meat-free.
- Panko Topping: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs before baking.
How to Make Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip
This dip is incredibly easy to make with minimal effort and big reward.
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a large 1.5-quart oval casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Heat a large skillet over medium-low. Add cream cheese, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses but hold back ½ cup of each for the top. Stir regularly until melted.
Remove from heat and stir in bacon, jalapeños and sour cream.
Transfer the cream cheese mixture to prepared casserole dish and top with remaining 1 ½ cups of cheese.
Bake 20-30 minutes, until cheese is melted. Broil if desired.
Hint: It melts and mixes faster when the cheese is softened first.
Recipe Tips
- Small Dice on Jalapeños: Finely chopped pieces give you better distribution of heat.
- Save Some Bacon: Reserve a bit of cooked bacon to sprinkle on top before serving.
- Broil at the End: Adds that golden brown finish and extra texture.
- Use a Shallow Dish: Helps the dip bake more evenly and gives every bite a gooey top layer.
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Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: I make and freeze this dip all the time. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for extra protection and store for up to 6 months.
- Reheat: Rewarm in the oven at 350F until heated through from frozen or thawed. Rewarm thawed dip in the microwave stirring as needed.
- Make Ahead: Assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Party Foods: Try pairing with dip with guacamole and chips, BBQ pulled pork sliders, bacon wrapped sausages and Big Mac egg rolls.
FAQs
It depends on how many jalapeños you use and whether you leave in any seeds or ribs. Start with less for a milder dip.
Use a shallow oval or rectangular baking dish so the dip heats evenly and every bite has melty cheese on top.
It’s best served warm, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated as desired.
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Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip
Equipment
- 1.5 Quart Large Oval Casserole Dish
- Non-Stick Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 3 8- ounce bricks cream cheese cubed
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 2 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded and divided
- 10 slices bacon chopped and cooked (about 1 cup)
- 8-10 jalapenos seeded and minced
- ¾ cup sour cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a large 1.5-quart oval casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low. Add cream cheese, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses but hold back ½ cup of each for the top. Stir regularly until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in bacon, jalapeños and sour cream.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to prepared casserole dish and top with remaining 1 ½ cups of cheese.
- Bake 20-30 minutes, until cheese is melted. Broil if desired.
Notes
- It melts and mixes faster when the cheese is softened first.
- Finely chopped pieces give you better distribution of heat.
- Reserve a bit of cooked bacon to sprinkle on top before serving.
- Adds that golden brown finish and extra texture.
- Helps the dip bake more evenly and gives every bite a gooey top layer.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Therese says
I loved this recipe! I swapped the sour cream for Greek yogurt and it was delicious! I had a guilt free dip I could snack on all night!
Eva Filer says
That is a wonderful swap to make it lighter. Guilt-free and simple is perfect!
Emma says
Had this twice now and couldn’t stop eating it! Yum
Eva Filer says
Oh that is great to hear - thanks for the review!
Misty Tannery says
Can not wait to try this one!! I love warm dips!
Eva Filer says
Such a good one, I literally had some tonight straight from the freezer to the oven!
Stephanie says
I made this for a get-together, and it was such a hit. It wasn't too spicy, but the jalapeños added a great flavor.
Eva Filer says
So glad you enjoyed it. We love cooking with jalapeño over here!
Risa says
This dip looks so creamy and flavorful! Saving this for our next gathering!
Eva Filer says
You will love it. It is so delicious. I always make two and keep one in the freezer.
Madhu says
This Baked Jalapeño Popper Dip sounds incredible! I love that it is rich and creamy with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and just the right amount of heat from the jalapeños, perfect for any crowd!
Eva Filer says
This is one of my favorites. We make it at least once a month, and I always have one in the freezer!
Lisa says
This sounds like a perfect way to use up my garden jalapeños. I'll be trying this recipe for sure!
Eva Filer says
I hope you love it, Lisa! it is a good one.