If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer that’s rich, creamy, and just a little bit spicy, this Jalapeno Popper Dip is the answer. Inspired by the classic bar snack, it’s everything you love about jalapeno poppers in an easy-to-make, scoopable form.

Jalapeno popper dip served in a white ceramic bowl with two slices of fresh jalapeno pepper on top.

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The football food extravaganza continues! So far, we’ve got beer cheese, sweet potato fries, and those incredible peanut butter blondies from last week for dessert.

And today it’s all about jalapeno popper dip.

Have you ever had this before? I had never tried it until last year’s Superbowl. I went to a party and there it was, looking hot and cheesy and smelling amazing. I just had to give it a try.

Well, I’ll be darned if it wasn’t one of the best things I’d ever tasted! I just couldn’t stop eating it- it was so irresistible!

Creamy, hot, and just a teeny bit spicy on the bottom, with a crispy layer of toasted bread crumbs on top, it was just like a jalapeno popper, but better!

I knew from that moment that I would have to come up with my own jalapeno popper dip recipe for the next year’s football season.

This simple dip comes together under a buttery, crunchy topping for the ultimate game day, potluck, or holiday appetizer. This recipe is ready in only 30 minutes, and everyone will love it!

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold flavors: Spicy, smoky, cheesy, and tangy all in one.
  • Hot and bubbly: Served warm with a crunchy topping.
  • Easy prep: Just mix, top, and bake!
  • Perfect for parties: Serves a crowd and goes great with chips or veggies for dipping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The recipe card at the bottom of the post contains the full list with all of the amounts. Refer to that when you’re cooking.

Jalapeno popper dip crock pot transferred to a serving dish and garnished with fresh jalapenos.
  • Cream cheese: Make sure it is room temperature so it blends easily.
  • Mayonnaise: Use the full-fat version for the best results.
  • Sour cream: Works with cream cheese and mayo to form the base. Skip the “light” version. It is worth it.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works best. Buy the block and shred yourself for the best melt.
  • Diced green chiles: Adds some mild heat.
  • Jalapeno pepper: Finely chopped for a fresh, spicy kick.
  • Kosher salt: Don’t sub in table salt. The measurements aren’t the same. If you only have table salt, mix everything together, then add salt to taste.
  • Garlic powder: You could also use freshly minced garlic if you prefer.
  • Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky undertone.
  • Panko bread crumbs: Create a light, crisp topping.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite to the topping.
  • Butter: Melted to help the crumbs brown beautifully.
  • Fresh herbs: Optional garnish for freshness and color.
  • Jalapeno slices: Optional garnish to hint at the heat inside.

In Photos: How To Make Jalapeno Popper Dip

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.

Cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix

Mix until smooth.

Mixing dip with an electric hand mixer.

Step 3: Add Cheese, Chiles, Jalapeno, & Seasonings

Fold in the shredded cheddar, green chiles, chopped jalapeno, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until combined.

Adding cheddar cheese, diced green chiles, minced fresh jalapeno, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to jalapeno dip recipe.

Step 4: Mix

Fold in the add-ins until it is well-combined.

Folding jalapeno popper dip together until combined.

Step 5: Add To Baking Dish

Spread the mixture into an oven-safe dish.

Transferring jalapeno popper dip to an oven-safe serving dish.

Step 6: Make Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Stir with a fork until evenly coated.

Stirring breadcrumb mixture together in a small bowl.

Step 7: Add Topping To Dip

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the dip.

Layering buttered cheesy breadcrumbs over the dip.

Step 8: Bake & Serve

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden crust. Garnish with chopped herbs and jalapeno slices if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

  • Let your cream cheese soften first for easier mixing.
  • Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
  • Don’t overbake. Cook until the edges bubble and the topping is golden.
  • For a smokier flavor, add a bit of chopped cooked bacon.
Overhead image of jalapeno popper dip with bacon, surrounded with corn chips.

More Dips & Appetizer Recipes

Jalapeno popper dip served in a white ceramic bowl with two slices of fresh jalapeno pepper on top.
4 stars (1 rating)

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Servings: 20
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Searching for a great party appetizer? Look no further than this creamy, cheesy jalapeno popper dip. Served hot with a crispy, crunchy topping.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (226.8 g) cream cheese,, softened
  • 1/2 cup (112 g) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (57.5 g) sour cream
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese*
  • 4 ounces (113.4 g) diced green chiles
  • 1 (14 g) jalapeno pepper,, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon (4.93 g) kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon (4.93 g) garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.46 g) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup (30 g) panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons (44.36 g) butter,, melted
  • 1 tablespoon (14.79 g) chopped fresh herbs, , such as chives, parsley, or cilantro (optional garnish)
  • 2 slices (1 g) fresh jalapeno, (optional garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Place the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl, and mix together until smooth.
  • Add the shredded cheddar, chiles, jalapeno, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, and fold in until combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe serving dish.
  • Place the panko bread crumbs, parmesan, and melted butter in a small bowl, and stir with a fork until combined.
  • Layer the seasoned bread crumbs on top of the dip and bake until dip is warmed through and the topping is slightly browned and crunchy (approx. 15 to 20 minutes).
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and jalapeno slices, if desired.
  • Serve hot with tortilla chips.

Notes

*Substitute with pepper jack cheese, for a spicier taste. 
Serving: 2tablespoons, Calories: 133kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 28mg, Sodium: 293mg, Potassium: 41mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 331IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 75mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Tried this recipe?Mention @bakingamoment on Instagram or tag #bakingamoment.

Author

  • Allie is the creator and owner of Baking a Moment. She has been developing, photographing, videographing, and writing and sharing recipes here since 2012.

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