If you're looking for the perfect dip for your next movie night or super bowl party scroll down! This is full of flavor and super easy!
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❤️ Why you'll love it
- The ultimate creamy, gooey comfort snack!
- Easier to make in a big batch than traditional jalapeno poppers.
- Panko bread crumbs give a satisfying jalapeno popper crunch without all the fussy cutting and stuffing!
This jalapeno popper dip is a delicious appetizer that turns any time into party time. It's the perfect medium-spice level without too much heat, but you can always add more or less spice depending on your heat preferences!
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
🔪 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Mix the cream cheese, mayo, green chilies, and jalapeno peppers in a large bowl.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake.
🥫 Storage
In the unlikely event that you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for a few days.
Heat in the microwave or oven to rewarm.
However, this dish is best served hot out of the oven the first time around, as the crumb topping will go soggy after sitting out or refrigeration. (For that reason, I don't recommend freezing leftovers, either.)
On the other hand, this jalapeno cream cheese dip recipe is just so easy to throw together that you're definitely going to want to prepare an extra batch in advance—for round two, or to save just for yourself!
To do so, follow the steps as written, but stop before adding the crumb topping.
Wrap the dish with foil or plastic and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Add the crumbs and grated cheese just before baking so it doesn't get soggy.
Voila! The best appetizer, done in a flash.
📖 Variations
- Spice Level — As written, this jalapeno dip recipe has about a medium heat level ranking. If you prefer more spicy foods, add fresh jalapenos (and their seeds!) For a bit less spice, hold back on the peppers.
- Cheese, Please — Colby-Jack and parmesan cheese are a delicious blend, but you can also use sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack.
- Dairy Subs — Sour cream or greek yogurt will work in a pinch instead of the mayo, but FYI: mayo gives the richest, sweetest taste of the three!
- Add Meat — Crumble some bacon bits into the cheese mixture for a meaty flavor. Alternatively, if you have leftover shredded chicken to use up, throw that in the mix, too!
- Extra Mix-Ins — Some people like to add dried cranberries for a sweet and spicy cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip! You can also add a diced white onion or sweet Vidalia onion for more texture and flavor.
- Alternate Toppings — If you don't have breadcrumbs, crumble Ritz crackers on top of the dip instead. You can also garnish with green onion or cilantro after baking.
- Dippers — This creamy, spicy dip is best served with lightly toasted baguette slices. However, you can try it with corn chips, pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or even celery. Some people say it also tastes great on a burger or with some simple grilled chicken. So many options!
💭 Things to know
Expert Tip: Pre-grated and pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with an anti-caking element, which can inhibit melting. For the meltiest creamy dip, grate the cheese yourself from a block or wedge!
- Softened cream cheese mixes more easily than cold, so let it sit at room temperature for a bit before you get started. You can warm it on 50% power (or the defrost setting) in your microwave for a few seconds if it's still too cold.
- Don't forget to drain the chilies and peppers before adding them to the mix. A little bit of moisture is fine, but too much liquid will make your jalapeno cream cheese dip watery.
👩🍳 FAQs
A jalapeno popper is a pepper sliced in half longways, stuffed with cheese, topped with breadcrumbs, and baked to crispiness. They're delicious, but take a lot of effort. This jalapeno cream cheese dip imitates the flavor and texture perfectly but avoids the post-jalapeno-stuffing-finger-tingling sensation.
Technically, the proper spelling is "jalapeño," like jalapeño poppers. The little squiggle is called a tilde, and it indicates that the "N" is supposed to be pronounced "nyo" instead of "no." However, most keyboards don't easily allow for typing with the accent character, so "jalapeno" is also commonly accepted.
You can use dairy-free or vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives if you must. However, know that it likely won't be as creamy or rich. I wouldn't swap the DF alternates in unless you absolutely have to.
Literally, every occasion. Cookouts, potlucks, game day, holidays, informal get-togethers, formal dinners, movie night, etc. It's great even for non-occasions, like while resting in PJs and watching your favorite show. You can't go wrong with jalapeno cream cheese dip. Not ever.
📚 Related recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Dip is tangy, creamy, can be made in a Crockpot, and has a variable spice level—it's pretty much perfect for everyone!
- Super versatile and full of aroma and flavor, Caramelized Onion Dip is just as addictive as it is delicious.
- Creamy, smokey, cheesy... need I say more? Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip with Smoked Provolone is the ultimate update on a classic app.
🍽️ Serve with...
- Candied Jalapenos (use these as a garnish on top! Double yum!)
- Homemade Saltine Crackers
- Cranberry Moscow Mule
📞 The last word
I have to tell y'all, I can't stay away from this stuff. In fact, I have been known to serve it with a meal of grilled chicken just so I could dip the chicken into it.
I've spread it on hamburgers. I've furtively run my finger around the edge of the bowl. It's that good.
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Baked Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
Print Pin Recipe SaveIngredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces chopped green chilies, drained
- 4 ounces diced jalapeno peppers, drained
- 1 cup Panko crumbs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup Colby-Jack cheese, grated
Instructions
- Stir together cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the chilies and jalapeno peppers.
- Pour mixture into a greased oven-proof dish.
- Top with grated cheese and crumbs
- Bake at 350F until the mixture is heated through and the crumb topping is golden, about 15 minutes.
Notes
- Softened cream cheese mixes more easily than cold, so let it sit at room temperature for a bit before you get started. You can warm it on 50% power (or the defrost setting) in your microwave for a few seconds if it's still too cold.
- Don't forget to drain the chilies and peppers before adding them to the mix. A little bit of moisture is fine, but too much liquid will make your jalapeno cream cheese dip watery.
- Pre-grated and pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with an anti-caking element, which can inhibit melting. For the meltiest creamy dip, grate the cheese yourself from a block or wedge!
Nutrition Facts
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We'll never share your email or send you spam. Pinkie swear.First published January 31, 2012 under the title "Jalapeno Popper Dip". Last updated July 13, 2022 with more information and new images.
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