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Crispy Loaded Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe with Bacon and Cheese

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A crowd-pleasing, crispy-topped jalapeño popper dip combining smoky bacon, melty cheeses, and spicy jalapeños, perfect for parties and easy to make in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3–4 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces. Reserve a little bacon fat if desired.
  2. Dice the jalapeños after removing seeds for milder heat or keep some seeds for spicier flavor. Mince the garlic finely.
  3. Optional: In the same skillet, add a teaspoon of bacon fat or butter and sauté jalapeños and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Fold in the sautéed jalapeños and garlic along with most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a few pieces for topping.
  5. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated.
  6. Transfer the cheese mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top, then scatter the reserved bacon pieces on top.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy and the dip is bubbly around the edges. Watch closely after 20 minutes to avoid burning.
  8. Let the dip cool for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and make scooping easier.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese. To prep ahead, assemble but do not bake; refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. If dip is too thick, add a splash of milk or sour cream before baking. Use fresh jalapeños for best flavor; pickled jalapeños add a tangier bite.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, bacon dip, party dip, cheesy dip, spicy dip, appetizer, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-loaded-jalape-n-o-popper-dip-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheese-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/