Jalapeno Popper Dip may just be the pinnacle of Game Day food. The dip recipe is quick and easy to make in a big batch. My Jalapeno dip with Panko is super cheesy just like a popper, hence the name. This warm dip has mild heat and a slight tang from the pickled hot peppers.
Be warned though. This spicy baked cream cheese appetizer is seriously scrumptious and you will keep going back for more! Grab some chips, let's get the party started!
Jalapeno Popper Dip
Whether you are team cream cheese stuffed jalapenos or prefer a cheddar cheese stuffed pepper, no worries, you're covered. The hot jalapeño dip is a simple mix of cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheese and seasoning. It is then baked in the oven with a topping of cheese and crispy Panko bread crumbs.
While my primary version calls for mayonnaise, sour cream or even Greek yogurt are reliable stand-ins for results with a little less fat.
Keto Jalapeno Popper Dip
By swapping the crispy Panko topping with crushed pork rinds or a mixture of crushed nuts and Parmesan cheese as a topping (or simply omitting the crumbs altogether) the recipe is fully keto friendly! The regular version of this jalapeño popper dip is already low carb, but this hot keto dip has just 1 net gram of carbs per serving!
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Dip
This stuffed jalapeno dip is an easy way to put a hot dish on the table in under 30 minutes, with no fuss. Here is step by step visual guide to making the recipe, so no excuses. You can make this!
The recipe makes a good sized baking dish full (about 16 servings). Total time to prepare is just over 20 minutes.
Printable recipe card is found below.
Ingredients to make the Jalapeno Popper Dip
- non-stick cooking spray
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 standard blocks)
- 1 cup of mayonnaise (use sour cream or Greek yogurt for all or part of this if you prefer)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz bag shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blend
- 4 oz chopped jalapeno peppers ,canned
- 4 oz chopped chili peppers , canned
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs (use crushed pork rinds for Keto version)
The only note I have is that you don't want the cream cheese cold. Either leave it out to reach room temp or toss it in the bowl you will be using and microwave it for 30-40 seconds to soften it.
Preparing the Dip
First preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise (or sour cream) together into a large bowl.
Add your onion and garlic powders.
Dump in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. This is half of a standard sized bag of shredded cheese, feel free to estimate.
Scoop the two cans of chopped green chiles in and mix it all up well.
Tip: For extra flavor, you can also add chopped cooked bacon to the mixture at this stage if you like.
Coat a one quart baking dish with non stick stray.
Spread the cream cheese mixture out in the casserole dish.
Top with bread crumbs and the rest of the cheese. Bake for 15-17 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. If reheating from the fridge, you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
NOTE: If you are making a Keto version use crushed pork rinds or nuts and shredded Parmesan cheese.
Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
I like like to top it chopped green onions when serving sometimes. They are a delicious addition.
Serving Ideas
This jalapeño popper dip is best enjoyed hot and bubbly, straight from the oven in a baking dish. For classic dipping, serve it with a big bowl of tortilla chips or crispy Ritz crackers—both are sturdy enough to scoop up plenty of melty cheese and spicy goodness. Toasted baguette slices make an elegant option for parties, while pretzel chips or pita chips add a fun, salty crunch. For a creative twist, try baking the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece, or spoon it into crisp wonton cups for bite-sized appetizers. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks and celery are perfect for a lighter, refreshing dipper. However you serve it, this popper dip is always a delicious, crowd-pleasing addition to your appetizer spread.
Keto dieters can enjoy this dip with low carb veggies, Keto Crackers, pork rinds, or grilled meats.
While the jalapeño popper dip is still tasty cold, the cheese on top will get hard and consistency will be more like a spread.
Make Ahead
One of the best things about jalapeño popper dip is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. Simply spread the cheese mixture into your casserole dish. Top with extra cheese, breadcrumbs (and crispy bacon if you like), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, just pop the dish in the oven—add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the dip is heated through and the cheese is perfectly melted. This make-ahead method means you can enjoy your party without any last-minute prep, and your jalapeño popper dip will be hot, fresh, and ready to impress.
Variations on the Dip
Recipes are meant to be made your own, and here are a few simple ideas to do just that!
- Top the Jalapeno Popper dip with ritz crackers or crumbled bacon bits, rather than Panko crumbs. Crushed potato chips or tortilla chips would also create a crunchy topping in a pinch. Of course, you can skip the topping altogether. The dip will still be delicious.
- Add 2 tablespoons melted butter to mix in the breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.
- Adding shredded chicken will make the recipe even more hearty, similar to a Buffalo Chicken Dip. Try my Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Rice Casserole which is similar, but includes chicken and cauliflower rice to create a meal.
- Make your jalapeño popper dip even more irresistible, by mixing in some extra cheese like mozzarella or parmesan for added flavor and stretch.
- Swapping a portion of the cream cheese in the mixture with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese gives the dip a tangy twist, lighter texture and boosts protein. Some sour cream could also be used to lighten the dip
More Recipes for Party Appetizers
Whether you are throwing a holiday party, or casual football party these delicious easy appetizer recipes have you covered!
Dips
Appetizers
- Kentucky Hot Brown Appetizers
- Crock Pot Little Smokies
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels - Puff Pastry Appetizers
- Chilis Southwest Egg Rolls
- BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Wings
Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- non-stick cooking spray
- 16 oz cream cheese , softened (2 standard blocks)
- 1 cup mayonnaise use sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz cheddar or Mexican cheese blend , shredded
- 4 oz chopped jalapeno peppers ,canned
- 4 oz chopped chili peppers , canned
- ¼ cup Panko crumbs , use crushed pork rinds for Keto version or simply omit
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and coat interior of a one quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine the soften cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl.
- Add the onion & garlic powders, peppers and half the shredded cheese to the bowl and mix well.
- Spread the cheese mixture out in the baking dish and top with remaining cheese and the breadcrumbs. Then bake for 15-17 minutes. Top will be melted and just starting to brown at edges, the dip will be hot through to center.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot or warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Tara says
A totally delicious dip idea for parties and tailgating!
Sandra Shaffer says
Ok, this is way better than a jalapeno popper because you get all that cheesy filling without cutting and seeding jalapenos. Great appetizer for a crowd, but double up because this goes fast!
SARA says
Absolutely delicious!