Inspired by my Jalapeno Poppers, this Jalapeno Popper Dip recipe is loaded with chopped jalapeños, three different cheeses, and bacon, then topped with buttery crispy panko breadcrumbs. Nobody can resist this ultimate party appetizer!

Jalapeño Poppers will definitely go down in history as one of American’s best loved game day appetizers. What could possibly be better? How about Jalapeno Popper Dip!

Cheesy hot dips and all the finger food are just quintessential game day fair, right? It’s when all dieting goes out the window and nobody really cares that they’ve just eaten 17 deviled eggs in an hour.

Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

I’ve made this dip several times now, once without bacon, and every time after, with bacon. You can’t go wrong either way, but this version including bacon is definitely preferred among family and friends.

Ingredients you need:

• Bacon – we prefer this dip with bacon, but if you’ve got vegetarian guests to consider, omitting it will not ruin anything.
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream – we use sour cream, but you can’t go wrong with mayo, if you prefer. Both delish.
• Cheese – a combination of shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
• Canned peppers – we used both diced jalapeños and green chiles (drained.) You can certainly use fresh, if you prefer. I like the canned because they’re just easier. No slicing, seeding, and chopping. Having said that, fresh jalapeños do add a nice element of crunch and you can better control the heat by completely seeding and ribbing the peppers or leaving some intact. Your call.
• Panko breadcrumbs – these are a flakier, crispier bread crumb then traditional ones and really make a difference. If you can’t find them, you could use crushed up Ritz crackers instead.
• Butter, melted
• Chopped fresh chives
• Dippers, for serving

(Scroll down to the detailed printable recipe card for exact measurements.)

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Dip

It’s so easy to make this dip in just a few simple steps:

1. Cook some diced up bacon (if using)
2. Beat together the cream cheese and sour cream, then add in shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, diced jalapeños, diced green chiles, and the cooked bacon. Mix until combined.
3. Mix together bread crumbs, melted butter, some Parmesan cheese, and chives.
4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a prepared cast iron skillet and spread evenly. Evenly sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top.
5. Bake in a preheated oven until bubbling around the edges and the bread crumbs are golden brown.

Recipe Notes

• This dip has a kick, my friends. Not out of this world hot, but if spicy is not your thing (and you still really want to make it), I would recommend leaving out the jalapeños and doubling the green chiles (which are not spicy.) It will no longer resemble jalapeño poppers, but it will still be yummy!
• Softened cream cheese is so much easier to work with when blending with the other ingredients. Let it sit out on the counter for several hours before you’ll need it. If you forget, unwrap it and cut the block up into small cubes and let it sit out for an hour or so.

Make Ahead and Serving

• The cream cheese mixture can be made the day prior to assembly. Mix everything together, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then let it soften up a bit at room temperature the next day and prepare your bread crumb topping right before you’re going to bake it.
• A cast iron skillet or baking dish both work fine. I always prepare and serve this in a 10-inch cast iron skillet. If you don’t have one, you can easily use an 8×8-inch baking dish instead.
• This dip is best served right away. After about 15 minutes and has cooled, it will start to thicken up and lose that gooey consistency. Still yummy, though!
• What to serve with Jalapeno Popper Dip: I usually put out crackers or miniature sweet peppers (that have been halved and seeded), but you can serve this appetizer with so many different dippers – crostini, pretzel chips, sturdy potato chips, or your favorite raw vegetables are all great options.

You can’t go wrong with this dip. You might want to consider doubling it!

Other Dips We Love

• Crab Rangoon Dip
• Cheesy Corn Dip
• Chile Relleno Dip
• Dill Pickle Dip

Jalapeno Popper Dip Video

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!