Description
A creamy, cheesy, and spicy Jalapeno Popper Dip loaded with bacon, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pickled jalapenos. Perfect for parties and game days!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8 slices)
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, diced (more or less to taste)
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno juice (from the jar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Paprika, for garnish
- Serving suggestions: Tortilla chips, crackers, baguette slices, celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is softened. Microwave in 15-second intervals if needed, until soft but not melted.
- Combine Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add Flavor: Add undrained diced green chilies, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, diced pickled jalapenos, jalapeno juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Mix: Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly distributed.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more jalapenos for spice, cheese for cheesiness, or jalapeno juice for tang.
- Prepare Dish: Choose an oven-safe baking dish (8×8 inch or similar). Lightly grease if desired.
- Transfer Dip: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle extra cheese or paprika on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with paprika or extra jalapenos.
- Serve: Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, baguette slices, or celery sticks.
Notes
- Make it spicier: Add more diced jalapenos, hotter jalapenos, or cayenne pepper.
- Make it milder: Reduce jalapenos or use mild green chilies.
- Add different cheeses: Experiment with pepper jack, Gruyere, or Swiss.
- Add vegetables: Diced red bell pepper, corn, or black beans.
- Use fresh jalapenos: Roast or grill fresh jalapenos first.
- Slow cooker: Combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Make ahead: Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Add protein: Shredded chicken or cooked sausage.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of dippers, use as a spread for sandwiches, top burgers, serve with grilled chicken, or use as a filling for stuffed peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes