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Savory Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Chips

jalapeño popper dip - featured image

A creamy, spicy, and smoky jalapeño popper dip with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, perfect for parties and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz softened cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 to 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 to 3 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Chopped fresh chives for garnish
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

  1. Place 6 to 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook until golden and crispy, about 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Crumble once cool.
  2. Wash and finely chop 2 to 3 medium jalapeños, removing seeds for less heat. Optionally sauté jalapeños in reserved bacon fat for 2–3 minutes to soften and mellow spice.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in jalapeños evenly.
  5. Mix most of the bacon crumbles into the dip, reserving about ¼ for topping.
  6. Spread mixture evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle reserved bacon and extra shredded cheddar on top if desired.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake dip for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Watch after 15 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
  8. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh chives. Serve warm with sturdy tortilla chips.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture. Save bacon fat for sautéing jalapeños to add smoky flavor. Baking the dip melts flavors together and creates a bubbly golden top, but it can also be served cold. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Reheat leftovers gently in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, bacon dip, party dip, appetizer, spicy dip, creamy dip, jalapeño recipe, bacon recipe