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Flavorful Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe with Crispy Bacon Topping

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A creamy, spicy jalapeño popper dip topped with crispy, smoky bacon breadcrumbs that’s perfect for gatherings and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 23 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add butter to the bacon fat and melt over medium heat. Stir in panko breadcrumbs and cayenne pepper if using. Toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in crumbled bacon. Set aside to cool.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, chopped jalapeños, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
  5. Spread the dip evenly in an oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the crispy bacon breadcrumb mixture evenly over the surface.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip bubbles around the edges and the topping is golden and crisp. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  7. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Keep cream cheese softened for easier mixing. Toast breadcrumbs carefully to avoid burning. Bacon fat adds flavor to breadcrumbs. Can prepare dip base and topping a day ahead. For more heat, add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce. Vegetarian version can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke instead of bacon.

Nutrition

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