Jalapeno Popper Dip

The Perfect Party Appetizer

I’m a big fan of easy appetizers of course, but they can’t look easy! They also need to be delicious and leave people wanting more. I feel like that’s the sign of success, which is why dips are always a hit!

I’ve turned jalapeno poppers into an easy jalapeno popper dip because, why not?! Let me tell you, it is perfection! It combines many of the same ingredients as the popular finger food and delivers the same flavors in the form of a creamy, cheesy, spicy dip topped with a crispy buttery cracker and Parmesan topping.

It’s become a game day favorite right along with queso blanco dip and buffalo chicken dip, so I can safely say, it’ll be a staple for Super Bowl parties, holiday parties, and everything in between!

I just know you’re going to love it as much as we do.

What Are Jalapeno Poppers?

Traditionally an appetizer or finger food that is usually found in pubs or American restaurant chains. They’re made by hollowing out a jalapeno pepper, either cut in half or kept whole, then stuffed with a spicy cheesy filling, breaded, then deep-fried. You can also find baked or air-fried versions too.

So, we’ve taken this idea and deconstructed it into an amazing warm dip bursting with all kinds of yum!

Why This Recipe Works

• It’s a great make-ahead dip. You can make it up to 3 days ahead! I like to add the topping just before baking.
• Inexpensive. A delicious jalapeno popper dip that doesn’t break the bank. Everything you’ll need to make it you may find in your pantry or fridge as we speak, or you may need to run out and grab some budget-friendly ingredients.
• Customize it. Adjust the spice level, add in some bacon, or make it lighter without sour cream. There are ways to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or what you have in the fridge.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Cream cheese: You’ll need softened cream cheese, to begin with, so bring it out to room temperature far enough in advance. At least 30 minutes before you start.
• Sour cream: Helps to lighten up the thick cream cheese. Contains a creamy texture and a tangy flavor but isn’t as dense as cream cheese.
• Garlic powder: A simple bit of seasoning for flavor.
• Diced jalapenos: Jalapeno popper dip calls for jalapenos! For convenience, I just use a can of already diced jalapenos and drain them before adding them to the dip. You can use freshly chopped jalapenos if you prefer.
• Cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese gives the dip a melty cheesy texture. I also add some Parmesan for sharpness in the dip and reserve some for the topping as well.
• For the Topping: A crisp topping made of crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Variations

• Use fresh jalapenos. Roast and dice about 4-6 for this recipe. Depending on the spice level you want, you can decide to remove the seeds completely (which is where most of the heat comes from) or keep some for extra heat.
• A different kind of heat. You can also decide to use green chiles or cayenne pepper instead. Not exactly a jalapeno popper dip anymore, but it works!
• Make it lighter. Swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, higher in protein.
• Bacon and cheese are always a match made in heaven. Fold some crisp bacon in with the jalapenos.
• Instead of Ritz crackers use Panko breadcrumbs. They’ll have a very similar texture in the end.
• Use mozzarella instead of cheddar in the cream cheese mixture.
• If you like onions, fry some up and fold some into the mix. Green onions are also an option.

• In a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment to mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder on medium-high until light and airy. You can do this with an electric mixer or stir by hand if you prefer. It’ll just take a bit of arm strength to whip it as fluffy.
• Fold in the jalapenos, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the dip evenly into the bottom of a prepared 8×8 baking dish set on a baking sheet.
• In a medium bowl, mix the Ritz crackers, melted butter, parmesan, and parsley until well combined and the butter has coated all the crumbs. Sprinkle evenly across the jalapeno dop and bake for 15-30 minutes.
• Once the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown, remove it from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dippable items!

Expert Tips

• For a rich, creamy consistency, stick with a block of full-fat cream cheese. Avoid low-fat or the spreadable kind which contains more water and will be too thin and runny.
• Make it ahead. Prepare this dip up to 3 days in advance, however, do not add any topping. Wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to add the topping just before baking.
• Sharp cheddar. Depending on how pronounced you like the flavor of your cheese, using aged cheddar will provide a tasty sharpness. If not, stick with regular!
• Grate your own cheese if you can. It melts easier and tastes better. If using mozzarella, do not use the fresh stuff in brine. It’s too wet!