Jalapeño Popper Dip

This Jalapeño Popper Dip is a game-day favorite at our house, and it disappears faster than you can say “touchdown!” It’s everything you love about jalapeño poppers—creamy, cheesy, and spicy—but in easy dip form, perfect for sharing (or not!).

Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply craving a cheesy snack, this dip will hit the spot. It’s a quick and easy recipe that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love It

This Jalapeño Popper Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s:

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dip ready in under an hour. If you’re short on time, using pre-roasted, peeled and diced chiles is a big shortcut!
• Packed with Flavor:** The combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and tangy pimientos is simply irresistible. And the panko breadcrumbs add a perfect crunch!
• Versatile:** It’s perfect for game day, parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Serve it with your favorite chips, crackers, or vegetables.

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Ingredient Lowdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible Jalapeño Popper Dip:

• Jalapeños: These are the stars of the show! Roasting them brings out their smoky sweetness and adds a delicious depth of flavor. Don’t worry, you can control the heat level. See my Pro-Tips below.
• Cream Cheese: This provides the creamy base for the dip. Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing and a smooth consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy kick and helps lighten up the dip’s texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Because who doesn’t love cheesy dip? Mild cheddar is best, but a sharp cheddar will also do nicely.
• Pimientos: These sweet, tangy peppers add a pop of color and flavor. Jarred pimientos work perfectly here.
• Spices: Kosher salt and garlic powder. Basic, and delicious.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the dip a crispy, golden crust.
• Fresh Parsley: For a touch of freshness and vibrant green color.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Binds the panko and parsley together for a crunchy topping.
• Dippers: Sweet potato chips, carrots, celery, cauliflower, and cucumber spears are all great choices!

From Start to Finish

Step 1: Roast the Jalapeños

Preheat your broiler and place the jalapeños on a baking sheet. Broil them, flipping once, until they’re charred all over. This should take about 6–8 minutes. Once they’re charred, transfer them to a bowl, cover, and let them stand for 10 minutes to steam. This will make it easier to remove the skins.

Step 2: Prep the Jalapeños

Remove the skins, stems, and seeds from the roasted jalapeños. If you want a milder dip, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes. For some added heat, leave some behind!

Step 3: Blend the Dip

In a food processor, combine the roasted jalapeños, room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, pimientos, salt, and garlic powder. Purée until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Dip

Pour the dip into a 1-quart ovenproof baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parsley, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dip.

Step 5: Final Touches

Bake the dip until it’s golden brown and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Better-Than-Grandma Tips

• Control the Heat: For a milder dip, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before roasting. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Not sure how hot your peppers are? Try our guide to peppers to check the Scoville units.
• Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a perfectly smooth dip.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the dip while it’s baking. You want it golden and bubbly, not burnt. Overbaking will dry it out.
• Fresh is Best: Freshly chopped parsley brightens up the flavor of the dip. But if you’re in a pinch, dried parsley can be substituted.

Switch-Ups & Swaps

• Bacon Lovers: Crumble cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the dip before baking. You could even swap out some of the cheddar cheese for some crumbled bacon.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra kick. Looking for a really flavorful dip? Mix in a tablespoon or two of our homemade salsa verde.
• Creamy Dreamy: For an even creamier dip, try using a combination of cream cheese and softened goat cheese. The tangy goat cheese adds a delicious depth of flavor.
• Herby Goodness: Add other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives along with the parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.

How to Serve

This Jalapeño Popper Dip is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a variety of dippers, such as:

• Sweet potato chips: The sweetness of the chips complements the spicy dip perfectly.
• Crudités: Carrots, celery sticks, blanched cauliflower florets, and cucumber spears add a refreshing crunch.
• Tortilla chips: A classic choice for any dip. For a fun twist, try our homemade baked tortilla chips.
• Crackers: Ritz crackers or other buttery crackers provide a nice contrast in texture.

That’s a Wrap

This Jalapeño Popper Dip is the perfect appetizer for any get-together. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and always a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, you’ll have a delicious dip ready in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, this dip is sure to satisfy. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other delicious dip recipes. Don’t forget to share your Jalapeño Popper Dip creations with us on social media! We’d love to see them. Find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and X/Twitter.