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Jalapeno Popper Dip

Creamy jalapeno popper dip with crispy bacon panko topping in cast iron skillet.

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This creamy, cheesy dip captures all the spicy, smoky flavor of classic jalapeno poppers in an easy, shareable format. Topped with a crispy bacon and panko crust, it's the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or any gathering. The key to a perfectly smooth texture is using fully softened cream cheese.

Ingredients

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  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4-5 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet, pie dish, or 2-quart baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise with a hand mixer or sturdy spatula until completely smooth and lump-free.
  3. Fold in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced jalapeños, drained green chiles, green onions, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
  4. Transfer the dip mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Toss until the panko is evenly coated.
  6. Sprinkle the bacon-panko mixture evenly over the top of the dip.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the topping is a deep golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
  8. Let the dip cool for 5-10 minutes before serving warm with chips, crackers, or vegetables.

Notes

For a lump-free dip, ensure cream cheese is fully softened. The dip base can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead; add topping and bake when ready. Control spice level by seeding jalapeños. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

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