Jalapeno popper dip is a perfect party appetizer! This creamy, spicy dip combines cream cheese, yogurt, cheese, and spicy jalapenos. It pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies for a healthier choice. Customize the spice level to your liking and savor this twist on classic jalapeño poppers.
Easy appetizers are often popular at parties and potlucks. Browse through our similar recipes for your next game day celebration! From roasted pepper hummus, pimento cheese to deviled eggs.
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🛒Ingredients
- Jalapeno peppers - I prefer the mild flavor of jarred or pickled jalapenos over fresh ones. Alternatively, you can use other types of peppers like poblano or Anaheim, or opt for diced green chiles, either fresh or jarred. Be mindful of sodium and additives in some brands. If you want more heat and texture, consider using fresh jalapeno peppers instead.
- Cream cheese - opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or try a vegan alternative made from nuts or tofu.
- Greek yogurt - this dip has no mayo and Greek yogurt does an excellent job of improving the texture. If needed, sour cream can be used instead as well. You can also explore vegan yogurt made from nuts or soy-based options.
- Garlic and onion powder - for convenience and a milder kick, I recommend using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. If you decide to go with fresh garlic or garlic paste, be cautious and taste-test the dip before baking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. I used both garlic and onion powder here, but if you have only one option it will work, just double it up.
- Breadcrumbs - for that golden brown crispy topping! Classic or panko bread crumbs provide a delightful crunch and texture to this jalapeno popper dip. However, you can skip them if you're avoiding carbs. For a vegan twist, consider using nutritional yeast flakes, but add them when serving for the best flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese - Cheddar is the traditional choice, but don't hesitate to experiment with flavors by using Colby, Monterey Jack, pepper jack cheese, or even a vegan cheese substitute. If you can, grate it from a block, it will melt better than buying pre-grated.
- Parmesan - grated Parmesan cheese brings in nutty and salty notes, adding depth to the dip.
- Mozzarella cheese - if possible, grate mozzarella from a block.
For the full list of ingredients, please scroll down to where you'll find the recipe card.
🥣Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the Dip: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and yogurt. Whisk them together until you achieve a creamy consistency.
Add Cheeses and Jalapenos: Stir in the cheddar cheese, ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and diced jalapenos. Mix everything thoroughly.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Place the cream cheese mixture into an 8-inch casserole dish (you can use one that's around 8 ½ x 7 inches).
Prepare the Topping: Combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the creamy filling.
Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown and crispy.
Sprinkle chopped green onions and more fresh jalapeno slices on top of the dip and serve with corn chips and veggie sticks.
📋Tips
- Instead of breadcrumbs, try panko crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers that we love in our chicken casserole (or cornflakes like in this breakfast casserole), which are available in gluten-free options.
- You can substitute yogurt with sour cream or light mayonnaise for a different twist.
- When it comes to jalapenos, we recommend using canned ones for a milder, crowd-pleasing flavor. If you prefer a spicier and smokier kick, opt for fresh jalapenos. Removing the seeds and membranes from fresh peppers will make the dip milder while leaving them in will make it extra spicy. Jarred peppers will result in a less spicy overall flavor.
- For an extra creamy dip, opt for full-fat cream cheese over low-fat or fat-free varieties.
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, as it makes working with softened cream cheese and yogurt easier, allowing flavors to blend faster. To boost creaminess, consider adding a splash of milk or cream.
- To prevent a watery dip, properly drain and rinse canned jalapenos, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- For smoother melting and incorporation, grate cheese from a block.
- Avoid overbaking your cheesy dip; it's ready when the top is golden brown and the cream cheese is bubbly around the edges.
Storage Instructions
- 🍱To Store. Cool the dip and place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven until warm.
- 🥶Freezing. Combine all ingredients, transfer unbaked dip to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed until warm and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
It is best not to freeze the cooked dip as it may ruin its texture after thawing.
👪Serving Suggestions
You can serve jalapeno popper dip sauce with a variety of accompaniments, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some popular options:
- Tortilla chips are a classic choice and pair well with jalapeno dipping sauce due to their crispy texture and ability to scoop up the sauce effectively. Pita chips, and bagel chips are our other favorites.
- Crackers
- Breadsticks
- Pretzels
- Fresh vegetable sticks - cut fresh vegetables like celery, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a healthier and refreshing dipper choice.
- Chicken wings - if your jalapeno dipping sauce has a creamy or cheesy base, it can be an excellent complement to chicken wings, either as a dip or drizzled over the wings.
- Potato wedges or fries
- Mini tacos or quesadillas
- Fried appetizers - serve the sauce with fried appetizers like zucchini fries, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, or jalapeno poppers for a delightful combination.
- Savory pancakes
- For more rich and fulfilling dip, many love to serve it with crispy bacon on top.
For Dessert, Give These a Try!
For all tasty treats, scroll through our Desserts archives.
Variations
🤷Frequently Asked Questions
You can make so many recipes! To start try this creamy dip, or stuff them with cheesy filling and bake, mix in fresh salsas, cornbread and add to hashbrown casseroles.
Yes, you can but the texture won’t be as creamy and luscious as freshly baked. I recommend mixing all the ingredients and freezing without baking. Thaw the dip in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight and then bake according to recipe instructions.
Jalapeno flavor combines heat and mild sweetness. However, the heat level of jalapenos can vary, with some being milder and others much spicier, depending on factors like growing conditions and maturity.
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📖Recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Dip With Jalapenos
Ingredients
For Jalapeno Dip
- 4 ounces jarred jalapenos , diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt , unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup mozzarella freshly , grated
- 1 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese , grated
- A pinch of salt
- black pepper to taste
For Topping
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon green onion, sliced for garnish
- sliced fresh jalapeños, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Dip: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and yogurt. Whisk them together until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheeses and Jalapenos: Stir in the cheddar cheese, ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and diced jalapenos. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Place the cream cheese mixture into an 8-inch casserole dish (you can use one that's around 8 ½ x 7 inches).
- Prepare the Topping: Combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the creamy filling.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and more fresh jalapeno slices on top of the dip and serve with corn chips and veggie sticks.
Video
Notes
- To Store. Cool the dip and place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven until warm.
- Freezing. Combine all ingredients, transfer unbaked dip to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed until warm and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
It is best not to freeze the cooked dip as it may ruin its texture after thawing.
enjoy an easy and delicious spicy dip for your next party!