Go Back
- 8 oz cream cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese - 4-5 fresh jalapeños - 1/2 cup green onions - Spices and Condiments - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste To make a hearty Game Day Jalapeño Popper Dip, you need a few key items. First, cream cheese is the base. It gives the dip its rich and creamy texture. Sour cream adds tanginess and helps balance the flavors. Two types of cheese make it extra cheesy: cheddar and pepper jack. These cheeses melt well and add depth to the dip. Now, fresh jalapeños bring heat. You can adjust the spice by adding more or fewer jalapeños. Green onions add a fresh crunch and color. Finally, a few spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika give the dip a warm flavor. - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Additional garnishes (more green onions for topping) If you want a crispy topping, panko breadcrumbs are the way to go. Mixing them with olive oil helps them brown nicely in the oven. This adds a fun texture to the dip. You can also choose extra garnishes like more green onions to make it pop. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the dip bake evenly. - Take a large mixing bowl and blend the cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula. Mix until the texture is smooth and creamy. - Now, add the shredded cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese. Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. - Next, stir in the finely diced jalapeños and sliced green onions. Make sure everything is well combined for great flavor. - Pour the creamy dip mixture into a medium baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula. - If you want a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the dip. - Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling and a golden brown top. - When done, let the dip cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to serve. - To ensure a creamy texture, mix the cream cheese and sour cream well. Use a hand mixer for best results. - Balancing flavors is key. Adjust spices to your taste. Add more smoked paprika for depth or garlic powder for punch. - Serve this dip hot with crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggies. They add a nice crunch. - For gatherings, use a colorful dish. Garnish with sliced green onions for extra flair and flavor. - Prep the dip in advance. You can mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge. - For quick baking, set your oven to preheat while you prepare the dip. This saves time before your guests arrive. Pro Tips Choose Your Heat Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference. For a milder dip, remove the seeds and membranes thoroughly or use fewer jalapeños. Make Ahead: Prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for a quick and easy game day snack! Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses. Adding a bit of mozzarella can give a stringy texture, while a touch of feta can provide a tangy flavor. Garnish for Color: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes along with the green onions right before serving. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in your dip. Try using gouda or mozzarella. These cheeses add a different taste. If you want more heat, use more jalapeños. If you prefer mild, pick sweet peppers instead. You can make this dip in a slow cooker. Just mix all the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours. This method gives a nice, warm dip. An air fryer is also a great choice. Cook it for about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will give you a crispy top. For a gluten-free option, skip the panko breadcrumbs. The dip tastes great without them. You can also make this dip vegan. Use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream. Swap the cheeses for vegan versions too. This way, everyone can enjoy the dip! - Refrigeration tips: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When you are ready to eat it, just take it out and let it sit for a few minutes before reheating. - Freezing options: You can freeze the dip if you want to keep it longer. Place the dip in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. - Best methods for reheating: Reheat your dip in the oven for the best results. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake it for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it. Heat in short bursts until warm. - Maintaining texture and flavor: To keep the dip creamy, stir it gently while reheating. If it seems too thick, mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese. This helps restore its smooth texture and rich flavor. How long does jalapeño popper dip last in the fridge? Jalapeño popper dip can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Can I make jalapeño popper dip ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dip ahead. Prepare it, then cover and chill it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving for the best flavor. What can I serve with jalapeño popper dip? You can serve this dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies. It's great for scooping and adds a nice crunch. Can I use canned jalapeños? Yes, you can use canned jalapeños. They save time and still add flavor. Just drain them well before mixing. How do I make the dip spicier? To make the dip spicier, add more fresh jalapeños or include some cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier cheese. Can I substitute low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you want. It will change the taste a bit, but it still works well. What is the best cheese for jalapeño popper dip? The best cheese is a mix of cheddar and pepper jack. This combo gives creamy texture and spice. You can also mix in other cheeses for fun flavors. This blog post covers making a delicious jalapeño popper dip from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients, steps for preparation, and tips for perfecting the recipe. You learned about optional ingredients, variations, and how to store leftovers. Making this dip is easy and fun. You can change it to fit your taste or serve it in many ways. Enjoy this tasty treat at your next gathering!

Game Day Jalapeño Popper Dip

A creamy and spicy dip perfect for game day, featuring jalapeños and two types of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 4-5 pieces fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (if using panko)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it's ready to bake when your dip mixture is prepared.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend them together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • To the cream cheese and sour cream mixture, add the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, finely diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed together.
  • Pour the creamy dip mixture into a medium-sized baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for consistent baking.
  • If you opt for a crunchy topping, in a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until each crumb is lightly coated. Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the surface of the dip to create a delightful crispy topping.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it set slightly and make it easier to serve.

Notes

Serve hot with tortilla chips or crackers. Garnish with additional green onions.
Keyword appetizer, cheese, dip, jalapeño