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Creamy Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe with Crispy Cheddar Panko Crust

creamy jalapeño popper dip - featured image

A creamy, spicy jalapeño popper dip topped with a crispy cheddar panko crust, perfect for parties and casual gatherings. This dip balances rich creaminess with a crunchy, cheesy topping and a kick of heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • ½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50 g) extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
  • ½ tsp (3 g) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) black pepper
  • Optional: ¼ cup (30 g) crisp cooked bacon bits
  • Optional: chives for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or spoon.
  3. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Fold gently until evenly mixed.
  4. Transfer the creamy mixture into a prepared 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the extra shredded cheddar cheese and optional smoked paprika.
  6. Sprinkle the panko and cheddar mixture evenly over the top of the dip, pressing lightly to help it stick.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  9. Serve warm with your choice of dippers such as crackers, fresh veggies, or toasted baguette slices.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute regular panko with gluten-free panko crumbs. Mayonnaise can be swapped with Greek yogurt to reduce fat. Fresh jalapeños are preferred for crisp heat; pickled jalapeños can be used but alter texture and flavor. Watch the panko topping closely to avoid burning. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat in oven to maintain crust crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, creamy dip, party dip, cheddar panko crust, spicy dip, appetizer, easy dip recipe