Jalapeno Popper Dip is a spicy, cheesy dip with jalapenos and bacon that resembles jalapeno poppers without the hassle of stuffing.

Despite what you may believe, Cinco de Mayo is not Independence Day. September 16, is Independence Day.
Mexican food is a huge hit in the US. I swear every where I turn, people are having tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, steak fajitas, shredded beef enchiladas, guacamole.
Me? Minus my quesadilla binge lately, I rarely make Mexican food. I like it, but I’d rather be eating Asian cuisine than Mexican (why don’t I cook Asian more often? Hmm).
Oh I make Garden Salsa a lot, mainly because it’s an easy way to use up my tomatoes and share with everyone at work.
Since it is una fiesta today, I made Jalapeno Popper Dip to celebrate! A spicy cream cheese dip with bacon.
Ok there’s more than just bacon in there, but I got your attention, didn’t I?

This dip is based on the typical jalapeno poppers that you see on most appetizer menus.
The first (and last) time I made jalapeno poppers, I couldn’t eat them. Apparently the peppers I picked to stuff were too spicy to eat on their own, even with the cream cheese filling.
Dad and I just could not finish them because we were dying.
With this dip, you can control the heat level with the amount of seeds and membrane you add.
The first time I made this, I put very little in, and the spice level just wasn’t there.
This time around, I put all of the seeds in. It uh definitely opened up your sinuses.
Third time’s a charm to getting the spice level, right? Your mileage will vary, so adjust the heat accordingly.

Making jalapeno popper dip is the perfect way to use up those overflowing jalapenos from your garden.
Instead of going through the hassle of stuffing peppers then frying or baking them, you just chop stuff up, mix it in cream cheese, and bake.
Plus you have plenty more to share with dip than you do with poppers, and you don’t have to worry about fried food not being as good the next day.
I prefer to serve this warm, but I’ve had it straight from the fridge too.
I know this dip isn’t healthy by any means, but you can substitute sour cream for the mayonnaise. It’s the thought that counts.


The topping uses panko, which is Japanese breadcrumbs that are much more coarse than your typical breadcrumbs. You can find them in the Japanese section of your grocery store.
If you decide to use regular breadcrumbs, cut down the amount. Since they are a finer texture, more breadcrumbs fit into a cup.

If you happen to have leftover dip (too much food at your fiesta, perhaps?), a great way to repurpose it is in quesadillas, thanks to Lane’s brilliant idea.
I said on Twitter I was doing something crazy (not related to this dip, btw). She thought I was making quesadillas, which I wasn’t LOL
But I was too exhausted to make dinner that day, so I spread a few spoonfuls of the dip onto a tortilla, topped it with bell pepper strips (you can do chicken, mushrooms, beef, whatever), then made dinner.
Be sure to have sour cream or a glass of milk to balance the heat level. Then again, remember I couldn’t handle jalapeno poppers, so I’m probably just a wimp ;)

Jalapeno Popper Dip
Jalapeno Popper Dip is a spicy, cheesy dip with jalapenos and bacon that resembles jalapeno poppers without the hassle of stuffing.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped (roughly 2 long pieces)
- 3/4 cup green jalapenos, chopped (roughly 3 peppers)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped (roughly 1 small onion)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, mayonnaise/sour cream, bacon, jalapeno, garlic, onion, cumin, and cheddar cheese until all mixed together. Spread mixture into 9x9 pan or similar-sized casserole dish.
- For the topping, in a small bowl, mix together panko, Parmesan cheese, and butter until evenly moistened. Spread evenly on top of cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and dip is bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Source: Adapted from Brown Eyed Baker
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Veronica Gantley says
You can never have enough dips in your recipe file. I love this recipe. Happy Independence Day1
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
This recipe is just on time Carla, since I was looking for a jalapeño bacon jam to use a bunch of past their prime peppers. But this is so much better and easiee!. And the quesadillas are perfect! Have a great sunday!
Cindys Recipes says
I’m not crazy about hot spicy but I would serve this at a party!
Liz says
Mmmmm….I love this easier way to enjoy jalapeno poppers :) And making quesadillas with leftovers is genius! Happy #SundaySupper!
Alaiyo Kiasi says
I love hot and spicy foods, and will save this recipe for the near future. I have jalapenos growing in my garden, so I must find many things to do with jalapeno peppers!
Katie says
Holy mackeral, this sounds amazing! I am such a sucker for hot and spicy food…and I love the idea to also spread it inside a tortilla for a quesadilla! Brilliant!
Stacy says
I love jalapeño poppers! But I totally agree about the pain of stuffing and frying them. This sounds like the ideal solution. And quesadillas from the leftovers is genius!
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
Mmm I want some of this delivered to my door right now for breakfast! Can’t wait to make this soon.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
I’ve been waiting for this all week. I’ll be right there.
Angie @ Big Bear's Wife says
My dad would love this! Great dip!!! and i love the dishes too!
Leslie @ La Cocina de Leslie says
We were just talking about Jalapeño poppers last night and how it’s been a while since I’ve made them. I was planning on making some today, but I think I’ll make this instead. Looks absolutely delicious!
Sheila says
This looks great! Jalapenos and bacon are a match made in heaven!
Patti says
I’m saving this one Carla! My boys will love it!
Crazy Kwistin says
This looks good!! Love a dip version :)
marguerite says
Mmmmm… this looks delish! I love jalapeno poppers and will definitely be trying this dip for our next football party!
Bea says
This sounds great! Cream cheese, bacon, jalapeños – all the right flavors for a dip :_
Tara Noland says
Love this dip and your pictures are gorgeous. You already know I love your dish as I have remarked on it now a few times!!
diabeticFoodie says
It’s amazing how much the heat in jalapenos varies. I bought mine from a different market this week and my fingers were still burning last night after chopping them yesterday morning! Your dip sounds fantastic.
Renee says
I’m making this as an appetizer for my next party. It has so many good things with the bacon and cheddar cheese (I like cheddar cheese stuffed jalapenos). Thank you so much for sharing it.
PS. The hotter the better for me. Bring on the heat!
Pam @ The Meltaways says
This is one of my favorite dips! Love love love it!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals says
What a great dip! I love dips and it’s nice to see some thing different besides salsa or cheese! Thanks for sharing.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Amazing! I’m totally going to dip my quinoa tortilla chips in this! I blame you in advance for eating an entire bag of chips!
Sheila Fretz (@CookUnderwriter) says
What a great way to deconstruct and serve jalapeno poppers.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
This dip looks and sounds perfect Just wish I had some chips to dig in with right now!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
I’m so totally going to make this! I love jalapeno poppers, so this is my type of a dip.
Laura says
So I love jalapeno peppers and they are my husband’s favourite but I have never made them for him. For the simple reason of they take way too long to stuff the peppers. You just made his day by introducing me to this because we can now get that taste that he loves without the hassle. Thanks!
Kim Bee says
Carla this if fabulous. I love the recipe and the dish you put it in. My mom used to have those casserole dishes. I see them all the time at flea markets and wish I still had hers. Great Sunday Supper recipe.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Gah I have wanted to make that dip forever! I actually started to make it for a cookout one day, but mid cheese-shredding was told it was cancelled. That is how my jalapeno popper burgers were born, so I cannot complain too much.
Heather @girlichef says
Oh my gosh, this sounds absolutely FANTASTIC!! I love the flavors in here and I’d probably want to steal away in a corner with it all by myself. :D
Megan says
Stop it right now!!! Making this next weekend for College Football Saturday!
Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom) says
I have the sudden urge to go to the grocery store… this looks scrumptious!
Jamie @ http://www.mamamommymom.com
hezzi-D says
This is one of my favorite dips of all time-it’s delicious!
Family Foodie says
Awesome Dip… I am totally trying this dip next time I entertain! Thanks for sharing during #SundaySupper …. I was shocked you didn’t share a dessert! All your recipes are awesome!
Faye Leong says
I never know jalapenos can make such great dip and it’s so simple and easy. Love it! Thanks for sharing, Carla.
Sarah says
Even though I’m not a creamy dippy fan this looks so yummy!
chattering kitchen says
Love spicy food, especially with jalepenos. Looks great
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
This dip looks delicious, Carla! I love the idea of using leftovers inside a quesadilla. Yum! If you have any leftovers, you can send some my way ;)
Sarah says
Jalapeno popper in the form of a dip is a genius idea! Perfect dip for a Mexican celebration. Love your action shots Carla!
Susan says
You aren’t a wimp! I have to wear gloves when I cut hot peppers, because I can’t tolerate any heat, and I don’t want the contamination!
Jen @ Jen's Favorite Cookies says
Ooh, I like it spicy! I seriously love jalapenos. I want this dip in my life.
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Eliana says
This is one KILLER dip. Gonna find myself some big chips to enjoy it with.
Sunithi says
I grow jalopenos in a pot. This looks so yummy & super simple to make ! Love it. Pinning it ! Thanks for sharing :)
Kim - Liv Life says
Oh MY! I’m so not showing this to my husband… I think he would want to marry you instead of me!! ;)
LOVE this dip. I think I’ve just found what I’m bringing to Super Bowl. Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas.
Paul C says
This is a great dip. I have been sauteing the onion and garlic in the bacon fat since it’s there. Also, I add ground hot Italian sausage, too, for some extra meaty flavor.
Carla says
Love the addition of sausage!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
This is an absolute favorite of mine! I think I ate my weight in it New Year’s Eve lol