Jalapeno Popper Dip Cream

The first time I brought this dip to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the baking dish until it came out of the oven. She's not usually a hoverer, but something about that golden, bubbling topping had her completely transfixed.

Now I make this for every gathering because I've learned the hard way that doubling the recipe is non-negotiable. The single batch disappears in approximately twelve minutes flat.

Ingredients

• 225 g cream cheese: Let it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes so you dont end up with lumpy pockets in your dip
• 120 g sour cream: Adds that perfect tangy backbone that cuts through all the rich cheese
• 120 g shredded cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives you the most flavor payoff here
• 60 g shredded mozzarella: This is what creates those gorgeous cheese strings when you scoop
• 4 fresh jalapeños: Seeding them completely keeps it approachable for guests who are spice-averse
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Dont skip this it rounds out all the flavors beautifully
• 1/2 tsp onion powder: Works in the background to make everything taste more complete
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that people notice but cant quite place
• 60 g panko breadcrumbs: These create the crunchiest most irresistible topping
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with panko this becomes golden perfection
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan: Salty nutty and the secret to a really flavorful crust

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 190°C and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Make the creamy base:

Mix softened cream cheese until smooth then fold in sour cream cheddar mozzarella jalapeños and all your seasonings

Spread it out:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish and use the back of a spoon to create an even surface

Create the topping:

Stir together panko melted butter and Parmesan until everything is well coated

Add the crunch:

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly across the top pressing gently so it sticks

Bake until golden:

Let it go for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is deeply golden and the edges are bubbling enthusiastically

Finish and serve:

Scatter with reserved jalapeño pieces and parsley if you want it to look extra pretty

Save

Last New Year's Eve I set out this dip with tortilla chips but people ended up scooping it with whatever was nearby bread slices crackers even carrot sticks from the veggie tray.

Making It Ahead

You can assemble everything up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add those extra few minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

Heat Levels

Jalapeño heat varies dramatically from pepper to pepper so taste a tiny bit before adding them all. I always reserve a small handful of seeds to stir in if it seems too mild.

Serving Suggestions

The real magic happens in those first ten minutes out of the oven when the cheese is at peak molten state. Set out sturdy scooping tools because flimsy chips will snap under the weight of this substantial dip.

• Pork rinds make an unexpectedly amazing gluten free vessel
• Warm pretzel bites take this over the top
• Keep extra chips nearby because the first bowl will vanish

Save

Trust me this will become the most requested dish at every gathering you attend.

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is the dip?

The heat level is moderate as seeds are removed from most jalapeños, but keeping some seeds or adding cayenne can increase spiciness.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ What cheeses are used in this dip?

Soft cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella create a creamy, melty texture.

→ What is the purpose of the panko topping?

The panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter and Parmesan form a golden, crunchy crust when baked.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it contains dairy but no meat, making it appropriate for a vegetarian diet.