Jalapeno Popper Dip Cream Cheese

The Super Bowl party was already in full swing when I pulled this bubbling golden dish from the oven, and within minutes the room went quiet. People literally crowded around the serving table, dipping chips and debating who deserved the last scoop. I had originally planned it as just another appetizer, but my best friend Sarah texted me the next morning asking for the recipe because her husband kept talking about it.

Last summer my neighbor Mike brought over some fresh jalapenos from his garden, and I decided to experiment with a dip instead of my usual popper approach. His kids, who normally claim to hate anything spicy, ended up hovering around the kitchen island until the dish was practically scraped clean. Now whenever I mention Im making it for game day, people start rearranging their schedules to make sure they can stop by.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Make sure this is properly softened to room temperature or you will end up with frustrating lumps in your dip
• Sour cream: Adds a tang that cuts through all the richness and balances the heat from the peppers
• Shredded cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives you that bold cheese flavor while providing structure to the dip
• Shredded mozzarella: Creates the gorgeous melty strands and adds a milder cheese flavor
• Unsalted butter, melted: Essential for getting that perfectly golden and crispy panko topping
• Fresh jalapenos: Seeding them removes most of the fire, but leave a few seeds if you want extra kick
• Green onions: Use both the white and green parts for a mild onion flavor and pretty flecks of color
• Garlic powder: Distributes evenly throughout the dip without the raw bite of fresh garlic
• Smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that adds depth and a subtle smoky undertone
• Salt and black pepper: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier topping than regular breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed with the panko, it adds a salty, nutty element to the crispy topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 20x20 cm baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Mix the creamy base:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until completely smooth and no lumps remain

Add the cheeses and seasonings:

Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined

Fold in the vegetables:

Gently mix in the diced jalapenos and sliced green onions until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture

Spread it out:

Transfer the dip to your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer

Make the crispy topping:

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan until the panko is evenly coated

Add the topping:

Sprinkle the buttery panko mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dip

Bake until golden:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown

Let it rest:

Allow the dip to cool for about 5 minutes before serving, as it will be extremely hot right out of the oven

Garnish and serve:

Top with extra jalapeno slices and green onions if desired, and serve warm with your favorite dippers

Save

This dip has become such a staple at our gatherings that my brother actually requested it for his birthday instead of cake. Something about standing around a warm, bubbling dish with friends just makes conversation flow easier and everyone feels more relaxed.

Make It Your Own

I have discovered that swapping mozzarella for pepper jack takes the heat to another level, which my spice-loving friends absolutely prefer. You could also add crumbled cooked bacon on top for the last five minutes of baking.

The Perfect Dippers

After years of serving this at parties, I have found that sturdy tortilla chips work best, but sliced baguette and crackers are excellent options too. The key is choosing something substantial enough to hold up the thick, creamy dip.

Plan Like A Pro

You can assemble the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator without the topping. Just add the buttery panko mixture right before baking.

• Let the refrigerated dip sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking
• Add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge
• The panko topping can get soggy if added too far in advance

Save

Whether it is game day, a holiday party, or just Tuesday night, this dip has a way of making any gathering feel like a celebration. Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite with your favorite people.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

To reduce heat, remove jalapeno seeds before dicing. For extra spice, keep seeds or add cayenne pepper to the mix.

→ Can I prepare this dip in advance?

Yes, assemble the dip without the breadcrumb topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add topping and bake just before serving.

→ What cheeses work best in this dip?

A combination of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella creates a creamy, melty texture. Pepper jack can replace mozzarella for a spicier twist.

→ What side options pair well with the dip?

Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette for variety and crunch.

→ How do I achieve a crispy topping?

Mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle evenly before baking to get a golden, crunchy topping.