Jalapeno Popper Dip with Fresh Jalapenos

This Jalapeño Popper Dip has been a hit at every party it’s been brought to, thanks to the bright flavor of FRESH jalapeños and lime juice. And it’s easy to adjust the spice level for a milder dip.

Jalapeño Popper Dip is Always a Hit at Parties

If you’re a fan of jalapeño poppers but want a less labor-intense version that’s still shareable for game day and parties, you’ve come to the right place!

With a creamy base of cream cheese and sour cream studded with bacon and Cheddar cheese, all the flavors you love are here.

What sets this jalapeno popper dip recipe apart from others is fresh jalapeños and lime juice.

Fresh jalapeños are cheap and widely available. Their flavor is superior to any canned or jarred variety, and since you’re cutting them up yourself, you have a lot more control over hot they’ll be – simply remove and discard some of the seeds for a less spicy dip, or use all of the seeds for something hotter.

The lime juice is my secret to brighten up all of the flavors in the dip and really balance the richness of the bacon and the cream cheese so that everybody will want to keep coming back for another bite, and another!

Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe ingredients

• bacon – adds the smoky, salty flavor that jalapeño poppers are known for!
• cream cheese – the rich, creamy base of the dip.
• jalapeño pepper – brings the heat and signature flavor to the dip.
• sharp cheddar cheese – adds a sharp flavor and melty, gooey texture.
• sour cream – enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang.
• lime juice – provides a fresh note that brightens up all the rest of the flavors.
• bread – just 1 slice of bread (any kind – white, wheat – doesn’t matter) is what we’re using to make a quick homemade bread crumb for the dip topping.
• olive oil – to brown the breadcrumbs.

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Dip with Fresh Jalapenos

1. STIR. In a medium bowl, stir together the bacon, cream cheese, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, sour cream and lime juice, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
2. BREADCRUMBS. Pulse the bread slice in a food processor until it becomes crumbs, then toast the crumbs in some olive oil in a skillet until they are golden brown.
3. BAKE. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the dip and transfer the dip to the oven and bake until the edges are bubbly.

Jalapeno Poppers Dip Variations

• LIGHTENED UP – make turkey bacon in the oven to use in place of the traditional bacon, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and use light cream cheese (Neufchâtel) in place of traditional cream cheese.
• VEGETARIAN – Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.

How to Serve Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip

Serve baked jalapeño popper dip warm from the oven, with tortilla chips or crackers for serving.

Other dipping options include pita chips, toasted baguette slices and cut vegetables.

‌Storing Jalapeño Popper Dip

If you have leftovers, transfer them to a storage container and place them in the fridge uncovered for a few hours until they are fully chilled, then cover them with the lid and keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze This Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze jalapeño poppers dip! Transfer the prepared (but not baked) dip to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.