If you like jalapeño poppers but want a less labor-intense version that’s still shareable for parties, Jalapeño Popper Dip is your answer!

Lightened-Up Jalapeño Popper Dip - Perfect for tailgating and game-watching parties! All the flavors of a jalapeño popper, lightened-up in a dip made with Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, Cheddar cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. | foxeslovelemons.com

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!

Why You Will Love this Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe

  • It’s always a hit at any party, potluck or tailgate I take it to!
  • It’s bursting with flavor from the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños, tangy sour cream and bright lime juice.
  • Even though most people hear “jalapeños,“ and automatically think this dip will be super hot, it’s actually really easy to adjust the spice level to your liking by removing the jalapeño seeds.
Lightened-Up Jalapeño Popper Dip - Perfect for tailgating and game-watching parties! All the flavors of a jalapeño popper, lightened-up in a dip made with Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, Cheddar cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. | foxeslovelemons.com

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.

Home Chef Tips

  • Assemble the dip a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
  • Wear rubber gloves when handling the jalapeño pepper, and do not touch your eyes or face!
  • If you don’t have time to make the homemade breadcrumbs, substitute 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs.
Lightened-Up Jalapeño Popper Dip - Perfect for tailgating and game-watching parties! All the flavors of a jalapeño popper, lightened-up in a dip made with Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, Cheddar cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. | foxeslovelemons.com

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.

Lightened-Up Jalapeño Popper Dip - Perfect for tailgating and game-watching parties! All the flavors of a jalapeño popper, lightened-up in a dip made with Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, Cheddar cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. | foxeslovelemons.com

Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip

If you like jalapeño poppers but want a less labor-intense version that’s still shareable for parties, Jalapeño Popper Dip is your answer!
5 from 1 rating

Ingredients

  • 4 slices oven cooked bacon cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 package cream cheese 8 ounces
  • 1 large j jalapeño pepper seeded and minced (add some seeds to dip if you like it spicy)
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1 slice bread torn in large pieces
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Tortilla chips or crackers for serving

Instructions

  • Add bacon, cream cheese, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, sour cream and lime juice to medium bowl; stir until well combined. Transfer to medium baking dish.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In food processor, pulse bread until it becomes small to medium breadcrumbs. In small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs; cook 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs over dip; transfer to oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Serve warm with chips or crackers.

Notes

  • Assemble the dip a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
  • Wear rubber gloves when handling the jalapeño pepper, and do not touch your eyes or face!
  • If you don’t have time to make the homemade breadcrumbs, substitute 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs.
Serving: 0.25cup, Calories: 223kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 224mg, Potassium: 89mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 566IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 129mg, Iron: 0.2mg
This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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