Jalapeno Popper Dip Cream Cheese

I'll never forget the Super Bowl party where this dip disappeared in ten minutes flat. My friend Sarah actually hovered over the baking dish with a chip, guarding her share like it was the last piece of gold on Earth. The way the crispy topping meets that creamy, spicy underneath creates something absolutely magical.

Last Christmas Eve, my brother-in-law who claims to hate anything spicy ate half the dish himself. He kept asking what made it so addictive while reaching for another chip, completely ignoring the actual dinner I'd spent hours preparing. Now it's not a family gathering without someone requesting the dip.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Use full-fat and let it soften completely at room temperature for the silkiest texture
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightens the rich cream cheese base beautifully
• Cheddar and mozzarella: The cheddar brings sharp flavor while mozzarella creates those gorgeous cheese pulls
• Fresh jalapenos: Dice them small so the heat distributes evenly throughout every bite
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs create an incredibly light and crispy topping
• Butter: Melted and mixed with the panko, it ensures the topping browns perfectly

Instructions

Get everything ready:

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Make the creamy base:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add sour cream, both shredded cheeses, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper

Add the heat:

Fold in the diced jalapenos and green onions until evenly distributed, then spread the mixture into your prepared dish

Create the crispy topping:

Mix melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan until combined, then sprinkle evenly over the entire surface

Bake until golden:

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

Serve it up:

Let the dip rest for about 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with extra jalapeno slices and green onions if you like

Save to Pinterest

My neighbor now texts me days before any potluck asking if I'm bringing the dip. She swears it's the only thing her teenage son will actually eat at parties, which she finds both hilarious and slightly concerning.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble the entire dip without the topping up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then add the panko mixture right before baking. I've even frozen it unbaked, though the texture is best when freshly made.

Serving Suggestions

Tortilla chips are classic and sturdy enough for generous scoops, but sliced baguette creates the most elegant presentation. I've also served it with cucumber rounds for a lighter option, and honestly, it's just as good straight off the spoon.

Customization Ideas

Swap pepper jack for the mozzarella if you want more heat, or add bacon bits to the topping for smoky crunch. Sometimes I mix in roasted red peppers for sweetness and color.

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost
• Add a can of drained diced green chilies for extra depth
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top after baking for brightness

Save to Pinterest

There's something about a warm, bubbly dip that brings people together like nothing else. Watch your friends gather around the dish and tell me this doesn't become your most requested recipe too.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I adjust the spiciness level?

For milder heat, remove jalapeno seeds completely. To intensify spice, keep some seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

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

→ What cheeses are used in this dish?

It combines cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan for topping.

→ What is the best way to serve this dip?

Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette to complement its creamy and spicy texture.

→ Is there an option for extra flavor?

Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a richer spicy note to the dip.