Craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s loaded with bold, savory flavors? Look no further than this Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip with Tortilla Chips. A creamy, cheesy base is infused with the smoky, spicy goodness of bacon and jalapeños, creating a dip that’s both comforting and craveable. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate party-ready snack.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip with Tortilla Chips
This irresistible dip is the perfect fusion of comfort and adventure. The rich, velvety texture and melty, gooey cheese are the ultimate in indulgence, while the smoky bacon and zesty jalapeños add a delightful kick of heat and flavor. It’s the perfect appetizer to bring people together, with its cozy, satisfying flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, with simple, chef-tested steps for reliable results every time.
Ingredients
This dip comes together with a simple lineup of classic ingredients like cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh jalapeños. The combination creates a lush, creamy base that’s loaded with bold, comforting flavors.
- 8 oz (225g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) – Sour cream
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2-3 – Fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds and membranes removed for less heat, if desired)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapeños: Roasted red peppers (for a milder flavor)
- Bacon: Plant-based bacon alternative (for a vegetarian option)
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip with Tortilla Chips
This dip comes together in just a few simple steps for deliciously reliable results every time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cooking the bacon until crispy, then crumbling it into bite-sized pieces. Dice the jalapeños, removing the seeds and membranes for a less spicy dip, if desired. Shred the cheddar cheese.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Beat until smooth and creamy. Fold in the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and diced jalapeños, reserving a small amount of each for topping.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the dip to a baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved bacon and jalapeños over the top. Bake the dip at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, melty top.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Serve the hot, cheesy dip immediately with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra-Creamy Dip: Swap out some of the cheddar for cream cheese or Monterey Jack.
- Smoky Twist: Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder in place of regular paprika.
- Amp Up the Heat: Leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Festive Garnish: Top the dip with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy tortilla chips.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The dip can be assembled and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Bake it until hot and bubbly when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This cheesy, bacon-y dip is undeniably indulgent, but a little goes a long way. A serving (about 1/4 cup) provides a satisfying 180 calories, with 14g of fat, 6g of carbs, and 9g of protein. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and pair it with plenty of fresh veggies for dipping.
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dip can be assembled and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. When ready to serve, bake it until hot and bubbly.
How spicy is the jalapeño popper dip?
The level of heat can vary depending on the size and ripeness of the jalapeños used. For a milder dip, remove the seeds and membranes. For more heat, leave them in.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheese varieties. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would also work well.
What should I serve with the dip?
Crispy tortilla chips are the classic pairing, but you can also serve it with fresh veggies like celery, carrots, or bell pepper strips.
Can I freeze the leftover dip?
While the dip can be frozen, the texture may become a bit grainy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy any leftovers within 3 days.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Popper Bites
- Caramel Apple Bacon Waffles With Maple Drizzle
- Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole With Garlic Bread Topping
Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip with Tortilla Chips
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and cheesy dip loaded with crispy bacon, jalapeños, and melted cheese, perfect for game day or any party! Serve it hot with tortilla chips for a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup jalapeños, diced (fresh or pickled)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined and smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with tortilla chips.
Notes
For a spicier dip, use more jalapeños or add some cayenne pepper.
This dip can be made ahead of time. Just refrigerate before baking and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: dip, cheesy, bacon, jalapeño, appetizer