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Crispy Loaded Jalapeño Popper Dip with Bacon Breadcrumbs

crispy loaded jalapeño popper dip - featured image

A creamy, spicy, and crunchy jalapeño popper dip topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs, perfect for parties and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 34 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup diced green onions
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare bacon breadcrumbs while oven heats.
  2. Cook bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
  3. Toast panko breadcrumbs in the same pan with a bit of rendered bacon fat or 1 tablespoon melted butter, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled bacon and smoked paprika if using. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand or stand mixer.
  5. Add cheddar cheese, mozzarella, sour cream, and eggs to the cream cheese. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
  6. Stir in chopped jalapeños, diced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
  7. Spread the dip mixture evenly into an oven-safe dish or cast iron skillet (about 8×8 inches). Smooth the top.
  8. Sprinkle the bacon breadcrumb topping evenly over the dip, pressing lightly to adhere.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  10. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for best creaminess. Toast panko breadcrumbs to avoid soggy topping. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. Bacon breadcrumbs add smoky crunch; omit for vegetarian version and use smoked paprika in toasted breadcrumbs instead. Can prepare bacon and breadcrumbs ahead and store in fridge up to 3 days. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep topping crispy; reheat in oven instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, bacon breadcrumbs, spicy dip, party appetizer, creamy dip, loaded dip