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Best Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe

bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper dip - featured image

This isn’t just another dip. It’s the dip that disappears first, the one people hover around, and the one you’ll be asked to bring to every party from now on. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy filling, and a little kick from the jalapeño is pure comfort food magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 68 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
  • 1216 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the jalapeños: Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes.
  3. Wrap the jalapeños in bacon: Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each jalapeño half, securing it with a toothpick if needed. The bacon should overlap slightly. Set these aside.
  4. Make the cream cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup of the Monterey Jack, and the ranch seasoning mix. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
  5. Assemble the dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Gently press the bacon-wrapped jalapeño halves into the dip, spacing them out evenly.
  6. Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  7. Prepare the panko topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
  8. Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top is golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let the dip cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chives or green onions right before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip softening the cream cheese. Use thin-cut bacon. Toast the panko separately for extra crunch. Watch the dip, not the clock. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, bacon wrapped jalapeño dip, cheesy dip, game day dip, party appetizer, Super Bowl dip