Jalapeno Popper Dip
This is the kind of game day recipe I want on the table when I plop on the couch to watch the Niners play. Something cheesy, a little spicy, and easy enough to throw together before kickoff. This Charred Jalapeño Popper Dip has everything you love about jalapeño poppers, but in a creamy, scoopable dip loaded with crispy bacon and melted cheese.
What makes this version different is charring the jalapeños first. Instead of adding them raw, I blister them in a hot skillet to bring out their smoky flavor and mellow some of their sharpness. Then everything gets baked until hot and bubbly, with a little hot honey drizzled over the top for that sweet and spicy finish.
Jalapeno Popper Dip
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes (including charring jalapeños, cooking bacon, and baking)
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 8–10, approximately 4 cups
Ingredients
3 large jalapeños, 1 sliced for topping
4-5 scallions, chopped (separate whites and greens)
6-7 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
12 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 can (4 oz) mild diced green chiles, drained
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
4 oz pepper Jack cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
1 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 tbsp hot honey, for finishing
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Char the jalapeños for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until blistered and blackened in spots. Let cool, remove the stems and seeds, and finely chop.
3. Cook bacon until crispy. Remove, drain, and crumble. Reserve some for topping.
4. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
5. Add the charred jalapeños, scallion whites, drained green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper Jack, Parmesan, and most of the bacon. Stir until combined.
6. Spread into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Top with extra shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbling around the edges. Broil for 1–2 minutes if you want a lightly browned top.
8. Top with the reserved bacon, scallion greens, and a drizzle of hot honey. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
The green chiles add a mild pepper flavor throughout, while the charred jalapeños give the dip a more distinctive roasted flavor
