Jalapeno Popper Dip is a baked, creamy appetizer made with cheese, bacon, and jalapenos. This version stands out with the addition of sweet hot pepper jelly, giving the dip a balanced sweet-heat flavor.
I like this recipe when I want something familiar with a little surprise, and the pepper jelly does exactly that without overpowering the classic popper-style base.
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Why You'll Love This Jalapeno Popper Dip
Sweet Heat: the pepper jelly adds a gentle sweetness that balances the jalapenos.
Creamy Texture: cream cheese and cheddar melt together into a smooth, scoopable dip.
Crowd Friendly: this seafood-free, baked appetizer works year round for gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Jalapeno Popper Dip
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Cream cheese: creates the rich, creamy base of the dip.
- Cheddar cheese: adds sharp flavor and helps the dip bake up bubbly.
- Jalapeno peppers: bring heat and fresh pepper flavor.
- Bacon: adds smoky flavor, salty contrast, and texture.
- Sweet Hot Pepper Jelly: gives the dip its signature sweet-heat finish.
- Mayonnaise: keeps the dip soft and spreadable as it bakes.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Monterey Jack can replace cheddar cheese.
- Turkey bacon works in place of pork bacon. (I buy nitrate free turkey bacon by Applegate)
- Sweet chili sauce can be used in place of pepper jelly.
Variations on Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Add diced green onions for extra bite.
- Use smoked cheddar for deeper flavor.
- Stir in roasted red peppers for a mild pepper note.
Tips for Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Soften the cream cheese fully for a smoother dip.
- Seed the jalapenos to control heat level.
- Bake until the edges bubble and lightly brown.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
Serve With...
Serve Jalapeno Popper Dip with Air Fryer Tortilla Chips, Buttery Garlic Bread Chips, or Soft Pretzels.
More Appetizer Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy this baked appetizer recipe, you might like my Air Fryer Pulled Pork Taquitos, Curried Butternut Squash Flatbread, Maple Pecan Baked Brie with Frosted Cranberries, and these festive Pepper Poppers.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Jalapeno Popper Dip
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Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 medium jalapeno peppers , seeded and minced, cutting a few slices to top dip before baking
- 4 slices cooked thick cut bacon broken into small bite sized pieces
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet hot pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place cheddar cheese and cream cheese in large mixing bowl. Blend to combine well using electric hand mixer.
- Stir in Jalapeno peppers, bacon, sweet-hot pepper jelly, and mayonnaise to combine.
- Place in a small casserole dish and decorate with jalapeno slices (if desired).
- Bake 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and beginning to brown around the edges.
Melissa b says
Made this last night for neighborhood card group... it was a huge hit! Thanks!
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
This looks wonderful! I bet it will go fast. I'm going to have to make this!
Katerina says
So cheesy and so yummy, irresistible!
Sandra Shaffer says
Oh, this looks like a tasty dip and perfect for a party or gathering! I could eat this by the spoonful 🙂
Life Tastes Good says
Yummmmm! I want some of this right now! This is perfect for a party. Have fun with your party!!
Mary Ellen says
YUM... I love the bacon in here also.... When I saw the first photo I knew right away this was something I'd love. Going to make it next time I host happy hour!
Kim Mancuso says
This looks so good Shelby! I'm pinning this to my appetizer board!
Kristin @ Dizzy Busy and Hungry! says
I am a sucker for bacon too! Yum! This looks great...perfect to take to a party!
Nora@SunnyDaysWithMyLoves says
Looks wonderful!
Debi Wayland says
This looks so good! I love dip! Especially now that football is starting again! Yippie NFL and dips!
Linda says
I have to try this!
Renee Paj says
You had me at sweet-hot girl! Yum! I'm a sucker for a good dip and have been known to make them my meal on occasion! haha
RJ Flamingo says
I, too, am a sucker for a hot pepper, and jalapeño poppers are practically an addiction. This looks fabulous! I wonder if I can make this without the bacon... Must make my new shopping list!