Recipe: Baked Jalapeño Popper Dip

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
updated May 10, 2019
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

Baked jalapeño popper dip is ultra creamy and cheesy, with just the right amount of heat, and a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping.

Serves8

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

I have just one bit of advice for you when serving this warm, cheesy dip at your next potluck, and I learned this from experience: Think very carefully about where you’ll place it. Once it hits the table, wherever that may be, the crowd will swarm to the skillet. That’s just what happens when you channel all the best parts of crowd-pleasing jalapeño poppers into an indulgent rich and creamy dip with just the right amount of heat and a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping.

Serve It Warm, Straight from the Oven

There are dips made to be nibbled throughout the day, and then there are the ones baked until they’re warm and bubbly and at their very best when pulled from the oven. This jalapeño popper-inspired dip falls firmly into the latter category. You’ll still love it once it’s cooled to room temperature, but oh man, nothing beats dunking in a thick potato chip when the dip is hot and gooey.

If you ask me, wavy potato chips are the best partner for this baked dip. I love their sturdiness and the way the ridges help you pick up extra dip. Tortilla and pita chips, pretzels, and even crudités are also good choices.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)
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Baked Jalapeño Popper Dip

Baked jalapeño popper dip is ultra creamy and cheesy, with just the right amount of heat, and a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping.

Serves 8

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 pound

    cream cheese, at room temperature

  • 1 cup

    sour cream

  • 1 1/2 cups

    seeded and diced jalapeños (6 to 8 medium jalapeños), plus more for garnish

  • 2 cups

    shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)

  • 1 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 cup

    finely crushed Ritz crackers (about 24 crackers)

  • 1/2 cup

    finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)

  • 4 tablespoons

    (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

  • For serving: wavy potato chips, crudités, pita chips, or pretzels

Instructions

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  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375℉.

  2. Place the cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add the jalapeños, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and mix until evenly combined. Transfer the dip to a 9-inch cast iron skillet or 2-quart baking dish.

  3. Place the crushed crackers, Parmesan, and butter in a medium bowl and stir until combined. Sprinkle evenly over the dip.

  4. Bake until the dip is heated through and the top is golden-brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with extra diced jalapeños and parsley if desired. Serve warm with chips, crudités, or pretzels for dipping.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers will keep for 3 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Filed in:
appetizer
Cheese
easy
Nut-Free
quick
snacks