Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip is a fun way to get all those flavors you love the easy way! Make it ahead of time for the perfect party recipe!

This bacon jalapeno popper dip is great and so easy to throw together. My love of bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers inspired this recipe so how could you go wrong? If you’re having people over for game day you could mix it up the night before and then pop it in the oven about 30 minutes before you want to serve it. How easy is that?

When I Dip You Dip We Dip!

Every time I make bacon jalapeno poppers they’re the first thing gone! I literally find myself trying to get them on the plate faster than my friends and family can eat them! So you can only imagine how fast this dip disappears. With the rich cream cheese dip base, spicy jalapenos, and lots of cheddar cheese no one will be able to stay away from it. One bite of the perfectly baked and warm dip and everyone will be hooked. It’s truly the best jalapeno popper dip with bacon you’ll ever have.

Other Bites for Your Game Day Spread

• French Dip Sliders – The combinaton of caramelized onions and cheese loaded on top of roast beef on a slider bun is football food perfection! Add that to a plate with a spoonful of this dip and chips and you’re in business!
• Sweet and Spicy Kielbasa Bites – I love hot and sweet together and these kielbasa bites give me the flavor fix I crave. If your guests are already into this slightly spicy dip, they’re going to loves these meaty little bites.

Ingredients

This ingredient list is so simple, you might even have everything you need already sitting in your kitchen! I told you this dip was amazing!

Bacon: Regular or thick-cut bacon will work. Just be sure to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy.

Jalapenos: I usually remove the seeds from the jalapenos for this dip. If you like things spicy, you can level them in or add some cayenne pepper to taste.

Dip Base: The creaminess of the dip comes from a combination of mayo and cream cheese. Add a little cheese on top and yum!

How to Make Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip

So many people just buy premade dips for parties because it’s too much to think about making yet another complicated recipe. I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of it at some point, but homemade dips don’t have to be complicated and add stress to your agenda. In fact, most can be made ahead of time!

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Then cook the bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Then use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and put it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the grease. Add the diced jalapeno peppers to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until they are a greenish-brown color and fragrant.

STEP TWO: Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl, mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Then add the cooked bacon and jalapeño to the cream cheese mixture and stir everything together until evenly combined. I’m getting hungry already!!

STEP THREE: Add the cheese dip mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Then take the dip out of the oven and top with the 1/2 cup of cheese you saved.

STEP FOUR: Pop the dip back in your oven and bake for 5 more minutes until the top of the dip is melted! If you want a golden brown top, switch your oven to broil on HIGH and cook for 1 or 2 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cheese so it doesn’t burn.

Tips for Success

• You can substitute sour cream for some of the mayo. Just make sure you use the total amount listed in the recipe – for example: 1/4 cup mayo + 1/2 cup sour cream.
• I took inspiration from my baked jalapeno poppers. It you like, add a crumb topping made of 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs mixed with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese. Then sprinkle that on top of the dip instead of the cheddar cheese. Then broil for a couple of minutes to toasted the breadcrumbs and elt the cheese.
• I like to garnish the top of this dip with chopped bacon and jalapenos. That way everyone knows what they’re eating. 🙂

Can You Make Jalapeno Popper Dip Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep your jalapeno popper dip with bacon up to three days ahead of time. This way you can make your day of party prep as easy as can be.

Since is a dip that is best served warm, I suggest waiting to bake everything until the day of, simply placing your prepped unbaked dip mixture in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

To do this, just combine the ingredients as directed below, spread everything into the dish, and refrigerate. Combine the topping ingredients and place them in a separate container or sandwich bag and sprinkle them on just before baking.

Can You Freeze Jalapeno Popper Dip?

If you want to make an extra batch to keep for later, you have the option to freeze this jalapeno popper dip. To freeze you will want to let the dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, or transfer everything to an airtight container. This will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, let your jalapeno popper dip with bacon thaw either on the counter or in the refrigerator. Once thawed reheat it in the oven on 350 for about 20 minutes, or pop a serving or two in the microwave.

Don’t miss out on these amazing bacon recipes!

• Bacon Wrapped Chicken
• Crock Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
• Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Eggs
• Buffalo Bacon Cheese Ball
• Bacon Ranch Cheesy Bread
• How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

*This post originally posted on 01/31/2013.