Jalapeño Popper Dip

Not sure what to make for a party? The answer is almost always a hot, bubbly dip—especially when you're talking about tailgating or a Super Bowl menu. This is one of the best cheese dip recipes because it comes together in 30 minutes and tastes just like these jalapeño poppers! You won't miss the hassle of scooping out and stuffing peppers, and friends and family will appreciate the blanket of melty cheddar and crunchy crushed tortilla chips on top. Serve it straight from the cast-iron skillet!

What's in jalapeño popper dip?

What all great party dips are made of—lots of cheese! This one has cream cheese and sharp cheddar, along with mayonnaise and sour cream for optimum creaminess. To pay homage to a classic jalapeño popper, this dip has bacon and jalapeños. There's also some Worcestershire, garlic, and black pepper for a punch of flavor.

What do you serve with jalapeño popper dip?

This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, corn chips, buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, soft pretzels, or even fresh cut veggies.

Can you make jalapeño popper dip ahead of time?

Yes, but you'll need to make a few changes. It's not smart to leave a cheesy dip sitting in a cast-iron skillet for a long period of time because it can damage the skillet, or, at best, cause a cast iron cleaning nightmare. To avoid that, make the dip in a baking dish or oven-proof, nonstick skillet. You can bake it in that same pan, or transfer it to a cast-iron skillet just before baking. Wait until baking to top it with the chips, and sprinkle on the reserved bacon and jalapeño, as directed, after it comes out of the oven.

How long does leftover jalapeño popper dip last in the fridge?

This dip will stay good for up to three days, but be sure to transfer it to an airtight container before refrigerating. You can reheat the dip in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven until hot and bubbly.

Is cast iron best for baked dips?

Cast-iron skillets heat and cook food evenly, which makes it great for cooking everything from this skillet cornbread and skillet lasagna to dips. If you don't have one, don't panic. A non-stick skillet is a great easy-to-clean substitute. Just make sure it's safe to go in the oven. Alternatively, you can cook the bacon and garlic on the stovetop, then combine everything in a medium baking dish before transferring to the oven.

Is this jalapeño popper dip spicy?

It depends on who you ask, but to most people, it's very mild. You're in control here. You can increase the heat by adding more jalapeños or decrease it by removing the seeds when you prep.

Can I make substitutions to this recipe?

You bet. Monterey jack, colby jack, or low-moisture mozzarella are all great melty alternatives for the cheddar. Stay away from nuttier cheeses like gruyère. You could also skip the chips and sprinkle the top with panko bread crumbs instead. Toss the crumbs with some olive oil and salt first to make ensure they get golden and delicious in the oven.