If you love jalapeno poppers but don’t want to go through all the effort of stuffing peppers, then this jalapeno popper dip with bacon is the perfect answer! It’s all the creamy, spicy, and savory elements of a bacon wrapped jalapeno popper in an easy dip that you can make in your air fryer (or oven)!
What is Jalapeno Popper Dip?
Jalapeño popper dip is a creamy, cheesy dip inspired by the flavors of classic jalapeño poppers. It consists of cream cheese (and sometimes sour cream or mayo), shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack), diced jalapeños, and in this case, crispy bacon for extra flavor!
The dip is baked until warm and bubbly using your air fryer or a standard oven, and you can top it with extra cheese, or a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping to emulate a breaded popper.
Serve this dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies to deliver the spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers in an easy-to-share format! It’s perfect for parties, game night, tailgating, Super Bowl parties, and more!
Katie’s tip
If you are looking for a more traditional version of this appetizer, make sure to check out my recipes for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers or quick frozen TGI Fridays Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer!
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Ingredients Needed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream (or mayonnaise)
- ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon
- ½ pound jalapenos (4-6 depending on size)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste (I use ½ tsp and ¼ tsp respectively)
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 Tbsp hot honey (optional)
- Dippers as desired (I like tortilla chips or veggies)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I prefer to use a flavored cream cheese to add extra flavor to the dip. Spicy jalapeno, garlic and herb, or onion and chive are great choices, but you can also use plain if preferred
- For a less spicy dip, remove the seeds and membranes from your jalapenos as that is where the heat is!
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can also use pepper jack, Monterey Jack cheese, parmesan cheese, or a mix thereof
- For a panko topping, you can add ½ cup panko bread crumbs mixed with 2 Tbsp melted butter to the top of the dip in the last 5 minutes of cooking (just to brown and crisp it)
- Other optional additions can include corn kernels in the dip, chopped cilantro or parsley on top, or some sliced pickled or fresh jalapenos too!
Cooking the Bacon
This recipe requires cooked bacon. You can purchase pre-cooked bacon in the grocery store, or pan fry it on the stove to your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer to use your air fryer or oven, here are alternative cooking methods:
- Oven. Add bacon to a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer (without touching). Bake at 400°F for 10-20 minutes, until desired level of crispiness is reached
- Air Fryer. Place bacon in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket or rack. Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until preferred crispiness level is achieved
Note that this assumes the use of regular bacon in all cases. Thick cut will take longer to cook.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos for less heat if desired, then dice the peppers
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, bacon (you can reserve a little extra for topping if you want), diced jalapenos, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined
- Spread the jalapeno cream cheese mixture into a baking dish that fits in your air fryer’s basket or rack in an even layer. I use two smaller dishes since I have a Dual Zone air fryer with two baskets. One larger square or round pan (like a cake pan or casserole dish) is fine for single basket air fryers or the oven
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes, then add the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and cook an additional 3-5 minutes to melt and brown the cheese
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and drizzle the hot honey over the top (optional) to garnish. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers!
Alternate Oven Directions
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly, then add the remaining ½ cup cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted.
If using panko, this can also be added for the last 5 minutes and baked until lightly browned.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Dippers
- Tortilla Chips – A classic choice that provides a sturdy base for scooping
- Crackers – Buttery crackers like Ritz or crispy wheat crackers pair well with the creamy dip
- Pretzels – The salty crunch of pretzels contrasts nicely with the spicy, cheesy dip
- Vegetables – Carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices add freshness and a healthier alternative to chips
- Bread Slices – Toasted baguette slices or soft breadsticks make for a more indulgent option
Pairing Suggestions
- BBQ or Grilled Meats – The smoky flavors of grilled chicken, ribs, or steak complement the spicy, cheesy dip
- Tacos or Quesadillas – Mexican-inspired dishes pair well with the jalapeño and cheese flavors. Try it on my Air Fryer Smash Burger Tacos!
- Burgers or Sliders – Spread a little dip on a burger for an extra kick! It’s also a great dip for my Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls!
- Buffalo Wings – The spicy heat of wings pairs well with the creamy dip. Try my Air Fryer Hooters Wings for a restaurant copycat version!
- Chili or Soup – Serve as a side dish for a hearty meal
Drink Pairings
- Beer – A light lager or hoppy IPA balances the richness of the dip
- Margaritas – The citrus and tequila cut through the spice and creaminess. Try a Crown Peach Margarita!
- White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling complements the flavors
- Spicy Bloody Mary – The tomato and spice blend well with the jalapeño heat. My Bloody Mary Pickle Shots are a great party option!
Recipe FAQs
How Can You Make Jalapeño Popper Dip Less Spicy?
To reduce the heat in jalapeño popper dip, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping them, as these parts contain the most capsaicin (the compound responsible for spice).
You can also substitute some of the jalapeños with mild peppers like poblanos or bell peppers. Adding extra cream cheese, sour cream, or a mild cheese like mozzarella can help balance the spice.
How Do You Get the Most Flavor Out of Jalapeños?
To maximize the flavor of jalapeños, roast or sauté them before adding them to the dip. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth.
You can also finely dice them to ensure their flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dip.
Can You Make Jalapeño Popper Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, jalapeño popper dip can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dip mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
If prepped in advance, let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Crackers Go with Jalapeño Popper Dip?
The best crackers for jalapeño popper dip are sturdy ones that can hold up to the creamy texture. Buttery crackers like Ritz, crispy wheat crackers, or plain water crackers work well.
For extra crunch, try pita chips or toasted baguette slices. If you want a contrast in flavor, slightly sweet crackers like graham crackers can provide a unique twist!
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Jalapeno Popper Dip
- If the top of the dip starts to brown too much, you can stir the dip to redistribute, or tent some foil over the top to slow the browning
- I prepared my dip in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and 10 minutes is perfect (I do not preheat), with 3 minutes being sufficient to brown and melt the cheese on top. Note that other air fryers can vary slightly, so feel free to adjust as needed for your specific model
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- To reheat jalapeno popper dip, you can microwave it on high for about 1 minute (stir halfway though), bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, all depending on the size of your portion
Final Thoughts
This jalapeno popper dip with bacon is creamy, a little spicy, and gets a perfect savory crunch from the bacon to make it taste just like a jalapeno popper!
However, as a dip, you don’t have to stuff individual peppers, and it’s a great crowd-pleasing option. Serve it as an appetizer or snack for entertaining, game day, Super Bowl, tailgating, and more.
I love to assemble it in advance and then just bake it when company arrives, making for a delicious and low-stress offering. Pair with tortilla chips or veggies for the best dippers!
Katie’s tip
Looking for more great dips to make? Check out all of my amazing Air Fryer Dip Recipes for more inspiration and ways to round out the snack table in style!
Jalapeno Popper Dip With Bacon (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Air Fryer (or oven)
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- Casserole dish (or similar oven safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream (or mayonnaise)
- ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon
- ½ pound fresh jalapenos (about 4-6 pepeprs depending on size)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (½ tsp and ¼ tsp is what I use)
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 1 Tbsp hot honey (optional)
- Dippers as desired (I use tortilla chips and celery sticks)
Instructions
- Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos for less heat if desired, then dice the peppers½ pound fresh jalapenos
- In a bowl, combine everything except ½ cup of the cheese and the toppings (green onion and honey). Mix until well combined8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon, 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste
- Spread the jalapeno cream cheese mixture into a baking dish that fits in your air fryer’s basket or rack in an even layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes, then add the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and cook an additional 3-5 minutes to melt and brown the cheese
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and drizzle the hot honey over the top (optional) to garnish. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers!1 green onion, 1 Tbsp hot honey, Dippers as desired
Alternate Oven Directions
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly, then add the remaining ½ cup cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted
Notes
- I use two smaller dishes since I have a Dual Zone air fryer with two baskets. One larger square or round pan (like a cake pan or casserole dish) is fine for single basket air fryers or the oven
- Try a flavored cream cheese to add extra flavor to the dip. Spicy jalapeno, garlic and herb, or onion and chive are great choices, but you can also use plain if preferred
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can also use pepper jack, Monterey Jack, parmesan, mozzarella, or a mix thereof
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, toppings added and dippers used, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
