This Jalapeño Popper Dip recipe is creamy, cheesy, and packed with spicy goodness! Loaded with jalapeños, bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar, it's the perfect dip for any party or game day.
Want to make it in oven? Try this baked jalapeno dip recipe instead.
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Jalapeno Popper Dip (Crock Pot)
Just toss everything in your slow cooker, and in a couple of hours, you'll have a warm, flavorful dip everyone will love.
If you're looking for more easy party foods, try my cauliflower bites or spinach artichoke dip.
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Ingredients for Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Jalapeño peppers - Use 2-3 diced fresh jalapeños, with seeds and membranes removed for milder heat. Feel free to taste them first to gauge their spiciness! If you don't have fresh, pickled jalapeno peppers are excellent here.
- Cream cheese - Full-fat cream cheese tastes the best, but you can use mascarpone or neufchatel cheese as alternatives.
- Sharp Shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack - Use 1 cup of each cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor. Extra sharp cheddar gives a nice kick, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess. You can also use Mexican cheese if you'd like.
- Mayonnaise - Adding ½ cup of mayonnaise makes the dip smooth and rich. I prefer using Hellman's for the best flavor.
- Sour Cream - If you're not a fan, plain Greek yogurt works great too.
- Crumbled bacon - Crispy bacon is optional but highly encouraged! You can mix it in or sprinkle it on top for added crunch.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make This Dip
- Grease the crock pot with cooking spray or butter.
- Add softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mayo, and sour cream to the crock pot. Mix everything until it's smooth and combined.
- Stir in diced jalapeños (save some for topping), green chilies, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Mix Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, and melted butter in a separate bowl until the crumbs are coated.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the dip in the crock pot, covering it completely.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring halfway, until hot and bubbly.
- Top with crispy bacon and extra jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the dip every 30 minutes to prevent the cheeses from burning and sticking to the sides of the Crock Pot.
Tips for Making Jalapeño Popper Dip in a Crock Pot
- Make it in the oven. If you're short on time, you can bake the dip in a baking dish at 350°F for 25 minutes. Top it with cheese, broil for a few minutes, and then add crispy jalapeños and green onions before serving.
- Monitor cooking time. Keep an eye on the dip as it cooks, since cooking times can vary based on your Crock Pot. Aim for a hot and bubbly consistency, and adjust the time as needed.
- Soften cream cheese. Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help create a smooth and creamy texture in your dip.
- Customize the heat. This is a spicy dip but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer diced jalapeños (or skip the chilies). For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes, while leaving them in will increase the spice.
- Choose the right size Crock Pot. A 3-quart Crock Pot works great for entertaining, but feel free to use any size slow cooker based on your needs.
- Add a crunchy topping. For a fun finishing touch, sprinkle crushed crackers or tortilla chips on top of the dip just before serving.
- Wear gloves. When handling jalapeños, wear gloves to protect your hands from the spicy oils, especially when removing the seeds.
What to Serve With Jalapeño Popper Dip
Jalapeño Popper Dip is a delicious, creamy appetizer that pairs well with a variety of dippers!
Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Sliced bell peppers: Colorful and crunchy, bell peppers make a healthy and tasty option.
- Tortilla chips, pretzel bites, crackers or pita chips: These crunchy chips are a classic choice and perfect for scooping up the dip.
- Fresh veggies: Crisp celery sticks, baby carrots, and sliced cucumbers add a refreshing crunch.
- Naan Bread: Warm, bite-sized pieces of naan are perfect for scooping up the dip.
Storing Leftovers
- To Store. To store your Jalapeno Popper Dip, transfer it to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze. If you want to store the dip for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month, whether it's cooked or uncooked. If freezing after cooking, ensure the dip has completely cooled before wrapping it up.
- To Reheat. To reheat, simply thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, heat it in your Crock Pot or oven according to your original cooking instructions. Enjoy your dip warm for the best flavor!
Can I Make Jalapeno Popper Dip Ahead of Time?
YES, you can prepare the dip in advance! If you plan to make it more than 5 days before your gathering, freeze it in a freezer-safe container.
It will be good for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before you plan to serve it.
Variations
- Spice it up. For an extra kick, add more green chiles, extra jalapeño seeds, or even a diced habanero. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or Tajín seasoning can also elevate the heat.
- Add protein. Add shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover seasoned chicken for a heartier dip. This adds great flavor and makes it more filling.
- Vegetable boost. Mix in a can of sweet corn for a touch of sweetness, or add black beans and scallions for a nice flavor contrast. Chopped spinach or artichokes also work well!
More Party Appetizer Recipes
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Recipe Card
Jalapeno Popper Dip (Crock Pot)
Ingredients
Method
- Grease the crock pot with cooking spray or butter. Add softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mayo, and sour cream to the crock pot. Mix everything until it's smooth and combined.8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream
- Stir in diced jalapeños (save some for topping), green chilies, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.2-3 diced jalapeño peppers, 1 7-ounce can diced green chilies, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Mix Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, and melted butter in a separate bowl until the crumbs are coated.½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup panko bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons butter
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the dip in the crock pot, covering it completely.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring halfway, until hot and bubbly.
- Top with crispy bacon and extra jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.¼ cup bacon, tortilla chips
Nutrition
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Notes
- Reheat for Serving: If you prepare the dip ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and then place it in the Crock Pot on "keep warm" for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve Warm: This dip is best enjoyed warm, so avoid using a regular serving bowl. The Crock Pot keeps it warm throughout your gathering.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip up to 3 days in advance. It's just as delicious the next day after reheating!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Jalapeno Popper Dip: Frequently Asked Questions
YES! Canned jalapeños or roasted peppers can be great substitutes.
Just be sure to drain them thoroughly before mixing them into the dip to avoid extra moisture.
YES, you can cook the dip on high for about an hour.
However, be cautious as cooking on high may lead to uneven heating, potentially burning the edges or making the dip too thick, so stir occasionally and monitor it closely.
YES! Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, or even creamy Gouda for a unique flavor twist.
You can store this dip in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Just make sure it's in a sealed container to maintain its freshness.
Julia
making jalapeno popper dip in a crock pot is a real time-saver!