Jalapeno Popper Dip - Homemade Hooplah (2024)

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What’s in jalapeno popper dip?

Before you can serve up a baking dish of this spicy, cheesy dip, you’ll need to collect the following ingredients:

• Cream Cheese: This forms the base of the dip. It provides a creamy texture and mild, tangy flavor that’s essential for the consistency and taste of the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness and helps give the dip a smoother texture.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the creamy consistency and adds a touch of sweetness and richness to the dip.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the dip with a subtle garlic flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp and savory taste, melting into the dip for a gooey texture. Sharp cheddar pairs very well with the cream cheese and spiciness of this dip, but feel free to use other types of cheddar (medium, mild) or even different types of cheese (Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, swiss, gouda, etc).
• Mexican Cheese: A blend of cheeses that offers a mild, melty, and slightly tangy flavor to the dip.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth to the dip, enhancing its overall flavor.
• Jarred Jalapenos: This is where the spice and characteristic flavor come in! Jalapenos give the dip its kick and signature taste.
• Panko Breadcrumb: Provides a crispy topping to contrast with the creamy dip beneath. When baked, it offers a delightful crunchy texture.
• Salted Butter: This is mixed with the breadcrumbs to give them a rich, golden color and buttery flavor when baked.

Should you Shred your own cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese is highly convenient but often contains preservatives (such as potato starch) that help keep the shredded cheese separated in the bag. And while this is great for grabbing a quick pinch of shredded cheese, it will also cause the melted cheese to appear lumpy or harden faster than usual.

So, if you’re a cheese lover like me and want the creamiest experience possible for your dip,I highly recommend shredding a block of cheese. I know it’s more work, but the end result will more than make up for it.

Can you make it spicier?

If you’d like a little more kick, it’s easy to adjust this recipe to your tastes:

• Add more jalapeno peppers.This recipe calls for 4 ounces of diced jalapeno (roughly two or three peppers), but you could easily go up to 6 or 8 ounces without changing the flavor too much.
• Add some seasonings. Cayenne pepper or paprika is a popular pairing for dips like this. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and then adjust to your tastes from there.

Can you make it in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator until it’s ready to be baked.

Once assembled, this dip can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days. When ready to bake, let the dip warm on the counter for about 30 minutes, then bake per the recipe instructions.

Once the dip is baked, it’s best to consume it all on the same day and toss out any excess. However, if you want to save the leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for two or three days.

How long is it good for?

Once prepared and cooled, jalapeno popper dip can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

Can you freeze it?

Yes! This dish is excellent for freezing, both before and after baking. And regardless of when you freeze it, the instructions are the same:

• Prepare the full dip up to just before baking (including the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs on top) OR allow the baked dip to cool completely.
• Secure a lid on the dip dish or wrap the top withaluminum foil.
• Store in the freezerfor up to three months.

How to reheat jalapeno popper dip

Reheating this dip can be a breeze if done correctly. Ensuring that the dish remains moist and flavorful while avoiding overcooking is essential. To do this, follow these instructions:

Oven method (preferred):

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• If not already in one, transfer dip leftovers to an oven-safe dish.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the top from burning.
• Reheat for about 20-25 minutes or until the center is warm. If the dip has been refrigerated, it might need two or three more minutes.
• Remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a crispy top.

Microwave method:

• Portion out the desired serving size to ensure even reheating.
• Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or apaper towel. Leave a small corner open to vent.
• Reheat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking in between to prevent overcooking.
• Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

TIP: If the dip seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to regain moisture. Be sure to stir it well both before and after reheating.

What can you serve with jalapeno popper dip?

Somany things! A few of my personal favorites include:

• Tortilla Chips: The classic choice for dips of this nature, they offer a salty crunch.
• Pita Chips: Their mild flavor and crispiness would work well.
• Bagel Chips: Their slight chew and neutral flavor make them suitable.
• Rye Chips: Their tanginess pairs nicely with the dip’s creaminess.
• Vegetable Chips: They offer a contrasting flavor and texture to the creamy dip.
• Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, and Cauliflower: Their refreshing crunch balances the dip’s richness.
• Pretzel Chips: Their salty and crunchy nature can complement the creamy spiciness of the dip.
• Pretzels: Similar to pretzel chips, their salty crunch pairs well.
• Baguette slices: The toasted texture and mild flavor make them sturdy enough to handle the creaminess of the dip without overshadowing its taste.
• Focaccia: Its seasoning complements the spicy and creamy nature of the jalapeno popper dip.
• Sourdough: Its tanginess would pair nicely with the creamy and spicy dip.
• Bagels: Their toasted crunch and neutral flavor make them a solid choice.
• Pumpernickel: The dark rye complements cheese-based dips, like the jalapeno popper dip.
• Flatbreads: These are versatile and pair well with creamy dips.

How long can you leave out jalapeno popper dip?

Whenever you leave out a “serve yourself” dish, keep track of how long it sits at room temperature.

The general rule of thumb for most foods is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature.

Although this jalapeno popper dip will be served warm, it’s important to still adhere to food safety and not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours. Check the dip often and use your best judgment, but remember that two hours is the maximum time it should remain.

For best results, I’d recommend using awarming trayso that this jalapeno popper dip stays toasty and above the “danger zone” temperature.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

Notes & tips for this jalapeno popper dip recipe

• If you love this dip, be sure to check out these bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, jalapeno popper puffs, and jalapeno popper pinwheels.
• Like thebaking dishused in the photo? I got it atIKEA!
• When preparing the jalapenos, be sure to wearfood safety gloveswhile handling them andavoid any contact with your eyeswhile you work. Also, you have a crucial choice to include the jalapeno seeds or remove them. The seeds are where this pepper gets its trademark fire, so only include them if you want the extra kick. For a full tutorial on cutting jalapeno peppers, check outHow to Cut a Jalapeno Pepper the Right Way.

Step 1– In alarge bowl, use ahand mixerto whip together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic powder until nice and smooth.

See Also

Fresh Corn Tamal with Cheese, Green Chile and Jalapeño

Step 2– Turn off the mixer and add in the cheeses: cheddar cheese, Mexican cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add the jalapenos, then use aspatulato gently mix all ingredients.

Step 3– Spray a baking dish withcooking spray, then add the dip to thebaking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top into a nice, even layer.

Step 4– In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.

Step 5– Pour the panko mixture on top of the dip, then spread out into an even layer.

Step 6 – Bake!

Step 7 – Serve and enjoy!

With warm, gooey cheeses, spicy jalapenos, and a crunchy panko topping, this jalapeno popper dip is the fun, crowd-pleasing twist on the popular finger food.

Author: Chrisy