This go-to super easy Smoked jalapeño popper dip recipe will transform your next game day and have your loved ones gathering around a bowl of dip til the very last bite.
Photos for this recipe are from Erin Hungsberg (IG: erin_hungsberg)
Jalapeño Popper Dip is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This recipe is perfect for those who love savory and spicy flavors, and the combination of cream cheese and bacon adds an extra layer of richness to the dish. Whether you're a fan of jalapeños or just looking for a new dip recipe, this jalapeño Popper Dip is sure to satisfy you.
Fresh Jalapenos vs Pickled
I recommend using fresh jalapeños but feel free to mix it up when you're in a time crunch and add canned jalapeños instead. Fresh jalapeños can be crunchy even after baking, so I suggest roasting them ahead of time to get the perfect smoky flavor. If you're anything like me and enjoy extra flavor and spice- top it with extra cut-up jalapeños to satisfy those taste buds.
Ways to pair the Jalapeño dip
Dips are normally paired with tortilla chips. But the jalapeño popper dip is so versatile that my favorite pairing would probably be pita chips or cut veggies like celery, carrots, or bell peppers (Low carb option). Your favorite crackers or pretzels would also be a great choice!
Making your dip a success
- Handle fresh jalapeños carefully, and make sure you wash your hands when done.
- Add more jalapeños if you like it spicy and leave some of the seeds in.
- Canned jalapeños will do if you're in a hurry
- The dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Of course you could always make this in your oven if you don't have a smoker.
FAQ
Can I use my oven instead? Yes you can always use your oven, you just won't get the smoked flavor.
Will it be really spicy? The dip isn't very spicy at all! It balances well with the cream cheese. If you want it spicer, feel free to leave the seeds.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can mix it all together and refrigerate a day or two ahead, then warm up in your smoker or oven.
How to make Jalapeño Popper Dip
To get started preheat your smoker to 400℉. Lay 8 jalapeños on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add a small head of garlic and drizzle olive oil on top. Roast for about 30-40 minutes until the jalapeños are lightly charred and fragrant. The roasted garlic should also be brown on top and soft enough to be squeezed out.
Let them cool for a bit, then remove the seeds from the jalapeños and dice. Also squeeze out the garlic cloves and set aside to mix in with the rest of the ingredients.
Meanwhile, lower the smoker temperature to 275℉. While your smoker adjusts to a lower heat setting, you can prepare the bacon by cooking it on a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cut the bacon into bite-size pieces. Cook the bacon in batches until it is crispy, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
While the bacon is cooking, mix the sour cream, mayo, cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl. You can use a hand mixer, spatula, or stirring utensil to mix everything together. If you prefer a smoother texture, use a hand mixer. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use a spatula or stirring utensil.
Mix in the shredded cheese, roasted jalapeños, roasted garlic, a handful of bacon, and green onions.
Now it's time to transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. For the toppings add more cheese, bacon and roasted jalapeños.
Then place the dip into your smoker for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is nice and bubbly. You want the dip to be hot all the way through.
The result is a delightful mixture of creamy and cheesy with a slight kick from the jalapeños and a crispy crunch from the bacon. You could also top the dip with some bread crumbs.
The dip can also be a make-ahead recipe that you don't have to stress about. Simply wrap all the mixed ingredients tightly and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to make it, just pop it in the smoker or oven, and voila- your new favorite appetizer is ready to be devoured.
Print
Smoked jalapeno popper dip
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 package bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 8 jalapeños (Roasted, deseeded and minced)
- 1 head garlic roasted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Set your smoker to 400 F and place 8 jalapeños and a head of garlic on a baking tray. Drizzle on olive oil and place in your smoker for 30-40 minutes until jalapeños and garlic are soft and roasted.
- Once the jalapeños and garlic are cool, remove seeds from jalapeños and dice. Squeeze the garlic out into a bowl and set both aside.
- Lower the temperature in your smoker to 275 and in the meantime cook the entire package of bacon in a pan on medium heat until crispy then chop and set aside. (can also do this in your oven)
- In a large mixing bowl combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic power, salt, pepper, cream cheese, shredded cheeses, crispy bacon (Reserve some for topping), roasted jalapeños (reserve some for topping) and roasted garlic. Mix together until smooth.
- Transfer the mix to an oven safe baking dish or a cast iron pan and spread evenly.
- Top the dish with the reserved bacon, roasted jalapeños and shredded cheese.
- Smoke the dip at 275 F for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and hot all the way through.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: BBQ
Dawn Steffes says
This recipe was ooey gooey yumminess all the way. I left some seeds in for a spicier kick….my family loved it!🌶️
Jordan Hanger says
Thank you Dawn. So happy you loved it
Susan Beamer says
“The result is a delightful mixture of creamy and cheesy with a slight kick from the jalapeños and a crispy crunch from the bacon and bread crumbs.”
In the actual recipe I do not see an amount for nor mention of breadcrumbs. Did I miss something? The dip looks and sounds delicious but I don’t want to miss any ingredients. Please clarify for me. A sprinkling of panko breadcrumbs might give it an extra yummy crunch.
Jordan Hanger says
Hey Susan, the bread crumbs is optional. For this particular recipe shown I did not add it but it would be great if you made it that way! Hope you give it a try!
Susan Beamer says
It was delicious with a sprinkling of panko breadcrumbs❣️ Thanks for a fabulous appetizer to add to my collection. Everyone loved it! 😋
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Susan! It's become one of our favorites too.
Eric says
Amazing app for fight night!! Thank you!!
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Eric! Enjoy the fight and the dip.
Kate says
This was super delicious! My family has been craving homemade jalapeño poppers for quiet some time now but they are just so labor intensive to make them the way we like them. This recipe totally satisfied our craving and was pretty simple to make! Also, we brought it over to a party and everyone there loved it and was asking for the recipe!
Jordan Hanger says
So happy to hear that Kate! It's a delicious recipe and hopefully it will be in the rotation!
Shawn says
This recipe was great. The only thing I wish I would have done was added a little more heat. I love spicy stuff so I was kinda disappointed my jalapeños had no spice. Other than that, can't wait to make again. It was a hit at the party. Thanks
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Shawn for the feedback. I think as the jalapeños roast they loose a little bit of the heat as well. Glad you still enjoyed it though!
Matt Wright says
This looks awesome. I'll be making it this weekend for game day. Thanks, Jordan!
Jordan Hanger says
Thanks Matt!