Loaded Jalapeño Popper Queso Dip
This loaded jalapeño popper queso dip combines creamy cheeses, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños for a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s quick to make, customizable, and perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 3–4 medium jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1/2 tsp each)
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, extra jalapeño slices, paprika
Instructions
- Place bacon slices in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop into small pieces once cooled.
- Slice jalapeños in half, remove seeds for less heat, and dice. For smoky depth, sauté diced jalapeños in a teaspoon of bacon fat for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Mix with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Mix in sour cream, milk, and minced garlic. Blend until creamy.
- Add diced jalapeños, chopped bacon, green onions, and drained diced tomatoes with chilies. Stir gently to combine, reserving a little bacon and jalapeños for topping.
- Sprinkle in salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spoon mixture into an oven-safe baking dish (8×8 inch). Smooth the top, then scatter reserved bacon and jalapeños over the surface.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until dip is bubbling and lightly golden on top.
- Let dip cool for 5 minutes. Top with chopped cilantro, extra green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve warm with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or toasted bread.
Notes
For best results, shred your own cheese for a smoother melt. Roast jalapeños for extra flavor, and always drain canned tomatoes to avoid a watery dip. To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup (60 g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 8
Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, queso dip, party appetizer, cheese dip, bacon dip, spicy dip, Tex-Mex dip, game day snack, low carb dip, gluten free appetizer