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Savory Smoked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip with Bacon Crumbles

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A quick and flavorful dip combining smoky cream cheese, fresh jalapeños, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for game day or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz smoked cream cheese (or regular cream cheese with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika)
  • 2–3 medium fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (60 ml)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (if using regular cream cheese)
  • Optional: hot sauce to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 6 slices of bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook slowly, flipping occasionally, until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain and crumble once cool.
  2. While bacon cooks, wash and finely chop 2-3 fresh jalapeños. Remove seeds if milder heat is preferred.
  3. If using a smoker, place an 8 oz block of cream cheese wrapped in foil inside at 200°F (93°C) for about 30 minutes to infuse smoky flavor. If no smoker, use regular cream cheese with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine smoked cream cheese (or regular cream cheese with smoked paprika), 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup sour cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, freshly ground black pepper to taste, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix well.
  6. Gently fold in chopped jalapeños and crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount of bacon and cheese for topping.
  7. Spread the dip mixture evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle reserved bacon crumbles and a handful of cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake dip for 20-25 minutes or until top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for crispy, evenly cooked crumbles. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth blending. Let dip rest after baking to thicken. If no smoker, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for smoky flavor. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, smoked cream cheese dip, bacon dip, party dip, game day recipe, easy appetizer, smoky dip

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/savory-smoked-cream-cheese-jalape-n-o-popper-dip-with-bacon-crumbles-recipe/