This Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is creamy, spicy, cheesy and easy - No bacon or sausage! This vegetarian hot dip recipe is perfect for game day or the Holidays and has never failed to impress. Assemble ahead and bake just before serving!
Craving spicy jalapeño dishes? My jalapeño deviled eggs or the jalapeno cream cheese dip are a must-try!
Jalapeno cream cheese dip is a flavorful and creamy appetizer that is slightly spicy. The base typically includes cream cheese, which provides a rich and creamy texture. along with shredded cheese to enhance creaminess.
The star of this baked warm dip is the chopped canned jalapeños, which bring a bold heat and rich flavor. It’s essentially a jalapeño popper dip without breadcrumbs, making it a gluten-free, crowd-pleasing snack.
Like the jalapeno cornbread muffins, these are ideal for any party, whether it’s a holiday gathering or game day, this addictive and easy-to-make dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before guests arrive. It’s a guaranteed hit that’s both quick and effortless!
This is one of those hot baked party dips that everyone gathers around and can’t get enough of just like this buffalo ranch chicken dip.
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Why you'll love it?
- Creamy, cheesy, spicy and addictive!
- Make ahead and bake just before serving.
- Quick and easy hot dip for party.
- No bacon or sausage, making it perfect for vegetarians.
- Uses canned jalapenos for convenience.
Canned jalapenos
Using canned jalapeños is a convenient time-saver since it eliminates the need for chopping fresh peppers. They’re available year-round and have a softer texture that blends easily with other ingredients. The tangy flavor of canned jalapeños also helps balance the richness of a creamy cream cheese. If you prefer fresh jalapeños, I recommend roasting them first, as the short baking time won’t fully cook fresh peppers.
If using fresh jalapenos, I recommend roasting them first. To roast, brush the outside with oil. Cook them, turning occasionally, over a hot grill, gas stove, or broil until the skin is charred and black. Transfer them into a paper bag, fold the ends to seal, and leave for 5 minutes. Remove from the bag and rub off the charred skin with a paper towel. Chop the peppers into small pieces, removing seeds and ribs.
👩🍳 Canned jalapenos come in a range of spice intensities, including mild, medium, or hot. Select the spice level that best suits your preference.
How to make jalapeno cream cheese dip?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
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- Add softened cream cheese into a medium bowl and beat with an electric beater until light and creamy.
2 & 3. Add drained canned jalapenos, cheddar, mayo, salt and scallion. Beat for 10 to 20 seconds to thoroughly combine.
4. Spread the mixture into the skillet or baking pan, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and then add sliced fresh jalapenos. Bake at 425 degrees until the top is golden and bubbly.
What to dip jalapeno dip in?
While creamy jalapeño dip is best served hot with crispy tortilla chips for the perfect balance of salt and crunch, you can also pair it with Fritos, bagel chips, crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery sticks for a delicious variety. If you love cheesy dips, then you might also enjoy this creamy beer cheese dip.
Turn leftover jalapeño dip into a creative new dish with these simple ideas.
- Quesadillas - Spread jalapeno dip between tortillas, along with more Mexican cheese, then cook in a pre heated pan, until golden and crispy.
- Pizza topping - Use instead of a pizza sauce.
- Stuffed mushrooms - Fill mushroom caps with the cooled jalapeno dip, then air fry or bake as instructed in the recipe for stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese.
- Burger sauce - Elevate your burgers by spreading the dip on buns for a spicy and creamy kick.
Make ahead instructions
For a make-ahead hot jalapeno dip, follow the instructions to mix the ingredients, then spread the mixture into a baking dish. Wrap the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When your guests are about to arrive, bake the dip right before serving, allowing for a few extra minutes as the dip will be cold from refrigeration.
Tip: Use a refrigerator and oven-safe baking dish when preparing and storing in advance; Refrain from using a cast iron skillet for this purpose.
Recipe tips
- Adjust spice level - Canned jalapenos are available in various spice levels, ranging from mild to medium or hot. Choose the spice level that suits your preference.
- Serve with other dippers - Besides tortilla chips, try serving the dip with a variety of dippers like vegetables, crackers, or bread for diverse flavors and textures.
More appetizers to try
Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- One 8-ounce block cream cheese at room temperature
- One 4-ounce can diced jalapeños drain well
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large scallion finely chopped
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh jalapeno slices for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and have a 6-inch cast iron skillet or any similar size baking pan ready.
- Add softened cream cheese into a medium bowl and beat with an electric beater until light and creamy.
- Add drained jalapenos, cheddar, mayo, salt and scallion. Beat for 10 to 20 seconds to thoroughly combine.
- Spread mixture into the skillet or baking pan, sprinkle mozzarella on top and then sliced jalapenos.
- Bake for 18 to 23 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot with your favorite chips.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
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Heidi
This dip was DELICIOUS. Everyone at the party that I brought it to gobbled it right up. Not overly spicy- just the perfect kick like a jalapeño popper!
Maria Doss
Happy to hear hun, Mario