Ultimate Bacon Jalapeño Cheesy Dip
This delectable dip, inspired by the classic flavors of spicy jalapeño poppers, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering. My friend Cheryl perfected this recipe, bringing it to parties where it quickly became the star of the show. Unlike other variations, this version incorporates the rich flavor of roasted garlic, elevating the taste with its aromatic qualities. Paired wonderfully with crusty slices of sourdough baguette or crispy crackers, this dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with the smoky goodness of real bacon. It's rich, satisfying, and addictive—you might want to double the recipe, as it will disappear in no time. Enjoy this irresistible dip that's sure to leave your guests begging for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened (two blocks, light recommended but do not use fat-free))
mayonnaise
1 cup (light mayo recommended, do not use Miracle Whip)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (shredded)
garlic
2 cloves (finely minced)
fire-roasted green chilies
4 ounces (1 can)
pickled jalapeno peppers
2-4 ounces (drained (2 ounces for mild spice, 4 ounces for extra heat; canned preferred))
bacon
8 ounces (cooked and crumbled, reserve 3 tablespoons for topping)
green onions
3 (finely sliced (optional))
sourdough baguettes
2 (sliced (also good with crackers or fresh veggies))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Reserve 3 tablespoons of crumbled bacon to sprinkle on top of the dip before baking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Gently fold in the pickled jalapeños, fire-roasted green chilies, and crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
5
Transfer the dip mixture into a 9-inch pie plate or a small baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Sprinkle the reserved bacon bits on top of the dip. Optionally, add sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
7
Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the edges are golden brown.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with slices of sourdough baguette, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Bacon Jalapeño Cheesy Dip?
This dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer inspired by the flavors of spicy jalapeño poppers, featuring real bacon, roasted garlic, and green chilies.
What are the main ingredients for this dip?
The main ingredients include cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fire-roasted green chilies, pickled jalapeños, and bacon.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
Use 2 ounces of pickled jalapeños for a mild spice or up to 4 ounces if you prefer extra heat.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe recommends using two 8-ounce blocks of softened cream cheese; light cream cheese works well, but fat-free should be avoided.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?
No, the recipe specifically states to use real mayonnaise and to avoid using Miracle Whip.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dip.
How long does the dip need to bake?
Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the edges are golden brown.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9-inch pie plate or a similarly sized small baking dish is perfect for this recipe.
Why should I reserve some bacon?
Reserve 3 tablespoons of crumbled bacon to sprinkle on top of the dip before baking for a crispy garnish.
Are green onions required?
Green onions are optional but can be added for an extra burst of flavor and color.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It pairs wonderfully with slices of sourdough baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be finely minced before being blended into the cream cheese mixture.
Should the pickled jalapeños be drained?
Yes, ensure the pickled jalapeños are drained before adding them to the mixture to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a hand mixer is recommended to blend the cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, and garlic until smooth and creamy.
How do I know when the dip is finished baking?
The dip is ready when it is bubbling throughout and the edges have turned a golden brown color.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, you can use 8 ounces of pre-cooked bacon as long as it is crumbled before being added to the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free if the ingredients are checked for additives, but it is traditionally served with sourdough which contains gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
While the recipe calls for pickled jalapeños for their specific tang, you can use fresh ones if you prefer a sharper heat and different texture.
What is the function of the fire-roasted green chilies?
They provide a mild, smoky flavor that complements the bacon and roasted garlic notes.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency when mixing.
Can I serve this dip cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is best served warm to maintain its creamy, bubbling texture.
What makes this dip unique?
Unlike many other versions, this recipe incorporates the rich flavor of roasted garlic to elevate the taste profile.
Is light mayonnaise okay to use?
Yes, light mayonnaise is actually recommended for this recipe.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe is encouraged for large parties as the dip tends to disappear quickly.
How many sourdough baguettes should I buy?
The recipe suggests having 2 sliced sourdough baguettes ready for serving.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
The high fat content in the cheese and mayo usually prevents sticking, but you can lightly grease the dish if desired.
Can I use jarred minced garlic?
Yes, although fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, jarred minced garlic can be used for convenience.
How long should I let the dip cool before serving?
Let the dip cool for just a few minutes after taking it out of the oven so it is safe to eat but still warm.