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Crispy Smoked Jalapeño Popper Dip with Bacon and Panko Crust

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A smoky, creamy jalapeño popper-inspired dip topped with a crispy panko crust and savory bacon, perfect for parties and quick gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 3–4 medium smoked jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¾ cup (75 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • Chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a smoker, warm it to about 225°F (107°C) with hardwood chips.
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  3. Seed and finely chop the jalapeños, wearing gloves. Remove membranes for milder heat or keep seeds for more spice.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt; mix well.
  5. Fold in chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses until evenly distributed.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Optionally, drizzle a teaspoon of melted butter on the breadcrumbs.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. If using a smoker, bake at 225°F (107°C) for 45-60 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the crust.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving.

Notes

Use bacon fat to sauté jalapeños for extra smoky flavor. Soften cream cheese to avoid lumps. Toss panko with melted butter for a golden crust. Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning. Add a splash of milk or cream cheese if dip is too thick before baking. For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free crackers or almond flour. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, smoked jalapeños, bacon dip, panko crust, party dip, creamy dip, smoky dip

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/crispy-smoked-jalape-n-o-popper-dip-with-bacon-and-panko-crust-recipe-guide/