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Easy Creamy Jalapeño Popper Dip with Crispy Panko Crust

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A creamy, spicy, and crunchy dip made with cream cheese, jalapeños, and a buttery panko crust. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4–5 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon pickle brine
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice jalapeños in half lengthwise, remove seeds and membranes, and dice finely.
  3. If cream cheese is cold, microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Fold in 1 1/2 cups cheddar, all Monterey Jack, diced jalapeños, garlic, pickle brine, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Transfer mixture to prepared dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top.
  7. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add panko and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden and nutty. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let cool slightly.
  8. Sprinkle panko mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Do not press down.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly around edges and crust is deep golden brown. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and shred cheese from a block. Toasting panko in butter first ensures a crispy crust. Let dip rest before serving to set texture. For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños and remove all seeds. For extra heat, leave seeds from one pepper.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, creamy dip, panko crust, game day dip, easy appetizer, cheesy dip, spicy dip

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/easy-creamy-jalape-n-o-popper-dip-with-crispy-panko-crust/