| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 45g | 25g | 2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 0g | 30g | 1.2g |
I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of my favorite culinary delights, the Jalapeño Popper Dip. Imagine all the creamy, cheesy goodness, and fiery kick of a traditional Jalapeño Popper, transformed into an even more shareable dish. As someone who comes from a Southern background, I often find myself gravitating towards comfort food recipes and this dip is no exception. It’s the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, with a hint of crunch – a true symphony of flavors. I love pairing this dip with fruit slices for a sweet and spicy twist or with crackers for a more traditional nosh.
The Health Benefits
Now, while this Jalapeño Popper Dip leans a bit more on the indulgent side, there’s more to it than meets the tongue. Jalapeños are a wonderful source of vitamins C and E and they’re also packed with capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. When you pair this dip with fresh fruits, you amplify the health benefits even more. Fruits add a dose of natural sweetness and are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Similar Dishes and Pairings
Once you’ve tasted this Jalapeño Popper Dip, you may find yourself searching for similar dishes. It reminds me of our Southern staple, the classic Artichoke Crab dip, or even the upscale Lobster Nachos. For a real treat, I recommend pairing the Jalapeño Popper Dip with a crispy fried chicken or a zingy shrimp cocktail – the hints of coastal seafood in these dishes complement the creaminess and heat of the dip beautifully.
At the end of the day, I can’t help but love our Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe. It’s inspired by Southern comfort, full of bold flavors and brings people together. A touch of my coastal background emerges with every well-paired seafood dish, and the health benefits from the jalapenos and fruit add an unexpected wholesome touch. I promise, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why this dip is a staple in my Southern kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 can (4 oz) of chopped green chilies, drained
- 4 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Fresh fruit or crackers for serving
Method
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Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. While the oven heats up, take a large mixing bowl and combine your cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, green chilies, and chopped jalapeños. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step Two
Once you have your cheese mixture, stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This should be around 1/2 cup of Parmesan.
Step Three
Transfer your cheese mixture to a baking dish. The dish should be big enough to hold all the mix. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Once combined, spread this breadcrumb mixture over your cheese mixture in the baking dish.
Step Five
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan over the breadcrumb layer. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for around 25-30 minutes.
Step Six
Once the top of your dip is golden and the dip is bubbling, remove it from the oven. Let the dip cool for a few minutes.
Step Seven
For a touch of freshness, optionally sprinkle your cooked dip with chopped cilantro. Serve your jalapeno popper dip warm, with fresh fruit or crackers for dipping.
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