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Savory Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar Dip Recipe with Crispy Bacon Crumble

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A smoky, spicy, and cheesy dip combining sharp cheddar, pickled jalapeños, and crispy bacon crumble. Perfect for game days, parties, or late-night cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2–3 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
  2. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese finely using a grater.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Fold in the finely chopped pickled jalapeños, adjusting amount based on heat preference.
  6. Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture until evenly combined.
  7. Spoon the mixture into an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon evenly over the top of the dip.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20 minutes or until bubbly and slightly golden on top. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra meltiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Let the dip cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggie sticks.

Notes

Do not overcook bacon to avoid bitterness. Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing. Shred cheese fresh for better melting. Adjust jalapeño amount gradually to control spice. Baking develops better flavor and texture than microwaving. Bacon fat can be saved for other uses. Microwave option: mix all except bacon, microwave 2-3 minutes stirring halfway, then add bacon on top before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked jalapeño dip, cheddar dip, bacon crumble dip, spicy cheese dip, game day dip, party appetizer

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/savory-smoked-jalape-n-o-cheddar-dip-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-crumble-easy-and-best/