Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip

For 8 to 10 servings, Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip keeps the list centered on package bacon, cream cheese and mayonnaise. Set aside about 75 minutes.

• Yield 8 to 10 servings
• Ready in 75 minutes
• Prep 25 minutes
• Cook 50 minutes

Ingredients

Dip

• 12-ounce package bacon, chopped
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 to 4 medium jalapeños, finely chopped
• 3 to 4 green onions, finely chopped (chives work well in place of green onions)
• 4-ounce can green chiles, mild, medium or hot
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Topping

• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• Additional chopped green onions or chives, for serving

For Serving

• Tortilla or corn chips
• Baguette slices
• Fresh veggies like celery, bell peppers, cucumbers

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a deep dish pie plate with cooking spray and set aside (see note).
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towel lined plate to drain. If desired, chop or crumble bacon into smaller pieces. Measure out about 1/4 cup bacon and set aside to be used for topping.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeños, green onions or chives, green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika together until well-combined and creamy.
4. Add the shredded cheeses and bacon (except for the reserved bacon) and mix until evenly combined.
5. Spread the dip evenly in the prepared pan.
6. In a small bowl, toss the panko and Parmesan cheese together. Add the melted butter and mix until evenly combined.
7. Spread the topping evenly over the dip. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the dip is bubbly and topping is golden (tent the top with foil if the topping is browning too quickly).
8. Sprinkle the reserved bacon and green onions over the top. Serve the dip warm with chips, bread, or fresh veggies (my fave!).

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.