Description
A quick, 5-minute party appetizer featuring creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños. This crowd-pleasing dip is easy to make in the microwave or oven and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz block cream cheese (full-fat, softened to room temperature)
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6–8 strips thick-cut bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
- 0.5 cup pickled jalapeño slices (drained, squeezed dry, and minced)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2–3 stalks green onions (sliced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, cool, and crumble into small pieces. Reserve some for garnish.
- Drain jarred jalapeños well, squeezing out excess liquid, and chop into small pieces. If using fresh jalapeños, remove seeds and mince.
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature (microwave for 15-20 seconds if needed).
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños until evenly distributed.
- Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a little for topping.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, then microwave for another 1-2 minutes until hot and bubbly. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Top with reserved bacon and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Squeeze excess liquid from jalapeños to prevent a watery dip. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so shred cheese from a block if possible. This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before heating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 8
Keywords: hot dip, bacon dip, jalapeno dip, cream cheese dip, party appetizer, 5 minute recipe, microwave dip, cheesy dip, easy party food