Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon (Video)

• servings: 16 servings
• total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese (softened, 16 oz. total*)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 tsp EACH onion powder, ground cumin, dried parsley

1/4 tsp EACH paprika, pepper, salt

1 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

1 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 (4 oz.) can diced jalapeno peppers (drained)

12 oz. thick cut bacon cooked and chopped (6-8 slices)

3 tablespoons melted butter

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

crackers, chips, bread, vegetables, etc.

Directions

Stovetop

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Add cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and all seasonings to a large bowl. Stir until combined. Stir in 1 cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, jalapenos, and all but 2 tablespoons bacon (the remaining bacon will be a garnish). Spoon into an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish or 10” skillet and spread into an even layer. Evenly top with remaining cheeses.

In a medium bowl, mix melted butter and panko together. Evenly spread over cheese layer. At this point you can cover and refrigerate and bake later OR you can proceed to bake.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° F for 25-30 min. or until cheese is completely melted and dip is hot throughout. Turn oven to broil and broil without changing oven rack position for 3-5 minutes or until panko is golden.

Garnish with remaining bacon and optional fresh parsley. Serve warm with crackers, bread, etc.

Slow Cooker

Lightly grease slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray (optional: use a crock pot liner for easy clean up).

Add cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and all seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir in 1 cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, jalapenos, and all but 2 tablespoons bacon (the remaining bacon will be a garnish).

Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, or until the cheeses are melted and dip is hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally.

Top with remaining cheeses, cover, and cook an additional 20 minutes for the cheese to melt.

Optional: Prepare panko topping by melting butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in panko and continue to stir constantly until panko is golden. Evenly sprinkle over dip.