Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 12 slices of bacon, cut in half; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup diced onions (white or green); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Favorites

When I first made Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip, I was astonished at how easy it was to create a dish that packed so much flavor. The spicy kick from the jalapenos paired with the creamy, savory onion dip is simply irresistible. I love serving these at parties because they disappear in no time! Plus, the combination of baking and grilling gives them a perfect, crunchy texture. This recipe has become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:09:35.642Z

One evening, while looking for a quick snack, I stumbled upon the idea of making Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip. I had some fresh jalapenos and a few leftover cream cheese packets, which led to an experiment that turned out to be a flavorful hit. I learned that by mixing in spices and herbs with the cream cheese, I could bring out incredible flavors that complemented the heat of the jalapenos.

The onion dip was another revelation—I usually served it cold, but warming it up before dipping really transforms the whole experience. The dip becomes creamy and rich, making every bite of the popper even more satisfying. This dish has become my go-to for gatherings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect blend of spicy and creamy flavors
Easy to prepare, even for beginners
Great for entertaining or spice lovers

Perfecting the Jalapeno Poppers

To achieve that perfect balance of spice and creaminess in your jalapeno poppers, selecting the right jalapenos is crucial. Look for firm peppers with vibrant green skin. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating they are fresh. Ensure you handle the jalapenos with care—using gloves is a good idea to avoid the oils irritating your skin. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove all the seeds and membranes, which hold most of the heat.

Wrapping the jalapenos in bacon not only enhances their flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch. For best results, choose thick-cut bacon, which will offer a good meat-to-fat ratio when cooked. If you find bacon difficult to work with, you can also use prosciutto as a leaner alternative, although it may not provide the same crispy texture.

Making the Onion Dip

The onion dip elevates the poppers and adds an irresistible creamy element. When selecting onions, consider using green onions for a milder taste or sweet onions for a more robust flavor. The mixture should be well-combined to ensure all the ingredients meld together, creating a rich and savory dip. If you're feeling adventurous, adding a pinch of cayenne can give the dip an extra kick that pairs beautifully with the poppers.

For a fun twist, consider adding some shredded cheese or herbs like dill or chives to the dip. This boosts flavor and allows for some customization to suit your taste. If you want to prepare the dip ahead of time, you can store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just reheat it before serving, ensuring it becomes warm and bubbly without overcooking.

Ingredients

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
12 slices of bacon, cut in half

For the Onion Dip

1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup diced onions (white or green)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the ingredients as listed above.

Steps to Make Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip

Prepare the Jalapeno Poppers

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until combined. Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture and wrap each one with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.

Bake the Poppers

Place the prepared jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.

Make the Onion Dip

In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, diced onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and transfer to an oven-safe dish. Heat in the oven for the last 10 minutes of the jalapeno poppers’ baking time.

Serve

Remove the jalapeno poppers and onion dip from the oven. Serve the poppers hot alongside the warm onion dip for dipping. Enjoy!

Make sure to serve immediately for the best flavor.

Pro Tips

To reduce heat, you can deseed the jalapenos completely. For an extra kick, try adding chopped jalapeno stems to the cream cheese mixture.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover jalapeno poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can lead to soggy bacon and unappetizing texture. If you want to freeze them, do so before baking; freeze them raw, then cook them from frozen—just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

The onion dip can also be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to maintain its creamy consistency. To prevent separation, stir the dip occasionally while reheating, ensuring it heats through evenly. Serving the dip warm enhances its flavor and complements the jalapeno poppers perfectly.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, perfect for larger gatherings. If you want to increase the number of poppers, you can double the ingredients proportionately. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets, as overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Consider using two sheets if needed and rotate them halfway through the baking time for consistent results.

If serving a crowd, you might also think about offering a variety of dips along with the onion dip. Consider making a spicy ranch or a creamy avocado dip to provide guests with different options. This adds a fun spin and keeps the atmosphere lively, catering to those with varying tastes while complementing the poppers beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the poppers, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for bacon?

You can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I make the onion dip spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos to the onion dip for added heat.

→ Can I freeze jalapeno poppers?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked jalapeno poppers. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.