Description
A creamy and cheesy jalapeño popper dip featuring savory ground beef and a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Topped with buttery crushed crackers, this baked appetizer delivers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and rich flavors that’s ideal for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Spices and Flavorings
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños (or fresh, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Garnish
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the dip.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful base.
- Add Ground Beef: Stir the cooked ground beef into the cheese mixture until well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the dip evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dip for a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the dip is bubbly.
- Serve: Let the dip cool slightly after baking. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, then serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced veggies.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeños used.
- For extra spiciness, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture.
- This dip can be prepared a day ahead; bake it just before serving to save time.
