Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip

Why Make This Recipe

Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip is a delicious and lighter take on the classic appetizer. It’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in. This dip offers a great mix of flavors with the creaminess of cheeses, the heat of jalapenos, and the crispness of bacon. Plus, it is easy to prepare and pairs well with various dippers like tortilla chips or veggies.

How to Make Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup cottage cheese blended
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese grated
  • 1 cup jarred jalapenos
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • 4 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a round baking dish, 8×8 square pan, or casserole dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, blended cottage cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese together. Stir until well combined.
  3. Add the diced jalapenos, chopped green onions, bacon pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything well.
  4. Spread the cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
  5. Top it off with more mozzarella cheese, bacon bits, panko breadcrumbs, and jalapeno pieces.
  6. Bake in the oven for 28-32 minutes, or until it is golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Allow it to cool a bit before serving. Enjoy with tortilla chips, potato chips, or fresh veggies.

How to Serve Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip

Serve Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip warm for the best flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips, crispy potato chips, or even raw veggies like carrots and cucumbers. You can also serve it with toasted bread for a heartier option.

How to Store Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip

To store any leftover dip, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip

  • Use low-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese to make it even healthier.
  • For extra crunch, add panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
  • Adjust the number of jalapenos based on your spice preference.

Variation

You can switch up the cheeses to include pepper jack for added heat or a creamy cheese blend for a different flavor profile. Veggie lovers might also enjoy adding chopped bell peppers or spinach to the mix.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and then bake it just before serving.

2. Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or leave them out, the dip remains gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture may change when reheated. However, you can store it in the fridge for a few days.

Healthy Jalapeno Popper Dip

A delicious and lighter take on the classic jalapeno popper appetizer, this dip offers a great mix of creamy cheeses, the heat of jalapenos, and crispy bacon.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Cheese Mixture
  • 1 cup cream cheese Use low-fat for a healthier option.
  • 1 cup cottage cheese blended Blend until smooth.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese grated Add more for topping.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup jarred jalapenos Adjust based on spice preference.
  • 4 pieces green onions chopped
Bacon and Spices
  • 4 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
Toppings
  • to taste mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • to taste panko breadcrumbs Use gluten-free if needed.
  • to taste jalapeno pieces (for topping)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a round baking dish, 8×8 square pan, or casserole dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, blended cottage cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese until well combined.
Mixing
  1. Add the diced jalapenos, chopped green onions, bacon pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything well.
Baking
  1. Spread the cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
  2. Top it off with more mozzarella cheese, bacon bits, panko breadcrumbs, and jalapeno pieces.
  3. Bake in the oven for 28-32 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  4. Allow it to cool a bit before serving.

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor. It pairs well with tortilla chips, potato chips, or fresh veggies.