smoked jalapeno popper dip

Instead of stuffing individual jalapenos, mix them all together in one skillet or foil pan, then smoke until hot and bubbly and golden around the edges. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables as a game day or holiday appetizer.

If you already love smoked queso or rotel dip, this smoked cream cheese jalapeño dip is another easy smoker-friendly appetizer to add to your rotation.

material

This Smoked Jalapeno Popper Dip starts with a cream cheese base and is loaded with bacon, jalapenos, and plenty of cheese. From there, you can keep it mild or increase the spiciness with a few simple add-ins.

Cream cheese: The base of the dip. We haven’t tested it with low-fat cream cheese, so use regular cream cheese for best results. Sour cream: helps loosen the cream cheese and keeps the dip creamy. Mayonnaise: Adds richness and keeps the dip smooth while smoking. Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos give the best flavor. Remove most of the seeds for a mild spiciness, leave some for a spicier dip. Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon gives the dip a classic jalapeño popper flavor. Cheddar cheese: Adds sharp flavor and a golden top. Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds extra meltiness and a little spiciness. Garlic powder and onion powder: These simple seasonings enhance the flavor of the dip. Green onions: Optional garnish for freshness.

Pro tip: Using too much cheddar or overcooking the cheese can ruin the dip. Here’s why queso turns grainy and how to fix texture issues if they occur.

Add-in ideas

This Smoked Jalapeno Popper Dip is easy to customize with a variety of peppers, smoked meats, seasonings, and toppings.

green pepper

smoked meat

seasoning

ranch seasoning hot sauce

crunchy topping

Crushed Ritz crackers Panko bread crumbs Crushed pork rinds

How to make smoked jalapeno popper dip

This recipe can be used by any smoker. I’ve made it on a pellet grill, charcoal smoker, and even a gas grill with a smoker box. Just keep the temperature between 225°F and 250°F so the cheese melts slowly without separating.

I mostly use disposable aluminum pans because cleanup takes seconds. If you’re serving it at home, a cast iron skillet will work just as well and will stay hot a little longer.

How to make it without a smoker

Are there any smokers? Bake the dip in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Adding a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke will add just enough smoky flavor.

This jalapeño popper dip can also be made in the slow cooker. Add everything to the slow cooker and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Please enjoy warm.

The best wood for smoking this dip

I usually reach for apples or pecans because they add a good amount of smoke without overshadowing the bacon or cheese. Cherries are also a good option if you have them on hand.

If you prefer a stronger smoke flavor, hickory is a good choice, but omit the mesquite for this one. I used it during testing and had to throw out the entire pan. That was very offensive.

Recipe tips and notes

There are a few things to keep in mind when making this appetizer.

Cook and crumble the bacon before adding to the dip. Use fresh shredded cheese for a smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture. If the dip is too thick, add a little milk, cream, or evaporated milk and stir. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, oven, or smoker until warm and creamy again. We do not recommend freezing leftover cream cheese dip as it may separate after thawing.

variations

Once you create a basic recipe, you can easily modify it by adding different meats, peppers, cheeses, and toppings.

Cowboy Candy: Before serving, top the dip with chopped cowboy candy for a sweet and spicy finish that pairs especially well with bacon. Bacon Ranch: Stir 1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning into the dip before smoking. Tri-tip: Add chopped smoked tri-tip before smoking to make a heartier dip. Brisket or smoked chuck roast: Add chopped brisket or smoked chuck roast to the mix to make it more meal-like. Crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, bread crumbs, or crushed pork rinds mixed with melted butter on top before smoking.

What to eat with smoked jalapeno cream cheese

Smoked Jalapeno Popper Dip is best served warm with a sturdy ladle. Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but crackers, pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, potato chips, pork rinds, celery sticks, carrots, and shredded peppers all work well, too.

As a drink, enjoy with a cold beer, Michelada, Bloody Mary, Margarita, or sparkling lime water.

Other smoker recipes

If you have a smoker fired up, here are some of my favorite recipes to make with this Smoked Jalapeño Popper Dip.