Jalapeno Popper Cheese Blend (Printer-Friendly)

A rich, baked dip with creamy cheeses, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon for irresistible flavor.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - ½ cup sour cream, full fat
03 - 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 - ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

→ Produce

05 - 2 tablespoons canned diced jalapenos
06 - 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
07 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Meat

08 - 6 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Seasoning

09 - 1 tablespoon ranch dressing seasoning mix

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature. In a large bowl, whip together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and lump-free.
02 - Fold in the canned diced jalapenos, fresh diced jalapeno, crumbled bacon reserving a small portion for topping, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir gently to combine evenly.
03 - Stir in about three quarters of the shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, saving one cup of the cheese mixture for the topping.
04 - Grease a 9x11 inch baking dish. Spread the dip mixture evenly, smoothing the surface to the edges.
05 - Sprinkle reserved cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling around the edges.
06 - Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining bacon and green onions on top for color and crunch.
07 - Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables to enjoy the dip's creamy, gooey texture.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - For a smoother dip, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Reserve some bacon and cheese for the topping to enhance texture and flavor.
02 - This dip can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving. If baking directly from the refrigerator, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.