Really Good Jalapeño Dip

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This really good jalapeño dip recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and fiery spice, making it an absolute showstopper at any gathering. It is so simple to make and a crowd pleasing appetizer every time. You and your guests are going to love this flavorful dip recipe as much as my family does!

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I love having a few go-to dips to prepare for parties or impromptu get-togethers. This Really Good Jalapeño Dip just moved into the Top 5 of my go-to dip recipes. Let me explain.

I was back home for a while this past Christmas. During that time there were lots of family gatherings. My dad’s wife Michelle had a new dip recipe to share: a jalapeño dip.

At first glance, it appeared basic, but one bite proved otherwise. Served chilled, the simple combination of flavors resulted in a really good dip. I was hooked.

The BEST jalapeño dip in a pan with tortilla chips

This dip made several appearances throughout the week I was in St. Marys, and I was never disappointed. At several points, I physically stop myself from overindulging on it.But, of course, before I left I had to ask for the recipe so I could share it with all of you.

Easy to whip up at a moments notice, I know you’re going to love this amazing cold appetizer recipe! Buckle up and get ready to dazzle your guests with the perfect cold jalapeño dip recipe that will leave them begging for more. Let’s dive in!

 jalapeño dip in a serving dish with tortilla chips.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The creamy texture of the cream cheese provides a velvety base, while the bold, sharp flavors of the cheddar cheese add a delightful richness.
  • It’s versatile enough to pair well with an array of dippers, from crunchy tortilla chips to fresh, crisp veggies.
  • The dip’s creamy texture, combined with its irresistible blend of flavors, makes it a true crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests begging for the recipe.

So, get ready to dazzle your taste buds and those of your guests with this irresistible dip that combines the heat of jalapeños, the creaminess of cream cheese and cheddar cheese, and the bold flavors of dry ranch dressing mix. Prepare to take your taste buds on a flavor journey they won’t soon forget.

hand stopping  jalapeño dip in a serving dish with tortilla chips.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make this amazing jalapeño dip recipe!

  • cream cheese
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • dry ranch seasoning
  • jalapeno peppers
  • red bell peppers
  • scoop-style tortilla chips for serving
 jalapeño dip ingredients in a bowl.

How to Make

Besides the flavor, one of the things I love about this recipe is that it comes together quickly. Counting the time it takes to chop the peppers, the total prep time is under 10 minutes.

I’ll walk you through the steps for making this jalapeño dip below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. In a medium bowl mix together the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing mix until evenly combined.
  2. Add in the red peppers and jalapeños and stir to evenly combine. 
  3. Place prepared dip into a dish.
  4. Serve with Tostitos Scoop chips.

 jalapeño dip in a serving dish with tortilla chips.

Recipe Variations

In addition to its incredible taste and versatility, this cold jalapeño dip recipe offers endless opportunities for customization. By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can easily tailor this dip to suit your specific event or personal preferences.

  • For those who enjoy a little extra heat, consider adding diced habanero peppers to the mix. This will give the dip an even spicier kick that will surely impress your guests. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the jalapeños with poblano peppers for a more subtle heat.
  • To add a touch of freshness and brightness, try mixing in some chopped cilantro or fresh lime juice. These additions will balance out the flavors and add a refreshing twist to the dip.
  • You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or monterey jack.
  • If you want to take this dip to a whole new level of indulgence, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or cooked ground sausage. These savory additions will add depth to the flavor and make the dip even more satisfying.

With these recipe variations, you can truly customize this dip to suit any occasion and cater to different taste preferences.

 jalapeño dip in a serving dish with tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this jalapeño dip?

To be honest, it’s not that spicy. Michelle recommends using the pith (the white part in the pepper) and seeds from one of the jalapeño peppers. That’s what she did. There was a touch of heat, but all that cheese keeps the spiciness to a minimum.

If you want more heat, use the pith and seeds from more than one of the jalapeños. If you don’t like heat, don’t include any pith or seeds.

 jalapeño dip in a pan with tortilla chips.

Can this dip be served warm?

I honestly haven’t tried. There’s no reason you couldn’t try baking it in the oven, I just can’t speak to the results. I love it served cold, so I can’t imagine enjoying it more another way.

If you’re looking for jalapeños dips designed too be served warm, try this jalapeño popper dip or jalapeño corn dip.

Are there other dip recipes you recommend?

Curious about the rest of my favorite dips? Then be sure to check out this post which contains all of my best dip recipes. There is something for everyone. You could also have a dip party and just make them all.

hand shopping Jalapeño Dip with tortilla chips.

More Dip Recipes You Will Love

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a game day party, or a festive celebration, this jalapeño dip with dry ranch dressing mix is the perfect addition to any occasion.

I hope you’ll give this Really Good Jalapeno Dip a try. I’m certain you’ll be adding it to your list of favorite appetizer recipes, too! If you do make it, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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You're going to love this Really Good Jalapeño Dip appetizer dip recipe.

Really Good Jalapeño Dip

This Really Good Jalapeño Dip is so simple to make and a crowd pleasing appetizer every time. You and your guests are going to love it as much as my family does!
4.87 from 23 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: jalapeno dip, really good, dip recipe,
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 366kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl mix together the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing mix until evenly combined.
  • Add in the red peppers and jalapeños and stir to evenly combine.
  • Place prepared dip into a dish. Serve with Tostitos Scoop chips.

Video

Notes

*When preparing your jalapeños, remove the seeds and white part (pith) of each pepper. This is where most of the heat is. I like to include the seeds and pith from one or two peppers to give this dip a little heat. You can add more, depending on the level of spiciness you desire.

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 557mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1168IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 1mg

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Recipe Rating




81 Comments

  1. Made this for the time today because it sounded like it had to be delicious.
    After following the recipe exactly as written I sampled it and I wasn’t disappointed at all.
    It was a bit hard to mix so I did add a little buttermilk to help it be a little easier to stir.
    Can’t wait to have my family try it!

  2. Even if you won’t call it the best jalapeno dip ever, I certainly will! I have made this dish probably a dozen times over the past couple of years and it is such a hit! Everyone loves this dip: it’s flavorful, light, (a little) spicy, and gorgeous with all the colors! I’m making it for Christmas and finally had to leave a review. Thank you, Michael!!

    1. The peppers will release water over time. You can make it in the morning and serve it in the evening and that’d be fine. Also, if you know you’ll be tight on time, you can cut up the peppers in advance. Then all you need to do is mix.

      xo Michael