Really Good Jalapeño Dip
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyThis 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!
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
More Dip Recipes You Will Love
- Out-of-this-World Corn Dip
- The BEST Veggie Dip
- The Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip
- Skillet Rueben Dip
- Sour Cream and Onion Dip
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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Really Good Jalapeño Dip
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 envelope dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 large red bell pepper finely diced
- 5 jalapeño peppers* seeded and finely diced
- 1 bag Tostitos Scoop chips
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.
I just shaped my prepared dip into a football shape using this pieces of red pepper for the sewn parts. Hope it’s a super bowl party hit! I’ve had it before and loved the flavor. Super easy to throw together!
YES!!!! That’s such a great idea!! Enjoy the game!
xo Michael
Could this be served warm?
I’ve never tried it warm, but I’d say no.
xo Michael
For anyone who has tried this, do you think cut up bagels would be good to Usenet instead of chips?!
It looks perfect. I will have to try it out.
Lovely post but when I am in the middle of reading a recipe for a cheesy dip, the last thing I want to scroll down and see is a fungal toe….. and more than once.
Couldnt stomach it but thank you anyway. Nice photos otherwise.
This looks incredibly delicious!
What a perfect dip for game day! Or any party! Thanks!
Totally making this for game day this weekend!
What a great dip to have at parties or when you have friends over!
I love the speckled color! We’re a big dip family and my oldest loves things with heat so I know he’d be up for trying this.
Hand me a spoon and I can do some serious damage on this dip!
Mixing this together was a little tough so I would recommend leaving the cream cheese out while you cut the peppers. Or maybe longer? Also since it’s so thick I would get crackers or plantain chips or something sturdier to scoop this dip than tostidos. The chips keep breaking and it’s annoying.
Yes, as the recipe suggests, the cream cheese should be softened before mixing. I’d leave it out until it becomes room temp.
Enjoy!
xo Michael
I added 1/2 cup of sour cream to make it thinner It was delicious!
Great idea!! Thanks for sharing.
xo Michael
I made this and it is so delicious! Was wondering how long you think it will last in the fridge? 2-3 days… or?
Yep – that’s my guess. The peppers may start to get mushy after that.
xo Michael
This dip looks and sounds delicious! For the red peppers, is it a red bell pepper?
Yes. Red Bell Pepper.
xo Michael
Made this for a party tonight. Friends repeatedly told me, “This is really good!” So, the name is spot on! Several wanted the recipe. I used the food processor to mince the peppers, took them out, whipped the cheeses in the processor with the ranch mix, then added the peppers back in and pulsed a few times. Consistency was perfect. Also, adjusted the heat to my liking with some Siracha sauce. Couldn’t have been easier. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Thanks Dave. I followed your directions and it was perfect. And SO much easier than mincing all of those peppers. I only used four jalapenos, as mine seemed bigger than average. I probably could have gone with 3…
May I use canned jalapeno if so how many cans please thank u
I wouldn’t. Stick with fresh for this recipe.
xo Michale
Have you tried it adding a few real bacon bits…..just curious if someone has tried it?
This looks absolutely mouthwatering delicious, and I can hardly wait until tomorrow to buy all needed so I can make this for my hubby. Thanks for sharing. Yum!
I made this at a pool party and it was a hit! Also someone said “That dip is REALLY GOOD!” 🙂 Living up to its name!
Haha! Yes! Love it!
xo Michael
Excellent Dip! Nice and hot !! I will share this batch with friends ..
thank you !
I just made it. It tastes good but mostly like cream cheese and jalapeño peppers. Maybe my peppers were too big? I might add sour cream and extra ranch seasoning. Good potential! Thanks for posting the recipe.
When I try to save this to pinterest, it just pulls up a blank page. Is it linked correctly on your end?
When I search your boards on Pinterest, it isn’t coming up either.
I’m not sure why it wouldn’t be working for you. I’ve noticed it pinned a few times. I just added a new social bar to the top of each post. Try using that Pinterest button to pin. 🙂 Thanks!
xo Michael
I was able to pin from the bar at the top but not from the actual picture in the post…the mysteries of the internet!
Lol. EXACTLY! Either way, I’m glad one option worked for you. 🙂
xo Michael
Can this be made ahead
It’s best served on the same day. The peppers release water and can make the dip runny after and extended period of time.
It only take a few minutes to mix up, maybe cut the peppers in advance then mix the day you’re going to serve.
xo Michael
Oh, we like it spicy in Colorado! This is perfect! I love the Staub platter too. I’m seeing that at HomeGoods and Williams-Sonoma. Thanks for posting. Can’t wait to try it for a girls night!