Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip
Inspired by a crowd-favorite appetizer, this Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip delivers all the bold flavors you love with a much simpler, dippable version! The combination of bold jalapeño peppers and sharp cheddar cheese, complemented by sweet preserves and tangy cream cheese, creates an irresistible mix that’s easy to dip with chips, crackers, or veggies.
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What is jalapeño popper dip?
Jalapeño popper dip is inspired by one of my family’s favorites for easy entertaining – the jalapeño popper! A jalapeño popper is a tasty appetizer that includes hollowed-out peppers stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and some sort of meat such as bacon or prosciutto. The dip version of this snack takes the flavorful combination of ingredients and melds them together in a rich, melty cheese mixture that’s perfect for dipping!
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- This is one of those recipes I make when I need something easy that I know people will actually eat. There has never been a time when it wasn’t a total hit. In fact, it’s one that’s often requested!
- Jalapeño popper dip with fresh jalapeños is the perfect appetizer for any season or entertaining occasion! It’s a game-day favorite but also works for holidays and other gatherings. The slow cooker keeps it simple with the set-it-and-forget-it option!
- This cheesy dip captures the flavors of jalapeño poppers, but the apricot preserves add a surprising sweet-and-savory twist that sets it apart from your average dip.
- Prepared as written, this dip is mild enough to serve to a crowd. It’s also an easy option to adjust the heat for those who love a bolder, spicier flavor.
- With only a handful of ingredients, this dip is simple to prepare but loaded with flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggies for maximum dipping!
Ingredients Needed
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese is the decadent, creamy base of the jalapeño popper dip. It adds the perfect amount of tanginess! Cream cheese also creates a smooth texture, making it a convenient dip for chips and crackers.
- Apricot preserves – The apricot preserves sound a little unexpected, but they really balance the dip with a hint of sweetness to counter the spice. Feel free to use a no-sugar-added version or regular preserves. The contrast of sweet and spicy is irresistible!
- Jalapeño peppers – This recipe includes a hefty amount of jalapeño peppers, which creates a bold, delicious flavor. I almost always remove all the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños to prevent the dip from being too spicy, which works better for a group.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar creates the best flavor balance for the jalapeño peppers and blends well with the cream cheese when melted.
- Breadcrumbs (optional) – Add breadcrumbs as an optional topping for a crispy texture when the dip is finished.
- Melted butter – If you add the breadcrumb topping, melt some butter to drizzle over the top and create a lightly browned, extra savory topping in the oven.
How To Make Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Add cream cheese, preserves, chopped peppers, and shredded cheese to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- When the peppers are softened, and the dip is fully heated through, stir it until all the cream cheese is blended smoothly.
- Optional: In an oven-safe dish, top the dip with breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter.
- Preheat the oven to 400 ℉ and place the dish in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Pro Tips
- Take this tip from my hard-learned experience – wear disposable food prep gloves when cutting up the jalapeños! The oil from the peppers can linger on your skin for a while, and the extra protection on your hands is worth it.
- Preparing and dicing the jalapeños (about ½ a pound!) is the most laborious step in this recipe. I usually use a mini-chopper to speed up the prep time, but you still have to remove the ribs and seeds first.
- I’ve made this recipe with both freshly shredded and pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded can work if you are in a rush.
- This is one of those dips that looks a little messy until you stir it together at the end. After stirring, it comes together into a really smooth, creamy texture.
- A mini-casserole slow cooker is a great option for this recipe and for other dips, appetizers, and smaller meals. It’s versatile and easy to serve the dip straight from the slow cooker!
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Feel free to serve the dip with or without the breadcrumb topping. It adds a nice contrast if you want something a little more “finished,” but it is perfectly delicious as is, straight from the slow cooker. Look for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed, or swap with finely crushed crackers such as saltines or club-style snack crackers, or panko breadcrumbs.
- Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheeses are similar in texture and flavor to cheddar, so you can easily swap them or use a combination of cheeses. Add a little bit of shredded Gouda cheese if you like a smokier option!
- Part of the appeal of this dip recipe is the ultra-creamy, decadent texture. That said, you can swap the cream cheese for a low-fat version or use Neufchâtel for a reduced-calorie option.
- I typically remove all of the jalapeño ribs and seeds to keep the dip on the milder side, especially when serving to a crowd. However, if your audience likes things on the spicier side, you can leave as many of the ribs and seeds as you like before dicing the peppers.
- Authentic jalapeño poppers often include some form of cooked bacon or prosciutto. The dip version doesn’t include meat, but feel free to add some diced, precooked bacon or prosciutto for a more savory flavor!
- If you love jalapeños, try adding original jalapeño poppers to your entertaining lineup or try other jalapeño-inspired recipes, such as Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Chicken Flautas, Slow Cooker Jalapeño Corn Dip, or Slow Cooker Honey Jack Jalapeño Chicken.
Best Way To Serve Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip
I usually serve this hot, cheesy dip straight from the slow cooker on the warm setting, especially for parties or gameday gatherings. (The breadcrumb topping is a delicious option, but not necessary if you want to keep it simple.) The slow cooker‘s warm temperature keeps the texture just right without extra work, and you only need to stir occasionally!
This works best with sturdy, scoopable chips, such as corn or pita chips. Thinner chips tend to break because the dip is so thick and creamy. You will definitely want the most satisfying bite of cheesy goodness every time!
Of course, you’re not limited to just chips. Try a variety of these dippable options:
- Multigrain or woven crackers
- Naan or pita triangles
- Toasted crostini or bagel crisps
- Raw veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, or celery sticks (which obviously makes it healthier, right?)
As long as you’re serving appetizers, here are a few other tasty pairings that work great for parties and gatherings:
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Let the dip cool slightly, then store it in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Leftover dip does reheat well, but the texture is best when it’s freshly melted. If reheating, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or add to a saucepan and stir until the texture softens again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can jalapeño popper dip stay in the slow cooker?
Jalapeño popper dip can be cooked in the slow cooker on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours. After cooking, the dip can stay on the warm setting in the slow cooker for up to 2 hours.
Can you freeze jalapeño popper dip?
I don’t recommend freezing the dip because the dairy content can separate and create an unpleasant texture when defrosted.
Is jalapeño popper dip very spicy?
Jalapeño popper dip has a slight spicy kick from the jalapeños, but it is mild enough to serve at family gatherings. Just be sure to clearly indicate the jalapeño content so no one is surprised!
How do you make jalapeno popper dip more (or less) spicy?
To make the dip less spicy, remove all ribs and seeds from the jalapeños before dicing (it will still have mild-to-medium heat). To make the dip spicier, include as many ribs and seeds as you like, then dice and add to the slow cooker.
Can you make jalapeno popper dip in the oven?
Yes, you can convert this recipe for the oven by following these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 ℉.
- Add cream cheese, preserves, chopped peppers, and shredded cheese to an oven-safe dish and stir to combine.
- Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the ingredients are heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the peppers are softened.
- Remove the dish from the oven and stir (as needed) until the cream cheese is fully blended and smooth.
- Optional: Top the dip with breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter, then return to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Serve the dip warm straight from the baking dish.
Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Oven-safe baking dish (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 packages cream cheese 8oz each softened
- 12 oz apricot preserves
- 1/2 pound jalapeño peppers diced ribs and seeds removed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Add cream cheese, preserves, chopped peppers, and shredded cheese to slow cooker
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally
- When peppers are softened and dip is fully heated through, stir until all cream cheese is blended smoothly
- Optional: In an oven-safe dish, top dip with breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter
- Preheat oven to 400 ℉ and place dish in oven for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned
Notes
- Store leftover dip in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Leftover dip reheats well, but the texture is best when freshly melted.
- Wear disposable gloves when cutting the jalapeños to avoid the oil from transferring to your hands.
- A mini chopper is a great time-saver when dicing large quantities of peppers. Still, remove the ribs and seeds first, but the chopper can speed up the rest of the process.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded cheese works fine if you need a shortcut.
- The dip will look slightly unfinished after cooking. Just give it a good stir at the end to integrate the ingredients and develop the smooth, creamy texture.
