When you combine the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce—with a creamy, cheesy base and a touch of spicy jalapeño, magic happens. This Spicy Jalapeño BLT Dip with Cheddar is everything you love about a BLT, reimagined as a scoopable, irresistible dip. It's got the perfect balance of heat, richness, and that familiar bacon-tomato tang that makes it one of those easy cold dips that disappears fast at any party. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout, planning your game-day tailgate, or simply looking for appetizer recipes that wow with little effort, this BLT dip recipe is your go-to.
Spicy Jalapeño BLT Dip with Cheddar
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Mixing bowl A large one to combine all ingredients comfortably.
Hand mixer or spatula A mixer makes blending cream cheese easier, but a sturdy spatula works fine.
Chef’s knife & cutting board Essential for dicing jalapeños, tomatoes, and chopping bacon.
Measuring cups & spoons Precision matters, especially with cheese and mayo ratios.
Serving dish A shallow bowl or platter works best for scooping.
- 8 oz cream cheese softened – The creamy base of the dip; make sure it's at room temperature so it blends easily.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds tang and helps loosen the texture just enough to make it dippable.
- ½ cup mayonnaise – Brings the richness and classic BLT flavor; use a quality mayo for best taste.
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Aged cheddar adds bite and depth to balance the heat of the jalapeños.
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon – Go for crispy; it brings the signature BLT crunch and savory punch.
- ½ cup chopped fresh tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes work great; they don’t release too much liquid.
- ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce – Added just before serving to keep it crisp.
- 2 fresh jalapeños finely diced – Remove seeds for less heat or leave them in if you like it fiery.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions – Adds a fresh zesty layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat
Cook the bacon.
Start by frying the bacon until it’s deeply golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
Prep your veggies.
Dice the jalapeños (remove seeds if you’re spice-sensitive), chop tomatoes into small pieces, and slice the green onions.
Mix the creamy base.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth and fluffy.
Add flavor layers.
Stir in shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon (reserve a tablespoon for garnish), jalapeños, green onions, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick.
Chill if serving cold.
For those looking for cold dips for parties, cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Top with lettuce and garnish.
Just before serving, gently fold in the shredded lettuce. Sprinkle the reserved bacon and a bit of cheddar on top.
Serve.
Pair with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or sturdy tortilla chips.
Pairings That Pop
Looking for the perfect sides for BLT sandwiches or complementary nibbles to round out your spread? This spicy jalapeño BLT dip is right at home alongside:
- Grilled corn salad – Sweetness plays off the salty-spicy notes.
- Crispy potato wedges – Serve warm or room temp as a hearty scoop vehicle.
- Mini club sandwiches – An ideal setup for an appetizer trio.
- Cucumber slices or bell pepper strips – Adds a cool crunch that balances the heat and richness.
- Bloody Marys or crisp lagers – For those brunch or tailgate dips moments.
Whether you serve it warm from the oven (yes, you can bake this at 375°F for 15 minutes) or chilled as one of your go-to cold dips for party appetizers, this dip adapts to the vibe.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well, though it’s slightly leaner and won’t be as crispy. Bake it for the best texture.
2. Should I use fresh or canned tomatoes?
Fresh is best here. Canned tomatoes tend to release too much liquid, which could water down your dip. Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal.
3. Can I make this a hot dip?
Yes! If you’re looking for hot dip recipes, just sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top and bake at 375°F until bubbly, about 15 minutes. Add the lettuce only after baking.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. For easy party food prep, mix everything except the lettuce and store in the fridge for up to two days. Add the lettuce just before serving to maintain its crunch.
5. Is this better with cream cheese or Greek yogurt?
For a more indulgent texture, cream cheese wins—especially if you're aiming for that classic blt dip with cream cheese flavor. But Greek yogurt can be subbed for a lighter version.
