Healthy Protein Jalapeño Popper Dip

This protein packed jalapeño popper dip has all the flavors of a delicious jalapeño popper but made healthier in dip form with a Greek yogurt base! Its creamy cheesy base with the sharp bite of jalapeño peppers and salty bacon is SO good and is sure to be a major crowd pleaser at your next gathering or game day celebration.

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Why you’ll love this

Move over buffalo chicken dip, this high protein jalapeño popper dip might be my new favorite spicy dip! It has all of the flavor of jalapeño poppers, but even made even better if you ask me.

One serving packs 10 grams of protein per serving, making this a great way to add nutrition to your spread for the big game. 

This healthy jalapeño popper dip recipe also has THE best flavor and the perfect spice level to seriously impress your guests at your next party. You won’t be able to step away from this one.

It’s also easy to throw together and only takes about 15 minutes to bake.

In the unlikely event that you have leftovers, this dip also stores and reheats perfectly! You can even meal prep this dip for a fun healthy snack for the week. This spin on the traditional jalapeño popper flavor is truly the perfect appetizer and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Let’s get into what you need to make this fun twist on classic jalapeño poppers.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese keeps the traditional flavor of a jalapeño pepper and adds the perfect creamy texture to this dip.
• Greek yogurt: To increase the protein, I like to use Greek yogurt for the base of the dip. Full fat Greek yogurt works best and mimics sour cream. The tangy flavor compliments the cream cheese adding volume and creaminess. Blended cottage cheese would work too.
• Pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeño slices offer a more mild flavor and adding just a tablespoon of the vinegar brine gives the dip a boost of flavor and balances the cheesy base.
• Fresh jalapeños: The color and crunch of fresh jalapeños bring both texture and flavor to this dish. You can customize the heat level by choosing how much of the seeds to remove.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon is essential for any jalapeño popper. You can also swap out bacon bits or turkey bacon if you prefer.
• Cheddar cheese: I love the flavor sharp cheddar cheese gives this dip. You can shred it yourself or use pre-shredded cheese. Both white or orange cheddar work, so use whatever your preference is! You could also use Monterey jack cheese.
• Seasoning: A little bit of salt and garlic powder is just enough to complete this delicious dip.

Topping ingredients

• Butter or avocado oil: You can use melted butter for a richer flavor or any neutral oil like avocado oil for the perfect golden brown color.
• Panko bread crumbs: Panko works great for this topping; it gives the perfect crispy topping texture just like the fried coating of a jalapeño popper. 
• Cheddar cheese: A little more cheese adds an extra melty, crispy layer to the topping of this dip.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt give the topping extra flavor and color.

How to make protein jalapeño popper dip

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, add Greek yogurt and softened cream cheese. Mix with a hand mixer (or whisk vigorously) until smooth. Add ½ cup shredded cheese and remaining dip ingredients. Mix to combine. Transfer to an oven safe 1 qt baking dish.

3. In a small bowl, mix together all topping ingredients.
4. Top prepared dip with remaining cheese, and then breadcrumb mixture.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes (check frequently to avoid burning).

6. Serve alongside your favorite dippers, garnish with green onions and jalapeño slices if desired.

How to store

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Serving suggestions

You can use any of your favorite dippers, but here are some ideas!

• Tortilla chips or corn chips (like Fritos)
• Pita chips
• Crostini
• Pita bread
• Potato chips
• Pretzels
• Crackers
• Veggies: Cucumbers, bell peppers, raw cauliflower and broccoli, carrots, celery

Variations

• Use all pickled or all fresh jalapeño, you can use what you have or what you prefer! If you choose to use only fresh jalapeño use 1 tbsp of white vinegar or pickle juice in place of the jalapeño brine.
• Use the leftovers in a quesadilla, omelette or stuff into mini bell peppers!
• Missing traditional jalapeño poppers? Slice fresh jalapeños in half, remove the seeds and use the dip as the stuffing for the jalapeño halves.
• If you love spice leave the fresh jalapeño seeds in or even add an extra jalapeño or two!
• If you like an even cheesier dip, add more cheese or change up the flavors by adding different cheeses like parmesan or even feta cheese.

More dips you’ll love

• High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Cottage Cheese Queso Dip
• Whipped Ricotta Dip
• Buffalo Ranch Sauce
• Cottage Cheese Taco Dip
• Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip

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