This jalapeño popper dip recipe delivers a perfect balance of creamy cheese, savory onion, and bright spicy heat. It’s an ideal appetizer for game day, parties, or any gathering where you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dip. This baked jalapeño cheddar dip is adaptable — make it milder by removing the seeds from the peppers or turn up the heat by adding more jalapeños or a touch of a hotter chili.

Low Carb Keto Jalapeño Popper Dip
If you love jalapeño poppers, this baked jalapeño popper dip gives you the same flavors without the extra breading. It’s a great low carb and keto-friendly option when served with crunchy vegetables such as celery, cucumber, or radishes. The recipe combines cream cheese and mayonnaise with freshly grated cheddar for a rich, smooth base. Diced onion adds sweetness that caramelizes slightly when baked, and fresh jalapeños add the characteristic pepper heat. You can adjust the pepper amount or remove seeds for a milder dip. The top browns and crisps during baking, concentrating the flavors and creating a savory crust that many people enjoy.

Which Peppers to Use for a Spicy Dip
Jalapeños are the classic choice for this recipe and provide a pleasant, manageable heat. If you want to experiment with spicier options, consider these tips:
- Add a small amount of chopped habanero for intense heat; start with half a pepper and taste before adding more.
- Serrano peppers are a good step up from jalapeños if you want more heat without changing the flavor profile too much.
- Thai chilies can be very hot and add a sharper heat; start with one and adjust to taste.
- Whatever pepper you choose, chop it finely and remove seeds if you prefer a milder result. Always wash your hands after handling hot chiles and avoid touching your face or eyes.
- This dip pairs well with cold beer for adults, and for kids serve a milder version alongside a pitcher of iced lemonade or fruit juice.
Keto Baked Jalapeño Popper Dip
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Bake until the top is deeply browned for the best flavor. The dip can be mixed ahead and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before baking for even heating. Serve warm with low carb vegetables or your favorite dippers.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (224 g) mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) freshly grated cheddar cheese, divided
- 2–3 jalapeños, diced (seeded if desired)
- 1 medium onion, diced (sweet onion recommended)
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, 1 cup of the cheddar, diced jalapeños, diced onion, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Stir until thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a 6-inch (15-cm) baking dish or any ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar on top in an even layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dip is fully melted and the top is deep golden brown. The darker, more caramelized crust will yield more intense flavor — watch closely toward the end to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with crunchy vegetables, low carb crackers, or your favorite dippers.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
This dip works well as an appetizer or part of a buffet. For lower-carb serving options, offer celery sticks, cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, and radishes. If serving children or people sensitive to spice, prepare a separate mild batch with fewer peppers or no seeds.
To make the dip ahead, combine the ingredients and refrigerate in an oven-safe dish, covered. Bring to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking to ensure even heating. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Video
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 498 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Fat: 45 g (Saturated fat: 14 g)
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 725 mg
- Potassium: 149 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 748 IU
- Vitamin C: 8 mg
- Calcium: 293 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Enjoy this baked jalapeño popper dip warm for the best flavor and texture. It’s a simple, flavorful recipe that’s easy to customize, perfect for gatherings and weeknight snacks alike.
