Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Dip with Crispy Panko Topping

A little spicy, plenty cheesy, and utterly delicious. This Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Dip with Panko Topping is seriously addictive. When it comes out of the oven with the cheese bubbling and gooey on top, you’ll want to dive right in with a chip.

Baked cheddar jalapeño dip in white skillet garnished with jalapeño slices and two tortilla chips stuck in on wood cutting board.

About this Dip

I’m obsessed with the jalapeño-and-cheese combo. The salty, savory richness of cheddar paired with a touch of heat is a perfect match. Turn that flavor into a baked dip and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser: serve it with tortilla chips, crisp veggies, or spoon it over nachos. The base blends Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar with jalapeños, and it’s finished with a crunchy panko-parmesan topping. Make it for your next gathering and watch it disappear.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Canned jalapeños – milder and softer than fresh, ideal for a smooth, creamy dip.
  • Cream cheese – helps thicken and add creaminess; light cream cheese works fine.
  • Greek yogurt – adds creaminess and extra protein.
  • Cheddar cheese – stirred into the base so it melts beautifully when baked.
  • Panko crumbs – give a superior, airy crunch for the topping.
  • Green onion – adds freshness to the rich dip.

See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

How to Make This Recipe

ingredients for cheddar jalapeño dip unmixed in glass bowl on top of wood cutting board beside small bowel of jalapeño slices and striped tea towel.
Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Drain the canned jalapeños and combine them in a bowl with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, paprika, and sriracha.

ingredients for cheddar jalapeño dip mixed in glass bowl on wood cutting board.
Step 2

2. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth, then fold in the cheddar. In a separate bowl combine melted butter, panko crumbs, parmesan, and green onion until the panko absorbs the butter.

cheddar jalapeño dip unbaked in white skillet toped with panko, parmesan, and green onion.
Step 3

3. Grease a small casserole dish or 8″ skillet and spread the dip evenly. Sprinkle the panko mixture over the top.

Baked cheddar jalapeño dip in white skillet beside plate of tortilla chips.
Step 4

4. Bake 15–20 minutes until hot throughout. For a golden, bubbly top, broil 2–3 minutes at the end—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Serving suggestions

This dip is perfect for game day or any gathering. Serve with tortilla chips, sturdy crackers, or fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumbers. You can also use it as a filling for quesadillas—add shredded chicken and grill until crispy.

Recipe FAQs

How do you store it?

Best fresh from the oven, but leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Can I use bread crumbs instead of panko?

You can, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture. Regular breadcrumbs will be denser and more “bready.”

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes—use gluten-free panko crumbs and ensure any other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

How can I adjust the spice level?

For more heat, add extra sriracha or fresh sliced jalapeños. To reduce heat, omit the sriracha—canned jalapeños are fairly mild on their own.

What should I serve with this dip?

Tortilla chips are classic. Crackers (like Ritz), fresh vegetables, or toasted bread are great too. Try it inside a quesadilla with chicken for a heartier option.

Baked cheddar jalapeño dip in white skillet garnished with jalapeño slices and two tortilla chips stuck in on wood cutting board.

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Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating and a comment in the recipe card below. Thanks for visiting!

Baked cheddar jalapeño dip in white skillet garnished with jalapeño slices and two tortilla chips in.

Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Dip with Panko Topping

Prep 5 mins
Cook 20 mins
Total 25 mins
Servings 8

A little spicy, a lot cheesy, and totally addictive—this baked dip is ideal for parties and game day.

Equipment

  • Small casserole dish or skillet
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Hand mixer

Ingredients

  • 4 oz canned, drained jalapeños
  • 8 oz 1/3 lightened cream cheese
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp sriracha
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese

For the Panko Topping

  • 1 cup panko crumbs
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/4 cup parmesan
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Drain jalapeños and combine with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, paprika, and sriracha in a mixing bowl.
  3. Blend with a hand mixer until smooth, then stir in the cheddar.
  4. In a separate bowl combine melted butter, panko, parmesan, and green onion until the panko absorbs the butter.
  5. Grease a baking dish (8″ skillet works well), spread the dip in, and evenly top with the panko mixture.
  6. Bake 15–20 minutes until hot. Broil 2–3 minutes at the end to achieve a golden, bubbly top—watch carefully.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 226 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Sodium: 349 mg

Notes

This dip is best fresh from the oven but stores well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in 30-second intervals in the microwave. Adjust spice with more or less sriracha, or add fresh jalapeños for extra heat.

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Search “A Paige Of Positivity” and look for CHEDDAR JALAPEÑO DIP for calories and nutrition. For the most accurate macronutrients, enter each ingredient into your MyFitnessPal diary.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—tell me what you loved or just say hi!