Step-by-Step Method
Prep the oven and ingredients
10 mins
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or a small cast-iron skillet. Finely dice your jalapeños. Pro tip: Wear gloves when chopping jalapeños to avoid transferring the spicy oils to your eyes or face!
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and minced garlic together using a hand mixer (or a sturdy wooden spoon) until completely smooth, fluffy, and free of lumps.
Fold in the textures
2 mins
Fold in the diced jalapeños and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. Spread the batter smoothly into your prepared baking dish.
Top and bake to a bubble
15-20 mins
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the buttered panko breadcrumbs if using. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges are bubbling rapidly and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and golden brown.
What to Serve It With
Because this dip is incredibly rich and savory, it needs a sturdy vehicle that can handle its weight. Thick-cut tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or sturdy pita chips are the absolute best choices. If you want to keep things on the lighter side, a platter of crisp celery sticks, bell pepper slices, and cucumber rounds cuts through the richness beautifully, offering a refreshing crunch with every spicy bite.
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