Healthier Jalapeño Popper Dip (with Penny Panko Crunch!)
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s lighter but still loaded with cheesy, spicy flavor? This Healthier Jalapeño Popper Dip delivers all the creaminess you crave—without the heavy calories.
By swapping in Neufchatel cream cheese and Greek yogurt, you’ll get a lighter base packed with protein. A crispy topping of Penny Panko breadcrumbs brings the perfect crunch.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Neufchatel cream cheese, softened to room temperature (1 block)
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup jarred jalapeños, drained and diced (about 6 oz)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup Penny Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the base: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly. Leave it at room temp for an hour, or microwave (unwrapped) for 25 seconds.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, ½ cup cheddar, and ¼ cup Parmesan (leaving extra cheese for topping). Stir until creamy and combined.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture into a greased 8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar, Parmesan, and Penny Panko.
- Bake: Cook at 425°F for 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with tortilla chips, Piedmont Pennies crackers, or crunchy veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Lighter swaps – Neufchatel + Greek yogurt cut fat without cutting flavor
✅ Protein boost – thanks to the Greek yogurt base
✅ Crispy topping – Penny Panko makes every bite satisfying
✅ Perfect for sharing – quick to make, gone in minutes
👉 Want to make it even lighter? Use reduced-fat cheddar, or skip the chips and serve with carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips.
Refrigerate after preparing. Consume within 4 days. We don't recommend freezing this, because the vinegar from the jarred Jalapenos will separate the greek yogurt and cause the dip to congeal.
Stay Cheesin!