Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread

This jalapeno popper cheese bread is the ultimate cheesy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game day. It’s loaded with cream cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and sharp cheddar and takes just minutes to throw together!

 

Easy Jalapeno Popper Bread Recipe

• Quick and Easy. This easy appetizer recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute get-together!
• Huge Flavor. It’s loaded with bold flavors like melty sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and zesty jalapenos – fresh and pickled! – for an irresistible bite.

Ingredients for Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread

• Italian Loaf: The sturdy base for this cheesy bread. Substitute with French bread.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, rich texture. Use full-fat cream cheese, not low-fat or fat-free.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess. Again, full fat will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Offers a mild, melty base. Substitute with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold, sharp flavor. Substitute with extra Colby Jack or mild cheddar if needed.
• Bacon: Brings smoky, savory flavor. Use your family’s favorite bacon.
• Pickled Jalapenos: Adds tangy heat. Use mild or hot depending on how spicy you like it.
• Fresh Jalapenos: Provides a delicious crunch. Omit the ribs and seeds for a mild flavor. Include the ribs and seeds for some extra heat.
• Green Onion: Adds a mild onion flavor. Reserve extra for garnish.
• Chives: Enhances the fresh flavor. You can skip them if you don’t have any on hand.
• Garlic: Adds a savory depth. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute.
• Onion Powder: Boosts the flavor of the filling. Dried minced onion would work as a substitute.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds subtle heat. Optional but recommended.

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread

Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the Italian loaf in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.

Mix the Filling: Add cream cheese, sour cream, half the Colby Jack cheese, all the sharp cheddar, bacon (reserve some for garnish), pickled jalapenos, fresh jalapenos, green onions, chives, garlic, cayenne pepper, and a few large pinches of salt and pepper in a large bowl.

Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Bread: Spread the jalapeno mixture evenly over the cut side of each bread half.

Top with the remaining Colby Jack cheese and additional slices of fresh jalapeno if desired.

Bake and Broil: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to turn golden brown. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a deeper golden color. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Serve: Slice and garnish with bacon, green onions, and chives. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread

• Adjust the Heat Level: As written, this recipe is pretty mild in the spice department. If you want it spicy, leave some of the ribs and seeds in the fresh jalapenos. Add a couple more pinches of cayenne pepper for an extra kick too!
• Crisp the Bacon: Ensure the bacon is crispy to maintain texture in the creamy filling.
• Broil Carefully: Keep an eye on the bread while broiling to avoid burning.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• While I don’t recommend actually assembling the cheese bread in advance, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture 24 in advance and store it in the fridge.
• About an hour before you want to bake the bread, let the mixture sit out on the counter to come to room temp.
• Then assemble and bake as directed but plan to add some extra baking time to account for the colder temperature.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty.
• The air fryer is another easy way to reheat the jalapeno popper bread.

Serving Suggestions for Game Day

• chili sauce meatballs
• cheesy Rotel dip
• mini chili cheese dogs
• crockpot weenies
• creamy French onion dip

Try these easy game day appetizers next!

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