Jalapeno Popper Bread Dipping Oil

Serve up this fun twist on jalapeno poppers at your next party or game-day watch party. You can’t go wrong with a quick loaded bread dipping oil – just mix a pile of easy-to-find ingredients with olive oil and serve up with lots of bread (I recommend this no-knead chili cheese focaccia or no-knead rosemary parmesan bread) to swirl through.

Whenever I need an appetizer or a little bite to serve with drinks quickly (like when unexpected guests arrive!) there’s a 99% chance I’m turning to bread dipping oil. There just isn’t an appetizer that’s easier or delivers so much for so little effort. The hardest part about this recipe is chopping the jalapenos, and even that only takes about 2 minutes.

And this version, inspired by the flavors in jalapeno poppers (or these gorgeous little jalapeno popper taco cups) is one of the easiest versions you can make. It’s spicy, salty, sweet, zesty and cheesy, and unbeatable when paired with a pile of bread. I love serving this with soft chili cheese focaccia, rosemary parmesan bread or even these two-ingredient dough garlic butter dinner rolls.

If you have any leftovers, it’s wonderful as a topper for dips (try it with creamy oil-free hummus), drizzled over grilled miso chicken or tossed through salad as a quick dressing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pickled jalapenos. I LOVE the acidic tang these bring to the oil – they’re a wonderful shortcut ingredient. You can use fresh jalapenos if you like, but I’d only use one as they tend to be a lot spicier than jarred.
• Cheese. To mimic the creamy, cheesy base of traditional jalapeno poppers, I’ve gone for creamy feta and strong parmesan cheese. Feta is great here because it’s creamy, but doesn’t completely mix into the oil, the way cream cheese would. You could use cheddar or Monterey Jack instead if you like.
• Honey. This just helps to cut through the richness and spiciness of the jalapenos. It gives you a spicy, salty, sweet plate of deliciousness.
• Parsley. The parsley brings a little extra freshness to the oil and I find it doesn’t dull in color as quickly as something like cilantro or basil does. It’s also fairly mild, so it doesn’t compete with the other strong flavors going on, but complements them well.

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Dipping Oil

Chop your jalapenos and parsley, then add your olive oil to a lipped plate or bowl. I like to just use the plate I’m going to serve the oil in to save washing up. Add the jalapenos, parsley, honey and feta, then grate the parmesan straight onto the plate, along with the lemon zest.

Scatter over a little salt, then mix well. That’s it! Serve with a pile of fresh bread and enjoy.

Jalapeno Popper Bread Dipping Oil FAQs

Watch how to make it

Four more dipping oil variations to try

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If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! You can leave a recipe rating and a comment below. And remember to tag @DishedByKate on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok if you’ve made one of my recipes. Seeing your recreations really makes my day 😊.