Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Dip

How is it possible that I have not done an Improv Cooking Challenge in months!!! This is one of my favorite challenges because it pairs two ingredients and allows creativity to take over. It is fun because people make all sorts of things and there is always a different preparation I would not have thought to make.  The ingredients for this month are:  Jalapenos and Cheese.  I am finally getting my taste for spicy food back after it was completely dialed down to nothing while I was pregnant with my sweet Rowan.

I have actually had this recipe sitting in que for a while because I wanted to post it for this challenge, but it was hard to wait because it was so delicious.

I opted to make a slowcooker dip because it is so convenient and doesn’t use heat up the house with a warm oven to create a melty cheesy dip for a crowd.  This is a dip that is certainly work making. In fact, I entered it in my work’s appetizer contest and it won! It is spicy, smoky, cheesy and creamy….so yummy. This recipe makes a large amount and it can be cut in half, but I would make sure that you slightly reduce the cooking time to avoid any potential scorches to the dip. I use one sliced jalapeno on top, but if you want more heat you can scatter more fresh jalapenos on top.

Thanks to Nichole of Cookaholic Wife for organizing these challenges!  Next month the theme is berries and balsamic and I have a tasty ideas in mind!

I think I mentioned before that I am taking a class and it has taken up a lot of my time! I am entering the final week and will, thankfully have a little more time to devote to sharing more recipes with all of you! 

Ingredients

4  (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup sour cream

1 dry ranch dressing packet

2 (4 oz) cans diced jalapeño

1 cup chopped bacon, reserve 1/3 cup for topping

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, reserve 1/2 cup for topping

1 fresh jalapeño , sliced

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, ranch packet, diced  jalapeño, 2/3 cup bacon, and 1 cup cheese.  Spread evenly into a slowcooker. Top with remaining cheese and bacon. Arrange jalapeño slices on top. Cook on low 3 hours.

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