Jalapeno Poppers Recipe: Easy, Cheesy & Baked (or Fried)

Craving a little kick with a whole lot of flavor?

Look no further than these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Jalapeno Poppers! These aren’t your average poppers; they’re bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, perfectly balanced by the spicy heat of fresh jalapenos. They’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, or a fun, satisfying snack for yourself.

Why You’ll Love It

• The perfect balance of spicy and creamy.
• Easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
• Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties and game nights.
• Can be easily customized with your favorite cheeses and toppings.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets these Jalapeno Poppers apart is the perfect blend of two cheeses, cream cheese and cheddar, which creates a wonderfully rich and creamy filling that doesn’t get grainy when baked. The use of fresh jalapenos, cut lengthwise, gives a balanced bite to the popper and also allow the filling to stay where it’s supposed to.

Ingredient List

• 10 fresh jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs (panko breadcrumbs recommended for extra crispiness)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

Fresh Jalapenos: Using fresh jalapenos allows you to control the heat and have that garden fresh flavor. Cream Cheese: is the base for the creamy filling and provides a nice tang.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. Carefully cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Use gloves for this step if you are sensitive to chili heat.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg yolk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff each jalapeno half generously with the cheese mixture.
5. Brush each stuffed jalapeno half with olive oil.
6. Place the stuffed jalapenos on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Here are a few suggestions:

• Sprinkle with a little bit of crispy bacon for added flavor and texture.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika before baking for a smoky flavor.
• Drizzle with a little bit of hot sauce after baking if you like extra heat.

Expert Tips

• Use gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation from capsaicin.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened, so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Don’t overfill the jalapenos, or the filling might spill during baking.
• For extra crispy breading, try adding a touch of melted butter to the breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the baking time depending on the size and thickness of your jalapenos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen jalapenos? While fresh jalapenos are best, you can use frozen ones, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before stuffing.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the poppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving.
• Can I freeze these? It’s not recommended to freeze them after baking as the texture can change. However, you can assemble them and freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Can I substitute the cheeses? Absolutely! Feel free to use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
• Can I make these spicier? Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture or use a hotter variety of jalapenos.

Variations and Customization Options

This recipe is a great starting point! Here are some other ways you can mix it up:

• Spicy Chorizo Poppers: Add cooked and crumbled chorizo to the cheese mixture for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Mediterranean Poppers: Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
• Vegan Poppers: Use vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese. Mix with some breadcrumbs and spices and enjoy a vegan delight!

Serving Suggestions

These Jalapeno Poppers are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer. They also pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy aioli. Serve them on a platter for your next party or enjoy them as a tasty side dish to your favorite meal.

Conclusion

These Jalapeno Poppers are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy makes them irresistible, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear at your next gathering. So, go ahead, try this recipe and share your popper creations with us! We can’t wait to see your photos and hear what you think. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes! 

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