Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño Poppers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer made by stuffing fresh jalapeños with a cheesy, flavorful filling and baking or frying until golden and bubbly. They’re the perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and crunchy, and can be made ahead for easy entertaining.
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Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or small spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers halved lengthwise, seeds & membranes removed
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs optional, for crispy topping
- 2 tablespoons butter melted (if using breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Jalapeños:
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat (leave some for extra spice).
- Make Filling:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bacon (if using) until well combined.
- Stuff Poppers:
- Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture.
- Optional Crunchy Topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over filled jalapeños for a crispy top.
- Bake:
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and jalapeños are tender.
- Serve:
- Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm.
Servings: 8 servings