Name: Cheesy Jalapeño Pepper Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional for baked version: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp melted butter; Optional for fried version: 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs (beaten), 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, oil for frying

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Cheesy Jalapeño Pepper Poppers are the ultimate party appetizer—spicy, creamy, crispy, and completely addictive. With fresh jalapeños stuffed with a gooey cheese mixture and baked or fried until golden, these little bites pack a punch of heat and flavor that I always crave. Whether I’m serving them at a gathering or snacking on them at home, they never last long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to make and packed with bold flavor. The jalapeños bring just the right amount of heat, while the cheesy filling is rich, smooth, and savory. I can bake them for a lighter version or fry them for that classic crispy texture. They’re also easy to prep ahead and totally customizable depending on how spicy or indulgent I want them to be.

Ingredients

10 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional for extra crunch:

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter (for baked topping)

Optional for fried version:

1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
Oil for frying

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

To bake:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Spoon the cheese mixture into each halved jalapeño.
For added crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until jalapeños are tender and the tops are golden.
Let cool slightly before serving.

To fry:

Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture and press closed if possible.
Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 20 poppers (10 whole jalapeños halved) and takes about 30 minutes total to prep and cook. It’s great for parties, game days, or anytime I want a fun appetizer with some heat.

Variations

Add Bacon: I mix in crumbled cooked bacon with the cheese or wrap the stuffed poppers in bacon before baking.
Spicy Cheese: I use pepper jack or a spicy cheese blend instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
Meaty Version: I add a bit of cooked sausage or chorizo to the filling for a heartier bite.
Sweet Heat: I drizzle the finished poppers with a little honey or hot honey for a sweet-and-spicy flavor contrast.
Vegetarian Crunch: I coat the tops in crushed tortilla chips or cornflakes for a fun texture twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get the outside crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture won’t be as crunchy. I don’t recommend freezing them after baking, but I’ve frozen uncooked stuffed poppers and baked them straight from frozen.

FAQs

How spicy are jalapeño poppers?

They have a mild to medium heat, especially if I remove the seeds and membranes. I wear gloves when prepping if I’m sensitive to spice.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, I stuff the jalapeños and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking or frying.

Can I use an air fryer?

Absolutely. I air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until crispy and golden.

What dipping sauce goes well with these?

I love serving them with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a creamy chipotle sauce. A touch of sweet chili sauce also works great.

Can I make them less spicy?

Yes, I soak the halved jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes after removing the seeds. It tones down the heat nicely.

Conclusion

Cheesy Jalapeño Pepper Poppers are the perfect bite-sized snack with just the right mix of creamy, spicy, and crispy. They’re simple to make, fun to serve, and always a hit. Whether I bake or fry them, add bacon or keep them classic, these poppers are guaranteed to bring big flavor to any table.