Description
Cheesy Jalapeño Pepper Poppers are spicy, creamy, and crispy bite-sized appetizers made with jalapeños stuffed with a rich cheese mixture and either baked or fried to golden perfection.
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
Instructions
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle on top of each popper.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
- To Fry: Fill jalapeños with cheese mixture and press halves closed if possible.
- Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry poppers 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain and serve warm.
Notes
- Add crumbled bacon or cooked sausage for a meaty version.
- Use pepper jack for a spicier twist.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy vegetarian alternative.
- Soak jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes to reduce heat.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
