Go Back
To make delicious baked jalapeño poppers, gather these ingredients: - 12 fresh jalapeño peppers - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional) - Olive oil, for drizzling When choosing jalapeños, look for bright green peppers. They should feel firm and smooth. Avoid any that are soft or have brown spots. The size matters too; smaller peppers often pack more heat. If you want a milder flavor, pick larger ones. A fresh jalapeño smells earthy and spicy. While cream cheese is a classic choice, you can try other cheeses too. For a richer taste, use a blend of cream cheese and goat cheese. If you like a stronger flavor, add pepper jack cheese. This gives your poppers a nice kick. For a creamier texture, mix in some ricotta cheese. Each cheese adds a unique twist to the dish. Use what you love! First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps the poppers not stick and makes cleanup easy. Now, take the jalapeños and slice each one in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to scoop out the seeds and membranes. This step is key. Removing these parts makes the poppers less spicy and more enjoyable. In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Add in minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If you want, throw in some chopped cilantro for extra flavor. Stir well until your mixture is creamy and smooth. Now for the fun part: stuffing! Use a small spoon or a pastry bag to fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Be generous and mound the filling high. This makes every bite deliciously cheesy. In a small bowl, drizzle olive oil over panko breadcrumbs. Mix it well so every crumb is coated. This will give your poppers a crispy crust that is hard to resist. Place the stuffed jalapeños on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. The cheese should bubble, and the breadcrumbs should turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. This prevents burns when you take a bite. You can control the heat of your jalapeño poppers. If you want less spice, remove the seeds and membranes inside the peppers. This part holds most of the heat. For more spice, leave some seeds in. You can also choose milder jalapeños or substitute with banana peppers for a sweet touch. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are my top picks: - Baking sheet: A sturdy one lined with parchment paper helps with cleanup. - Mixing bowl: Use a large bowl for mixing the cheese filling. - Spoon or piping bag: A small spoon or bag helps fill the peppers neatly. - Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the jalapeños easy. - Measuring cups: Use them for accurate ingredient amounts. Serve your jalapeño poppers on a nice platter. A colorful presentation catches the eye. Consider adding garnishes like fresh cilantro or sliced limes. These add color and flavor. Pair them with a small bowl of sour cream or guacamole for dipping. It balances the heat and makes each bite special. For the full recipe, check the link provided. {{image_4}} For a tasty vegetarian twist, swap out meat for black beans. This option is both healthy and filling. Mix 1 cup of cooked black beans with your cheese filling. You can add diced tomatoes and corn for extra flavor. This mix gives a great texture and taste. These poppers will please everyone at your table. If you love heat, try adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce mixed into the cheese filling. For red pepper flakes, add about 1/2 teaspoon. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. This extra kick will make your poppers stand out. Your friends will love the added heat! For a low-carb option, use cauliflower or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. For the cauliflower, pulse it in a food processor to create a fine texture. Mix it with melted butter and seasonings. If you choose almond flour, combine it with olive oil and spices. Both options will give a nice crunchy topping while cutting down on carbs. Enjoy a guilt-free snack without losing flavor! After enjoying your baked jalapeño poppers, you may have some left. To store them, let the poppers cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the poppers on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy while warming the cheese inside. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you want to save your jalapeño poppers for later, freezing works great. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to cook them, bake them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can find the full recipe to get started on these tasty treats again! Yes, you can prepare jalapeño poppers ahead of time. Just stuff the peppers and store them in the fridge. Cover them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Bake them when you're ready to eat. This way, you save time and still enjoy a warm snack. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both options add creaminess. You can also use ricotta cheese for a different flavor. Each choice gives a unique taste to your jalapeño poppers. Baked jalapeño poppers can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely before placing them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty for later snacking. Serve jalapeño poppers on a nice platter. You can add a dip like sour cream or guacamole. Fresh cilantro on top adds a pop of color. This makes for a fun and tasty presentation that impresses your guests. You can find the full recipe for baked jalapeño poppers in the section above. It covers all the steps and ingredients needed for this delicious treat. Follow it closely for great results every time! You now have all you need to make tasty baked jalapeño poppers. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to adjust the spice and explore fun variations. Storing and reheating your jalapeño poppers is easy, too. Remember, the right cheese and fresh jalapeños make a big difference. Try your own twist on the recipe, and share it with friends. Enjoy every bite of these delicious snacks!

Baked Jalapeño Poppers

Get ready to spice up your appetizer game with these delicious Spicy Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers! Packed with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with a crispy panko crust, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe and enjoy a flavorful explosion in every bite. Click through to discover how to make these irresistible poppers that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 fresh jalapeño peppers

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

    Prepare the Jalapeños: Carefully slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to scoop out the seeds and membranes, taking care to remove as much as possible for a less spicy filling.

      Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro (if using). Stir the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed and creamy.

        Stuff the Peppers: Using a small spoon or pastry piping bag, generously fill each jalapeño half with the creamy cheese mixture, pressing it in to create a nice mound on top.

          Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate small bowl, drizzle olive oil over the panko breadcrumbs and mix well to ensure they are evenly coated. This will help create a crispy topping during baking.

            Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese-filled jalapeños, making sure each pepper is well covered for that perfect crunch.

              Bake: Place the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and the breadcrumbs to turn a golden brown color.

                Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the jalapeño poppers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid any burns.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 35 mins | 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the jalapeño poppers on a large, attractive platter. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for color and freshness. Consider including a small bowl of sour cream or guacamole alongside for a delicious dipping option that will complement the spicy flavors beautifully.