Description
Make these simple, cheesy, and spicy baked jalapeño poppers for your next gathering. They deliver the perfect kick tamed by a creamy center.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: 6 slices bacon, cut in half (for bacon wrapped poppers)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the jalapeños: Carefully slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to scrape out all the seeds and white membranes. Wear gloves when handling the peppers to protect your hands from the heat.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Fill the peppers: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into the hollowed-out jalapeño halves. Do not overfill.
- For non-bacon poppers: Place the filled peppers directly onto the prepared baking sheet, cheese side up.
- For bacon wrapped poppers: Wrap half a slice of bacon around each filled pepper half and secure it with a toothpick if needed. Place them on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese filling of each popper.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the peppers are tender, the cheese is bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Let the spicy appetizer poppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- To control the heat level, remove as much of the white pith (membrane) from the inside of the jalapeño as possible; this holds most of the spice.
- If you prefer a crispier coating without frying, you can lightly spray the breadcrumbs with cooking spray before baking.
- These cream cheese stuffed jalapeños are excellent served with a side of ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 22 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 30