Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade jalapeño poppers with this easy baking recipe! Featuring crispy breadcrumbs encasing jalapeños stuffed with a perfect blend of cream cheese and cheddar. These oven-baked poppers deliver restaurant-quality results without the mess of deep frying.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

24 poppers

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">12 medium jalapeño peppers</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cream cheese, softened</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g sharp cheddar cheese, grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 garlic clove, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp onion powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cumin</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, beaten</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50g all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional for garnish)</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 85 calories

🥑 Fat: 7 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 4 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 3 g

🍭 Sugar: 0.5 g

🍗 Protein: 3 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 35 mg

🧂 Sodium: 120 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Disposable gloves (for handling jalapeños)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Small spoon (for filling peppers)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Wire rack</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if you have one (this helps air circulate around the poppers for maximum crispiness). </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Prepare your jalapeños by wearing disposable gloves (this is important to avoid burning your skin or eyes). Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. The more thoroughly you remove the white membrane, the less spicy your poppers will be. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and well incorporated. This mixture should be creamy enough to pipe but firm enough to hold its shape during baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill. The cheese should come just to the top of the pepper, as it will expand slightly when baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one containing flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Working with one jalapeño half at a time, dredge first in flour (tapping off excess), then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Place the breaded jalapeño poppers on your prepared baking sheet, cheese-side up. Once all poppers are breaded, spray them lightly with cooking spray - this helps achieve that golden, crispy texture without deep-frying. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese filling is hot and bubbly. The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving - the filling will be extremely hot straight from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped chives if desired, and serve while still warm. The contrast between the crispy exterior, tender jalapeño, and molten cheese filling is what makes these poppers irresistible! </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Jalapeño Poppers Recipe?

The main ingredients include jalapeño peppers, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, garlic, spices (onion powder, cumin, salt), eggs, panko breadcrumbs, flour, cooking spray and optional chives for garnish. These combine to create the perfect balance of spicy, creamy and crunchy textures.

How to cook Jalapeño Poppers Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Jalapeño Poppers Recipe by halving and deseeding jalapeños, filling them with a cream cheese mixture, then coating them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before baking at 190°C for 18-20 minutes. This oven-baked method delivers crispy, golden poppers without the mess of deep frying while maintaining that perfect balance of spice and creaminess.

How can I adjust the spice level of homemade jalapeño poppers?

Control the heat by removing more or less of the white membrane inside the peppers (more removal = milder taste). You can also mix in cooling ingredients like extra cheese or a tablespoon of sour cream to the filling. For extra spicy poppers, leave some membranes intact or add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture.

Can you prepare jalapeño poppers ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can prepare jalapeño poppers up to 24 hours ahead. Complete all steps up to breading, then store covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freeze fully prepared uncooked poppers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake refrigerated poppers as directed, or add 5-7 minutes for frozen ones.

What dipping sauces pair best with baked jalapeño poppers?

Classic pairings include cooling ranch or sour cream to balance the heat. For more flavour, try homemade jalapeño jelly, chipotle mayo, honey sriracha sauce, or avocado crema. A tangy marinara or sweet Thai chilli sauce also complements the creamy cheese filling beautifully, offering versatility for different palates.

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