Jalapeno Poppers with Cheddar Filling
Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Inspiration
I absolutely love jalapeno poppers with cheddar filling! They are the perfect appetizer for any party or gathering. The contrast of spicy jalapenos and creamy cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that never fails to impress my guests. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Whenever I make these, they disappear within minutes, leaving everyone craving more. Trust me, once you try these poppers, you won't want to go back to any other appetizer!
When I first decided to make jalapeno poppers, I was surprised at how simple they were to prepare. Using fresh jalapenos, I stuffed them with a mixture of cheddar and cream cheese, which gave them a rich and creamy texture. I experimented with various seasonings, and discovered that a hint of garlic powder and smoked paprika really enhances the overall flavor.
Every time I serve these poppers at gatherings, they become the star of the show. The combination of heat and cheesy goodness is utterly addictive. I also like to bake instead of fry them, as it makes them a bit healthier without sacrificing taste. Trust me, give these a try!
Why You'll Love These Jalapeno Poppers
- The perfect blend of spicy and cheesy goodness
- Creamy cheddar filling that makes every bite indulgent
- Easy to prepare, making them great for last-minute gatherings
Perfecting Your Jalapeno Poppers
One of the keys to mastering jalapeno poppers is selecting the right jalapenos. Look for firm, glossy peppers with a vibrant green color, as this usually indicates freshness and better flavor. When slicing them, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts, which helps in evenly filling them later. For a spicier kick, skip removing some seeds and membranes, but for a milder version, make sure to remove them thoroughly.
When making the cheese filling, room temperature cream cheese blends much better with shredded cheddar, creating a smooth and creamy mixture. To elevate the flavor profile, consider adding finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This not only enhances the taste but also gives a beautiful contrast of colors when baked.
Baking Tips for Golden Perfection
Baking the jalapeno poppers allows the flavors to meld beautifully while achieving a satisfying texture. For an evenly cooked outcome, position the poppers cut-side up on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. You might want to line the tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. A good indication that they’re ready is when the tops are bubbly and golden brown, typically around 15-20 minutes in the oven.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular breadcrumbs, try using crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko. These options give a delightful crunch without compromising on the flavor. Just remember that if you’re substituting, the baking time may slightly vary, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your jalapeno poppers:
Jalapeno Poppers
- 12 large jalapenos
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Make sure to adjust the spice level according to your preference!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your jalapeno poppers:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Jalapenos
Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Fill the Jalapenos
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
Bake
Place the filled jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of oil. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your jalapeno poppers hot!
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese!
Pro Tips
- To make them even more flavorful, add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the filling mixture.
Storage and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftover jalapeno poppers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. This helps retain their crispiness compared to microwaving, which can make them soggy. For best results, cover them loosely with aluminum foil during reheating to prevent over-browning while ensuring they heat through.
Alternatively, jalapeno poppers can be frozen before baking. Assemble them as per the recipe, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This makes for an excellent quick snack or appetizer ready to impress at any moment.
Serving Suggestions
These jalapeno poppers are fantastic served as is, but enhancing them with additional dips can elevate the experience further. Consider pairing them with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat from the jalapenos. For an added kick, try serving with a spicy salsa or a zesty avocado crema, which complements the poppers beautifully.
To make your spread even more appealing, serve the jalapeno poppers alongside a variety of finger foods, such as mini sliders, vegetable trays, or chips and guacamole. This makes for a lively appetizer platter that caters to different tastes, ensuring that your gathering is a hit among guests with varying preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these jalapeno poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the jalapenos and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ How can I reduce the spice level?
Remove the seeds and membranes completely, and consider using milder jalapenos.
→ Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, you can deep fry them for a crispy texture! Just make sure to coat them in breadcrumbs first.
→ What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicier kick or mozzarella for a milder option.
Jalapeno Poppers with Cheddar Filling
I absolutely love jalapeno poppers with cheddar filling! They are the perfect appetizer for any party or gathering. The contrast of spicy jalapenos and creamy cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that never fails to impress my guests. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Whenever I make these, they disappear within minutes, leaving everyone craving more. Trust me, once you try these poppers, you won't want to go back to any other appetizer!
Created by: Linnea Porter
Recipe Type: Basic Quick Meals Inspiration
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Jalapeno Poppers
- 12 large jalapenos
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
In a bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
Place the filled jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of oil. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your jalapeno poppers hot!
Extra Tips
- To make them even more flavorful, add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the filling mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g