Craving something spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly crunchy? Look no further than these delicious Jalapeño Popper Recipes! These classic appetizers feature fresh jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon or coated with breadcrumbs, and baked or fried to perfection. They're the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or a spicy snack.
Servings 12Poppers
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 15 minutesmins
Total Time 30 minutesmins
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Small bowls (for breading setup, if needed)
Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
12large jalapeñoshalved lengthwise and seeds removed
8ozcream cheesesoftened
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
½tspgarlic powder
½tspsmoked paprika
12slicesof baconoptional
1cupbreadcrumbsfor breaded version
2large eggsbeaten (for breaded version)
1cupflourfor breaded version
Oil for fryingif deep-frying
Instructions
Prepare the Jalapeños
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Wash the jalapeños, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and membranes.
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Stuff the Jalapeños
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
Choose Your Cooking Method
Option 1: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Option 2: Breaded Jalapeño Poppers
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs.
Coat each stuffed jalapeño in flour, dip it in the egg, and roll it in breadcrumbs.
Arrange them on the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or deep-fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the jalapeño poppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with ranch dressing, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Poppers
Control the Heat: Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the spiciness. For extra heat, leave some seeds intact.
Add Variety: Mix in cooked sausage, diced jalapeños, or other shredded cheeses into the filling for unique flavors.
Crispy Bacon: Pre-cook bacon slices slightly before wrapping for extra crispiness
Nutritional Information (Per Popper)
Nutrient
Bacon-Wrapped Version
Breaded Version
Calories
120
100
Protein
5g
4g
Carbohydrates
2g
8g
Fat
10g
5g
Sodium
180mg
160mg
Why You’ll Love These Jalapeño Poppers
Customizable: Whether you prefer them bacon-wrapped or breaded, these poppers are easily adapted to your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, parties, or snacking.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or chipotle aioli.
Serve as an appetizer or snack alongside wings, sliders, or nachos.
Conclusion
These Jalapeño Popper Recipes are the perfect combination of spice, creaminess, and crunch. Whether baked or fried, bacon-wrapped or breaded, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Try them out and share your experience in the comments! 🌶️🧀