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Home / Courses / Appetizers

JalapeƱo Poppers

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Author: Imma Published:5/03/2019Updated:1/25/2022
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JalapeƱo poppers are an explosion of flavor with gooey cheese, browned bacon bits, spicy jalapeƱos, and fragrant garlic and onion. These beauties have it all! JalapeƱo poppers make the perfect snack for cookouts, game days, or simply an evening around the pool.

Freshly Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Contents…

Why Make Jalapeno Poppers?
Jalapeno Popper Ingredients
Alternative Ingredients
Tips and Tricks
Serving and Storage Instructions
FAQs
What Goes with Jalapeño Poppers?
More Jalapeno Recipes to Try
How to Make Jalapeno Poppers

There’s something about hot peppers that I find so exciting. You all know I’m a fan of super spicy food, and jalapeƱos are right on that list.

Stuffed jalapeƱo poppers are more than just spicy heat; they’re creamy and inviting.

And they’re called poppers because all you have to do is pop them in your mouth. So here’s my recipe for jalapeƱo poppers. I’m sure you’ll make these often. Oh yeah!

Why Make Jalapeno Poppers?

Let me know if this sounds familiar. You’re having friends over, but you’re tired of offering them chips from a bag and heating premade frozen snacks.

What you need are a few recipes for homemade but super easy snacks, and there’s nothing more exciting than jalapeƱo poppers.

My guests can never get enough when I serve these deliciously spicy snacks.

Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeno Popper Ingredients

  • Bacon ā€“ Bacon bits give a flavor punch and crunchiness to these jalapeƱo poppers filling. 
  • Garlic ā€“ A little goes a long way and adds flavorful and complex flavor combinations. And it’s super easy to mince garlic.
  • Onions ā€“ Green onion’s color and lovely taste make our poppers taste fresher. And the addition of regular onions also offers natural sweetness to balance the popper filling’s flavor.
  • JalapeƱos ā€“ The perfect package for an extraordinary one-biter. Make sure your fresh, green jalapeƱos are nice and firm.
  • Cream Cheese ā€“ This popper filling ingredient is creamy and perfectly combines with the crispy breadcrumbs and flavorful garlic and onion. 
  • Sharp Cheddar ā€“ Cheddar is a delectably flavorful cheese perfect for our recipe because it melts beautifully.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs ā€“ The delicate crunch this type of breadcrumb gives your jalapeƱo poppers is so mouthwatering. 
  • Butter ā€“ SautĆ© your garlic and breadcrumbs in butter gives your filling a crumbly, crunchy texture.

Alternative Ingredients

  • Sharp Cheddar – Gouda cheese, Manchego, and other semi-hard cheeses are perfect popper fillers. Use what you have in hand.
  • JalapeƱos – Bite-sized serrano peppers are the perfect substitute for jalapeƱos. And they’re so similar that your guests may not even notice you pulled a switch.
  • Bacon – You can substitute prosciutto or any other dry-cured meat for a more Mediterranean feel. I’ve even used pepperoni in a pinch, and it came out great.
  • Breadcrumbs – Feel free to stuffed your jalapeno with breadcrumbs before baking them. Simply toss the breadcrumbs in a heated saucepan with melted butter and minced garlic.
  • Bacon Wrapped – Want to go all out? Then wrap these babies here with bacon!
Freshly baked bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers

Tips and Tricks

Wear gloves because the jalapeƱos’ capsaicin can irritate your skin. If you forget, as I sometimes do, vinegar helps. And whatever you do, don’t rub your eyes!

If you get capsaicin in your eyes, blink really fast to get the tears going. Then use saline solution to wash your eyes. (Sorry guys, but contact lenses should go in the trash after removing them from your eyes with clean hands.)

Leave some of the jalapeno’s veins and seeds if you want hotter snacks. Some people enjoy their jalapeno poppers flame-throwing hot!

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve jalapeƱo poppers still warm on a platter, so the cheese is still gooey.

Store jalapeƱo poppers in an airtight BPA-free plastic container with a lid in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheat jalapeƱo poppers under the broiler or in the microwave. You can also add a bit more butter to bring them back to life. 

FAQs

Are red jalapeno peppers hotter than the green ones?

Yes, they are! So if you’re looking to ramp up theĀ Scoville scaleĀ inĀ your poppers, definitely use the red ones. But if you’re more interested in flavor, the greens ones are better.

What can I do with jalapeno peppers?

The sky’s the limit. Aside from these incredible poppers, you can slice them into a bowl of chili, top your nachos, throw them on a homemade pizza, or spice up an ordinary salad. You can eat jalapeƱos raw or cooked.

Do jalapeƱos get spicier when cooked?

JalapeƱos actually lose some of their heat when cooked, but when you eat them hot (temperature hot, that is), they might feel spicier than they really are. It’s the same effect as eating them with a cup of hot coffee. Ouch!

A bite off jalapeno popper

What Goes with JalapeƱo Poppers?

This fun little snack is great on its own, but you might want to serve it with non-spicy snacks since not everyone can take the heat.

Chicken wings, pigs in a blanket, and your favorite snacks go great with these amazing bites of spice.

More Jalapeno Recipes to Try

  • JalapeƱos Corn Casserole
  • Pineapple JalapeƱos Corn Muffin
  • Deviled Eggs With Bacon And JalapeƱos
  • Pineapple Cucumber Salad

How to Make Jalapeno Poppers

Cooking the Bacon and Onion Mixture

Prep the Ingredients

  • Cook the Bacon – Heat a frying pan over medium, add bacon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy. Drain the grease, leaving just a tablespoon. (Photos 1-3)
  • SautĆ© Onion and Garlic – Add the garlic, green onion, and onion, and stir for about a minute. Don’t let it burn. Remove the veggies from the pan into a large mixing bowl and let them cool. (Photo 4)
Scraping off the jalapeno seeds
  • Prepare the Oven – Preheat the oven to 375℉/190ā„ƒ. Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil, then spray with cooking oil.
  • Clean the Peppers – Wearing gloves😉, cut jalapenos in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and ribs with a spoon to create a vessel. Set aside while you prepare the filling. (Photos 5-6)

The Final Stretch

Adding Cream Cheese Mixture
  • Prepare the Filling – Add cream cheese and cheddar to the bowl with the garlic and onion mixture and mix until thoroughly combined. Crumble the bacon slices into bits and stir them into the mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. (Photos 7-8)
  • Fill the JalapeƱos – Fill each half jalapeno with the cheese and bacon mixture. (See instructions below if topping with breadcrumbs.) (Photo 9)
  • Bake – Arrange the poppers on the baking sheet about one inch apart and bake for 20-25 minutes until tender and the tops brown to a beautiful golden. Let them cool 10-15 minutes before serving. (Photo 10)

The Optional Breadcrumb Topping

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the breadcrumbs and garlic, then stir until lightly toasted. Add parsley, if desired. Top the filled jalapeno poppers with the flavored breadcrumbs before baking.

Jalapeno Popper Dipped in Ranch Sauce
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Jalapeno Poppers
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Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno Poppers – fresh and plump jalapenos sliced in half and filled with a a rich, creamy and cheesy filling. These Jalapeno Poppers are BAKED and can be wrapped around with bacon or topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs. A fantastic party appetizer or game day food!
5 from 1 vote
Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 50 mins
American
Servings 12 poppers

Ingredients

  • 5 strips regular bacon , chopped (see notes 3)
  • ¼ cup onions , finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) minced garlic
  • 1 small green onion , finely chopped
  • 5-6 plump jalapeno peppers
  • 4 ounces cream cheese , softened
  • 2 ounces sharp cheddar or gouda cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter , melted
  • ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, add bacon over medium. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until bacon is brown and crisp. Drain oil and leave a tablespoon spoon.
  • Add onions, garlic, and green onions, and stir for about a minute. Do not let it burn. Remove from the pan and place in a large mixing bowl to cool.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil paper then grease with a cooking spray.
  • Wear gloves and cut jalapenos in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs – to create a vessel. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
  • Add cream cheese, and cheddar cheese to the bowl of onion mixture. Mix until fully combined. Add in bacon. Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.
  • Arrange the poppers on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart and bake for 20-25 minutes until tender and top browns up.
  • Let it cool about 10-15 minutes before serving.

If topping with bread crumbs

  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add in the breadcrumbs and garlic toss together until slightly brown. Add in parsley, if desired. Use the breadcrumbs to top poppers before baking, optional.

Tips & Notes:

  • Try to use gloves (latex or any type of protective gloves) when cutting and gutting the peppers. very spicy peppers can cause your fingers to burn, it won’t be horrible but a bit uncomfortable.
  • Poppers topped with breadcrumbs will take about 5 minutes less cooking time in the oven.
  • If you are cooking for people who cannot tolerate any spice you can also make these using baby bell peppers.
  • Some people test jalapenos for heat before buying, some are extremely hot while others have so little heat. If there is little or no heat, they will not be hot because physical heat such as baking or frying kills most of the peppers’ spiciness.
  • Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1popper| Calories: 156kcal (8%)| Carbohydrates: 2g (1%)| Protein: 6g (12%)| Fat: 13g (20%)| Saturated Fat: 7g (44%)| Cholesterol: 40mg (13%)| Sodium: 244mg (11%)| Potassium: 75mg (2%)| Sugar: 1g (1%)| Vitamin A: 370IU (7%)| Vitamin C: 8.6mg (10%)| Calcium: 116mg (12%)| Iron: 0.2mg (1%)
Author: Imma
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
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Nutrition Facts
Jalapeno Poppers
Amount Per Serving (1 popper)
Calories 156 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 40mg13%
Sodium 244mg11%
Potassium 75mg2%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 370IU7%
Vitamin C 8.6mg10%
Calcium 116mg12%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
 
Ā 

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Comments & Reviews
  1. Mike D says

    Posted on 2/19 at 1:34PM

    My wife loves this appetizer and has them often when we go out. I’m new to your site and I was skeptical I could pull this recipe off. It turned out amazing!! Thank you for this site! Will try more recipes later!

    Reply
    • imma africanbites says

      Posted on 2/23 at 3:05PM

      Welcome to Immaculate Bites! I’m so glad it turned out amazing for you, Mike. Can’t wait for you to try other recipes here on the blog.

      Reply
  2. Teo Ai Li says

    Posted on 11/9 at 7:18AM

    Hi! I plan to bake these for a party. Will they still be ok and taste good if they are not going to be eaten immediately? Maybe an hour or so after coming out of the oven? Thanks

    Reply
    • imma africanbites says

      Posted on 11/9 at 5:34PM

      Hi. An hour after baking would be fine, but more than that, I can’t say for sure since I haven’t personally tried it. What I’d suggest though is stuff the peppers in advance and refrigerate them (up to a day in advance) if you’re not planning on serving them right away.

      Reply
      • Teo Ai Li says

        Posted on 11/14 at 6:47PM

        Thanks and appreciate your reply. I baked these last night for dinner. May I know why my cheese filling spilled over and spead onto the tray? Am I supposed to fill the pepper levelled with filling or a hump? What could ne the problem? Trying out as planning my Christmas day menu. Appreciate your help. Thanks much!

  3. Denny says

    Posted on 11/1 at 6:40AM

    Try addingsomeground sausage in the mixture. Use a applewood and hickory smoked bacon. Also add some multi mix cheese on top

    Reply

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