Jalapeno Poppers

Fresh and plump jalapenos are sliced in half and filled with a rich, creamy, and cheesy filling. These Jalapeno Poppers are BAKED and can be wrapped with bacon or topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs. A fantastic party appetizer or game-day food!

Makes 10-12 poppers

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 25

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 156kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

5 strips bacon, chopped
¼ cup onions, finely diced
1 teaspoon (5g) garlic, minced
1 small green onion, finely chopped
5-6 plump jalapenos
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 ounces sharp cheddar (or Gouda)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat, and add bacon. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the bacon is brown and crisp. Drain oil and leave a tablespoon in the pan.
Add onions, garlic, and green onions, and stir for about a minute. Don't let it burn. Remove from the pan and place in a large mixing bowl to cool.
Preheat the oven to 375℉/190℃. 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 onion mixture. Mix until thoroughly combined. Then stir in the 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.
Let them cool 10-15 minutes before serving.

Optional Breadcrumbs

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

Notes

Try to use gloves (latex or 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 cook for people who cannot tolerate 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 little heat. Physical heat, such as baking or frying, kills some peppers’ spiciness.
Please remember that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used.

Nutrition