Description
These Jalapeño Poppers are spicy, creamy, and crispy appetizers perfect for parties or game day snacks, with options for bacon-wrapped or breaded versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 fresh jalapeños, halved and deseeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 slices of bacon (if bacon-wrapped)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (if breading)
- 2 eggs, beaten (if breading)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (if breading)
- Vegetable oil for frying (if applicable)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- For bacon-wrapped poppers: wrap each with a slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick, and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- For breaded poppers: dip in flour, then eggs, then breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil (350°F/175°C) until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped cooked bacon or sausage to the filling for extra flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese for more heat.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for crunch.
- Make vegetarian with seasoned breadcrumbs instead of bacon.
- Air-fry for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baked) or 5-6 minutes (fried)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg