This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Jalapeño Poppers make the best appetizer to serve for any occasion. You will love the creamy cheese filling and crispy topping for a crowd pleasing recipe.

A plate of six jalapeño poppers filled with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, garnished with chopped herbs. Two fresh jalapeños and a striped towel are in the background, perfectly highlighting these irresistible snacks.
Want to save this?
Just enter your email and I’ll send it right to you, plus great new recipes weekly!

Jalapeño Poppers is a crowd favorite because they make the best finger food and snack to serve for your next holiday party or game day gathering. We love the warm, melty cheese center that is topped with a crispy breadcrumb mixture that blends perfectly with the jalapeno pepper.

If you have made our Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños or Thick-Cut Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers then you are going to love this new recipe! Another Game Day Snack that we serve is Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Why We Love Jalapeno Poppers?

Anytime we have friends and family over, everyone request these Jalapeno Poppers! They are made with simple ingredients and are budget friendly. I can easily prepare them ahead of time.

Then I can place in the oven right before everyone arrives so they served warm with our favorite dipping sauces. We all love the way they tastes and how easy they are to serve.

Ingredients

A wooden cutting board showcases jalapeño poppers essentials: fresh jalapeños, a block of cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, minced garlic, chopped herbs, sesame seeds, and a small piece of butter—ideal for crafting spicy snacks that'll heat up any gathering.
  • Jalapeños – We like to choose ones that are about the same size to ensure they bake evenly.
  • Cream Cheese – We recommend using full fat cream cheese. Make sure it is softened so that it easily combines with the other ingredients.
  • Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves. Feel free to also substitute with a ½ teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese – We recommend shredding cheese by hand for the best melty cheese and flavor
  • Panko Breadcrumbs – Gives the poppers the best texture
  • Butter – We used unsalted butter that has been melted

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make Jalapeno Poppers 

  • Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 400°F.
A wooden cutting board holds about a dozen green jalapeños and a small knife, perfect for preparing spicy Jalapeño Poppers as an appetizer. The board rests on a light gray surface, with the jalapeños mostly arranged in the upper right corner.

Step 2 – Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs on each jalapeño half. 

A white bowl brimming with a jalapeño poppers-inspired mix of shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and chopped green herbs is stirred with a blue spoon. The inviting bowl nestles beside a striped cloth on a light surface.

Step 3 – In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, garlic, cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of chives. 

A white plate with Jalapeño Poppers halved and filled with a creamy cheese mixture. One half is on a spoon, resting on the plate. A gray and white striped cloth is nearby on the table, completing this perfect spicy snack setting.

Step 4 – Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly into each jalapeño half. Feel free to add in kosher salt and black pepper.  

A bowl of taco seasoned rice with a fork, accompanied by slices of jalapeño, rests on a light surface next to a striped cloth. The rice is infused with brown and reddish spices, hinting at a savory flavor.

Step 5 – In a separate medium bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. 

A plate of jalapeño poppers filled with a creamy mixture and topped with breadcrumbs sits next to a bowl of crunchy breadcrumbs with a wooden spoon. A striped cloth adds charm to the light surface, completing the spicy appetizer's enticing presentation.

Step 6 – Top each jalapeño half with the breadcrumb mixture.

A baking tray with jalapeño poppers, featuring halved jalapeños filled with cream cheese and topped with breadcrumbs. This savory delight rests on a light surface next to a striped cloth.

Step 7 – Place on a baking pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until the topping is golden brown.  

  • Step 8 – Let the jalapeños rest for 10 minutes. Top with the remaining green onions and then the poppers are ready to serve and enjoy!  

Expert Tips 

  • Preparing the Jalapeños – Make sure to wear gloves to prevent your skin from burning. Use a sharp knife and a cutting board for best results.
  • Adding the Filling – After combining the filling, spoon the filling into the jalapeno. For the best flavor make sure to fill the jalapeno completely.
  • Rest Jalapeño – Before serving the jalapeno, we like to rest them before about 10 minute. This allows for the filling to settle and to cool to easily enjoy.

How to Cut a Jalapeno Pepper

Before cutting a jalapeno pepper makes sure to wear gloves. This helps to avoid the capsaicin getting on your skin and causing a burning sensation.  This spice in jalapenos come from the seeds and membranes. If you prefer that these poppers be a little spice, feel free to leave in some of the seeds and membranes.

To prepare this recipe, we cut the Jalapeño Pepper lengthwise to keep the stem attached. We used a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes then discard. This makes it easy to add the filling.

A plate of jalapeño poppers topped with breadcrumbs and chives surrounds a bowl of creamy dipping sauce. Fresh chives are in a small dish nearby, while a striped napkin peeks from the edge, inviting you to savor every spicy bite.

What do you Eat Jalapeño Poppers With?

Jalapeño Poppers make a great appetizer recipe. We love to serve with a side of Homemade Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing, Cowboy Queso or Homemade Salsa Recipe.

Pair these poppers with your favorite main dish recipes such as Crack Burgers, Oven Nachos, Boneless Chicken Wings and more. Make sure to add a Veggie Tray Recipe to balances out all the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long to Bake Jalapeno Poppers

Cooking time will vary but when you notice that the tops are starting to golden brown, then the poppers are finished baking. We usually bake ours for about 15 minutes.

How to Store Leftover Jalapeño Poppers

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I Freeze Jalapeno Poppers?

Yes, this is a great recipe to double to freeze the leftovers. They freeze great in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. We also recommend flash freezing them on a baking sheet for about an hour then placing in a freezer bag. Then you can take a small portion to reheat.

How to Reheat Jalapeño Poppers

Reheat the leftovers in the oven or in the air fryer until heated through. We like to reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350 degrees.

A jalapeño popper, the star of spicy snacks and appetizers, is dipped into creamy white sauce. The popper oozes with a cheesy filling and is crowned with crispy breadcrumbs and chopped green onions. More tempting jalapeños and a bowl of sauce wait enticingly in the background.

More Easy Jalapeno Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Jalapeño Poppers Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

A plate of jalapeño poppers topped with breadcrumbs and chives surrounds a bowl of creamy dipping sauce. Fresh chives are in a small dish nearby, while a striped napkin peeks from the edge, inviting you to savor every spicy bite.

Jalapeño Poppers

5 from 1 vote
Jalapeño Poppers make the best appetizer to serve for any occasion. You will love the creamy cheese filling and crispy topping for a crowd pleasing recipe.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Let the jalapeños rest 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Appetizer
Calories 245

Ingredients

Want to save this?
Just enter your email and I’ll send it right to you, plus great new recipes weekly.

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes on each jalapeño half.
  • In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, garlic, cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of chives.
  • Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and melted butter.
  • Top each jalapeño half with the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Place on a baking pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
  • Let the jalapeños rest for 10 minutes. Top with the remaining chives and then the poppers are ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Wear gloves when slicing the jalapeños to avoid the capsaicin getting on your skin and causing a burning sensation.  
Usually jalapeños are not too spicy once all the seeds are removed, if you want spicier poppers, leave some of the seeds in.  
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 245kcal, Carbohydrates 6g, Protein 7g, Fat 22g, Saturated Fat 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0.1g, Cholesterol 62mg, Sodium 276mg, Potassium 141mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 1057IU, Vitamin C 33mg, Calcium 179mg, Iron 0.3mg

Pin This Now to Remember It Later

Pin Recipe

 

Try these other recipes

Share this recipe!

PinYummly

About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

Leave A Review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    The best flavor and so easy to serve!