Jalapeño Poppers

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

• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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