Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect spicy, cheesy appetizer for your next party. With rich cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and savory spices, these stuffed peppers are the perfect appetizer for game day or any occasion.

Jalapenos are one of my favorite peppers! They are spicy but not so hot that you can’t taste what you eat. And there is just something about that cream cheese filling that makes these poppers such a fun snack. Make some homemade jalapeño poppers today!

How spicy are fresh jalapeños?

If you like to eat hot peppers and spicy food, you’re probably familiar with jalapenos. While many consider them to be pretty spicy peppers, when measured on the Scoville scale, the jalapeno is really just a moderately hot pepper. It has the perfect amount of heat if you want a little kick but don’t want to lose your sense of taste.

What ingredients are in this easy baked jalapeno poppers recipe?

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this delicious appetizer. Gather together the following ingredients:

• 12 jalapeno peppers
• 8 ounces of cream cheese (room temperature)
• ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup bacon bits
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese for topping

What type of cheddar cheese is best for these baked Jalapeno Poppers?

Cheddar cheese flavors range from mild to sharp. I recommend using sharp cheddar in your poppers to add to the overall flavor. Finely grate your cheese so it clumps and fits into the pepper better.

Note- you can also substitute a different cheese for the cheddar cheese. Monterey Jack cheese and Swiss cheese are both popular in these stuffed peppers.

How to make Jalapeño Poppers

You can make this delicious, easy appetizer in about 40 minutes!

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Wearing gloves, slice the fresh jalapenos in half lengthwise through the stem. Leaving the stem, remove the seeds and inner membranes with a small spoon or with your fingers.

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, bacon bits, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Fill each of the jalapeño halves with the cream cheese mixture and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Then top the peppers with the remaining cheddar cheese. You can even add a few more bacon bits if you like.

Bake the poppers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. These peppers are best served warm.

Tips for perfect Jalapeno Poppers

• Make sure to wear gloves when preparing the peppers! This will prevent you from burning your hands and from getting the dreaded pepper-in-your-eye affliction!
• Buy large jalapenos that are similar in size. You want peppers that can hold plenty of delicious cheese filling, so go for ones that are larger than your thumb. Choosing ones that are similar in size will ensure they bake evenly.
• If you want spicier jalapeno poppers, leave a few of the seeds (or all of them!) before adding the cream cheese mixture.
• If you have wobbly jalapeño peppers that won’t sit flat, slice a thin layer off the bottom so it is level. You don’t want to lose any of that cheesy filling.
• Customize them. There are lots of different ways to tailor these to your taste. Add green onions, a Panko crumb topping, omit the bacon, and more!

Can you make these Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these up to 3 days ahead of time. You can make the cream cheese filling and refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble and bake the poppers. Or, you can assemble the poppers as directed in the recipe and store the filled peppers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

How long will Jalapeno Poppers last?

You can keep any leftover poppers for 3-5 days. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I wouldn’t recommend freezing the poppers, as the jalapenos will be mushy when thawed and the cheese filling may separate.

To reheat your poppers, place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. You can reheat these in a 325 degree oven for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

What should I serve with this Baked Jalapeno Popper Recipe?

Make a whole spread of party foods and snacks to accompany these delicious pepper poppers! Some of my favorite stuffed snacks are Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites, Avocado Tuna Salad Bites, and Taco Pockets.

Other Jalapeno Recipes

Try one of these recipes featuring your favorite little pepper. Jalapenos really are the star of the show for these delicious recipes:

• Jalapeno Ranch Dip
• Skillet Jalapeno Cornbread
• Chicken Chilaquiles
• Chicken, Black Bean, and Tortilla Pie

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