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Classic Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Close-up of a plate of crispy, golden-brown jalapeño poppers, with one split open to reveal a creamy cheese filling.
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Learn how to make classic jalapeño poppers, a spicy and cheesy appetizer perfect for any gathering. This recipe guides you through preparing the peppers, stuffing them with a creamy cheese mixture, and cooking them to crispy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large jalapeño peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked bacon (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (if frying)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C) if frying.
  2. Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and membranes. Wear gloves to avoid irritating your skin.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Stuff each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture.
  5. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
  6. Dredge each stuffed jalapeño half first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
  7. To bake: Place the breaded jalapeño poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the peppers are tender.
  8. To fry: Carefully place the breaded jalapeño poppers into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  9. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
  • You can substitute other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
  • For a bacon-wrapped variation, wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a strip of bacon before breading and cooking.
  • If you don’t have bacon, you can omit it or use a smoky seasoning for flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipestokeep.com/jalapeno-poppers-recipe/