Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate party appetizer – packed with bold flavor, a creamy center, and a crispy, golden exterior. These poppers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to bring a touch of spicy-meets-cheesy deliciousness to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers for Parties
These Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. The jalapeños provide a zesty, slightly spicy kick, while the cream cheese filling offers a velvety, indulgent contrast. The panko breadcrumb coating creates a satisfying crunch that’ll have your guests reaching for more. Plus, these poppers are incredibly easy to prepare, making them the ultimate party-friendly snack. Whether you’re hosting a game-day bash or a cozy holiday gathering, these poppers are sure to be the star of the show.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers include fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and a few simple seasonings. The combination of the creamy, cheesy filling and the crispy, golden exterior is truly irresistible.
- 12 – Fresh jalapeños, halved and seeds/membranes removed
- 8 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese Filling: You can try using a different type of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda, in the filling (for a bolder or creamier flavor profile).
- Breadcrumb Coating: You can experiment with different breadcrumb coatings, like seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, to achieve your desired texture (for a unique crunch).
How to Make Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers for Parties
The step-by-step instructions for these irresistible Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are easy to follow, making them the perfect party-ready snack.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds and membranes to control the heat level. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spoon the cheesy mixture into the hollowed-out jalapeño halves, filling them to the top. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil, mixing until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Carefully dip the stuffed jalapeño halves into the panko mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Arrange the breaded poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers until the filling is melted and the exterior is golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes. Serve these irresistible poppers warm, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Poppers: For a spicier version, leave some of the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños.
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheese combinations, such as adding crumbled feta or goat cheese to the filling.
- Make-Ahead: To make them ahead of time, assemble the poppers and refrigerate them until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and enjoy the warm, melty, and crispy result.
- Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy exterior, you can dip the stuffed jalapeño halves in beaten egg before coating them in the panko breadcrumb mixture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are best served warm, straight from the oven, and can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or chipotle mayo.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: You can reheat the poppers in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture. Make-Ahead: As mentioned, you can assemble the poppers in advance and bake them just before serving for a stress-free party prep.
Nutrition Information
These Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious indulgence, with the creamy, cheesy filling and crispy exterior. Each serving provides a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making them a satisfying snack. While they are higher in calories and fat due to the cheese and breadcrumb coating, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these poppers less spicy?
To reduce the heat, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before stuffing them. You can also try using milder peppers, such as Anaheim or banana peppers, instead of jalapeños.
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes them a great option for stress-free party planning.
How can I make the poppers extra crispy?
For an extra crispy exterior, you can dip the stuffed jalapeño halves in beaten egg before coating them in the panko breadcrumb mixture. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and creates an even crunchier finish.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack, gouda, or a blend of cheeses, to find your perfect flavor combination.
How do I know when the poppers are done?
The Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are ready when the filling is melted and the exterior is golden brown and crispy, about 20-25 minutes in the oven.
Try These Next
- savory cream cheese stuffed jalapeno poppers
- stuffed jalapeno cornbread muffins for holiday parties
- cheesy bacon jalapeno poppers for your next party
Savory Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers for Parties
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 poppers 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These savory cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer for parties. Spicy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
8 large jalapeño peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled bacon
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Place stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
7. (Optional) For extra crispiness, you can fry the stuffed jalapeños in oil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a milder flavor, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
Feel free to mix and match different cheeses, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.
These poppers can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, appetizers, party snacks