Spice up your appetizer game with these savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers! These bite-sized beauties are the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and slightly smoky flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. With a quick prep and easy assembly, these poppers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack that’s sure to liven up any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
These Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. The crispy, golden-brown outside gives way to a luscious, melty cream cheese filling that’s infused with the bold, zesty flavor of jalapeños. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, allowing you to cater to all your guests’ tastes. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving a cozy, indulgent snack, these poppers are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers is short and simple, allowing the bold flavors to shine. You’ll need just a handful of easy-to-find items, including fresh jalapeños, creamy cream cheese, and a few pantry staples.
- 12 jalapeños – fresh, halved and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend. You can also add in some crispy bacon or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor and texture.
- Peppers: For a milder heat, opt for mini bell peppers or Anaheim chiles instead of jalapeños.
How to Make Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
These Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers come together in just a few simple steps, making them the ultimate easy-to-prepare appetizer.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds and membranes to remove some of the heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well blended.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spoon the creamy cheese mixture into the hollowed-out jalapeño halves, packing it in tightly. Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet, then brush or drizzle them with a bit of olive oil.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the poppers in the preheated oven at 400°F for 18-22 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy and golden brown. Serve these savory bites warm, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon-Wrapped Poppers: For an extra layer of flavor, try wrapping the stuffed jalapeños in crispy bacon before baking.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as smoked paprika or chili powder, to customize the seasoning to your liking.
- Milder Heat: If you prefer a milder heat, opt for mini bell peppers or Anaheim chiles instead of jalapeños.
- Air Fryer Method: You can also make these Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers in the air fryer. Simply follow the same preparation steps, then air fry the poppers at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and the cheese is melted.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: You can easily reheat the poppers in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed jalapeños in advance and bake them just before serving. Simply assemble the poppers, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious and indulgent snack, with each serving providing a balance of creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors. While they do contain some fat and calories from the cream cheese and cheese, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed jalapeños in advance and bake them just before serving. Simply assemble the poppers, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To tone down the heat, use milder chiles, such as Anaheim or bell peppers, instead of jalapeños. For extra spice, try using serrano or habanero peppers.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend, to find your perfect flavor combination.
How do I know when the poppers are done?
The poppers are ready when the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy and golden brown, about 18-22 minutes in the oven.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely make these Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers in the air fryer. Simply follow the same preparation steps, then air fry the poppers at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and the cheese is melted.
Try These Next
- savory bacon wrapped jalapeno bites with creamy dip
- cheesy bacon jalapeno poppers with creamy dip
- bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with smoky cheese dip
Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 poppers 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect blend of spicy and creamy, making them an irresistible appetizer for any gathering!
Ingredients
6 large jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. 4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
5. 5. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
7. 7. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
These poppers can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, appetizers, snacks