Spicy Jalapeño Poppers with Gooey Cheese Recipe

Spicy and irresistible, these cheesy jalapeño poppers will set your taste buds on fire with their bold, mouthwatering flavors.

Packed with creamy cheese and a kick of heat, the recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

The combination of crispy breading and melted cheese creates an addictive appetizer that everyone loves.

Jalapeños bring a perfect balance of spice and richness to this classic snack.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a molten, cheesy center.

The secret lies in choosing fresh jalapeños and using the right cheese blend.

These poppers work magic as a game day treat or party starter that will have guests asking for the recipe.

Get ready to become the ultimate appetizer hero with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers Ingredient List

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base that creates rich, velvety texture for poppers.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that adds delightful melty sharpness and depth.
• Jalapeños: Fresh, spicy peppers that deliver zesty kick and vibrant heat.

• All-Purpose Flour: Light dusty layer that helps egg mixture stick perfectly.
• Buttermilk: Creamy liquid that tenderizes and adds subtle tang to coating.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create crispy, golden exterior.
• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy component that provides irresistible textural crunch.
• Dried Herbs: Aromatic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies all ingredients' natural taste.
• Black Pepper: Warm, subtle spice that adds gentle background warmth.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil perfect for achieving crispy, even golden-brown exterior.

Tools That Help Make Jalapeño Poppers with Ease

• Large bowl: For mixing cheese and jalapeños.
• Baking sheet: To place and freeze cheese balls.
• Shallow containers (3): For flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb coating.
• Large frying pan or skillet: To heat oil and fry poppers.
• Slotted spoon: For removing poppers from hot oil.
• Paper towels: To drain excess oil from fried poppers.

Step-by-Step for Stuffing and Baking Jalapeño Poppers

• Jalapeño Cheese Mixture

Blend sharp cheddar and cream cheese with freshly chopped jalapeños until smooth and well combined. The spicy peppers will add a zesty kick to your poppers.

• Freezing Prep

Shape the cheese mixture into small round bites and place them on a chilled baking sheet. Pop them in the freezer for about 40 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

• Crispy Coating

Create a three-part coating station with seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and crispy breadcrumbs. Each cheese bite will get a delicious layer of crunch by rolling through these stations.

• Golden Frying

Heat oil in a deep skillet until it reaches the perfect sizzling temperature. Carefully drop the coated cheese bites into the hot oil, cooking them in small batches until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

• Serving Style

Transfer the hot poppers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Arrange on a serving platter with a selection of tangy dipping sauces that complement the spicy, cheesy bites.

Spice Tips and Cheese Pairings for Jalapeño Poppers

• Swap jalapeños for other peppers like poblano or bell peppers for milder heat levels.
• Prepare cheese balls up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator before breading and frying.
• Swap deep-frying for oven-baking by placing poppers on a lined baking sheet and spraying with cooking spray, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
• Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes for a milder bite, or keep them for extra heat and kick.

Ways to Serve Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers at Parties

• Pair with Cool Dips: Complement the spicy jalapeño poppers with creamy ranch, zesty blue cheese, or tangy marinara sauce for a delightful flavor contrast.
• Create Party Platter: Arrange poppers on a large wooden board with fresh cilantro garnish, lime wedges, and additional dipping sauces to make a stunning appetizer spread.
• Serve as Game Day Snack: Perfect for football watch parties, movie nights, or casual gatherings where guests can enjoy bite-sized, crispy, cheesy treats that pack a spicy punch.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare poppers in advance by flash-freezing, then store in sealed containers and fry just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and flavor.

Tips for Keeping Jalapeño Poppers Warm and Crispy

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooled jalapeño poppers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Place poppers in the fridge within two hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
• Revive Crispiness: Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm, gooey center.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap uncooked cheese balls individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying for best results.

Spicy Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Cheesy jalapeño poppers bring zesty excitement to classic appetizer lovers seeking bold flavors. Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese promise a spicy-creamy experience you’ll crave at parties and game nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 jalapeños (seeds removed, sautéed until soft)
• 2 cups (473 ml) pepper jack cheese (shredded)
• 2 cups (473 ml) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup (237 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups (180 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsps Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1–2 cups (237–473 ml) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prep Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes – first with flour, second with whisked buttermilk and eggs, third with seasoned breadcrumbs and spices.
2. Mix Cheese Filling: Combine cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and sautéed jalapeño peppers in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a uniform mixture.
3. Shape Cheese Balls: Form the cheese mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter, carefully maintaining consistent size.
4. Chill Poppers: Place formed cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30-45 minutes to stabilize their structure before frying.
5. Heat Cooking Oil: Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat vegetable oil to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring proper temperature for crispy exterior.
6. Coat Poppers: Methodically dredge each frozen cheese ball through flour, egg mixture, and seasoned breadcrumbs, creating a complete crispy coating.
7. Fry Poppers: Carefully lower 6-8 breaded cheese bites into hot oil, maintaining consistent temperature and rotating to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration.
8. Drain and Serve: Remove poppers with a slotted spoon, place on a wire rack to drain excess oil, and let cool briefly before serving with preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Chill Before Frying: Freezing cheese balls for 30-45 minutes prevents them from falling apart during cooking and helps maintain their perfect spherical shape.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent oil heat between 350-375°F to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the poppers.
• Dredging Technique: Follow the flour-egg-breadcrumb coating process carefully to create a crisp, even breading that locks in the cheesy filling.
• Batch Cooking Strategy: Fry 6-8 poppers at a time to prevent oil temperature drops and ensure each popper cooks evenly and achieves a beautiful golden color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg