Make these simple baked jalapeño poppers for a spicy, cheesy appetizer perfect for game night. We show you how to control the heat!
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:24 pieces
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
12 large jalapeño peppers
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wear gloves to handle the jalapeños. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and white membranes. For less heat, scrape out more of the membrane.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, mounding it slightly.
In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the cheese filling in each pepper half.
Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the spicy appetizer poppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Always wear gloves when cutting jalapeños to protect your skin from the capsaicin oil.
If you want to make bacon wrapped poppers, wrap each stuffed half with half a slice of bacon before baking. You may need to increase the cook time slightly until the bacon is crisp.
For an extra layer of flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives into the cream cheese mixture.