Jalapeno Pepper Poppers

⏱ 70 mins 🍽 24 popper halves, about 🏷 Cheese

These classic jalapeno poppers feature fresh peppers stuffed with a rich blend of cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and crispy bacon. The filling is seasoned with garlic, chilli powder, salt, and pepper before the peppers are coated in breadcrumbs and baked. You can optionally soak the jalapenos in milk to reduce their heat before stuffing. They are baked for 20 to 40 minutes depending on your preferred spice level and served with optional dips. This recipe yields about 24 popper halves.

Jalapeno Pepper Poppers

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh jalapeno pepper, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 -2 cup milk (optional)
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, at room temperature (about 4 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese, at room temperature (about 4 oz)
  • 6 slices bacon, diced, fried crisp, and drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
  • 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese panko breadcrumbs)
  • ranch dressing (optional) or onion, dip for dipping (optional)

Method

  1. For a milder flavour, you may soak the halved and seeded jalapenos in milk for about 15 minutes.
  2. If you prefer the heat, proceed with the recipe without the soaking step.
  3. Should you soak them, ensure you rinse the peppers and pat them dry thoroughly before stuffing.
  4. It is advisable to wear rubber gloves while handling, slicing, and deseeding the jalapeno peppers.
  5. The peppers can cause skin irritation, so caution is necessary.
  6. Avoid touching your eyes or face after preparing the peppers until you have washed your hands very well, even when wearing gloves.
  7. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, crisp bacon, salt, black pepper, chilli powder, and garlic granules until well combined.
  8. Generously fill each prepared jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.
  9. Roll the stuffed tops in the dry breadcrumbs, place them in the fridge for 10 minutes, then coat them once more in the breadcrumbs.
  10. Arrange the poppers on a greased baking sheet and bake, uncovered, in a preheated 300degF oven for 20 minutes for a spicy flavour, 30 minutes for medium flavour, or 40 minutes for mild.
  11. Offer them with your chosen dipping sauces or enjoy them plain.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium195100 mg

Recipe details

CategoryCheese
AuthorToby Jermain