Best Ever Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are a classic snack that combines spicy heat with creamy, cheesy goodness. These “Best Ever” jalapeño poppers take the traditional recipe up a notch, featuring a rich cream cheese and cheddar filling, breaded to perfection and deep-fried for an irresistible crunch. Whether served as an appetizer for a party or as a fun snack for game day, these poppers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These jalapeño poppers are the ultimate balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. The cream cheese and cheddar filling offers a smooth, rich texture that complements the slight heat from the jalapeños, while the crispy breadcrumb coating adds a satisfying crunch. Deep-frying brings everything together, creating a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the cheese filling warm and melty. Perfectly spiced, these poppers are the ideal combination of bold flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
- 12 ounces jalapeño peppers, seeded and halved
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 quarts oil for frying, or as needed
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the jalapeños:
- Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. If you prefer more heat, you can leave some seeds in, but removing them will make the poppers milder.
- Make the filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Stuff the jalapeños:
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing the filling in well to ensure the poppers hold their shape.
- Prepare the breading station:
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- In the first bowl, add the flour.
- In the second bowl, pour in the milk.
- In the third bowl, place the dry bread crumbs.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- Bread the poppers:
- Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the flour, coating it lightly, then dip it into the milk, followed by the breadcrumbs. Ensure each jalapeño is fully coated. For an extra crispy crust, you can repeat the process of dipping in the milk and breadcrumbs.
- Heat the oil:
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the jalapeños for even frying.
- Fry the poppers:
- Carefully place the breaded jalapeños into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain and serve:
- Remove the poppers from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheese variety: Swap the Cheddar cheese for other varieties like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Spicy twist: For extra heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the cheese filling.
- Baked version: If you prefer a lighter option, bake the poppers at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the poppers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen jalapeños for this recipe?
Fresh jalapeños are best for this recipe, as they hold up better during the frying process. If you use frozen jalapeños, be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the jalapeños and stuff them with the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to coat and fry them.
Can I bake these jalapeño poppers instead of frying them?
Yes! For a healthier version, bake the stuffed and breaded jalapeños at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
How do I make the poppers spicier?
To make the poppers spicier, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add finely chopped hot peppers (like serrano or habanero) to the cheese mixture for extra heat.
Can I make the filling without cheese?
While cheese is the key ingredient in the filling, you can experiment by adding a mix of cream cheese and other ingredients like sour cream or even cooked sausage for a different flavor.
What can I serve with jalapeño poppers?
Jalapeño poppers are great on their own, but you can pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy salsa to balance out the heat.
Can I freeze these jalapeño poppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer (no need to thaw).
How can I tell when the poppers are done frying?
The poppers are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also cut one open to make sure the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Can I use a different type of breading for the poppers?
Yes, you can use crushed tortilla chips, cornmeal, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer a different coating.
Can I use mini jalapeños for a smaller bite?
Yes, mini jalapeños are great for bite-sized poppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they will cook faster than larger jalapeños.
Conclusion
These Best Ever Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese filling, crispy breading, and the heat of the jalapeños makes for a delicious snack that everyone will love. Whether you fry them for the ultimate crunch or bake them for a lighter option, these poppers are always a hit. Perfect for parties, game days, or a tasty treat any time!
Print
Best Ever Jalapeño Poppers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Best Ever Jalapeño Poppers are a flavorful, crunchy snack combining spicy heat and creamy, cheesy goodness. Stuffed with a rich cream cheese and cheddar filling, breaded to perfection, and deep-fried until golden, these poppers are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Whether served at a party, game day, or casual get-together, they are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
12 ounces jalapeño peppers, seeded and halved
1 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2 quarts oil for frying, or as needed
Instructions
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Prepare the jalapeños:
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Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. For extra heat, leave some seeds in.
-
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Make the filling:
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Combine cream cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
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Stuff the jalapeños:
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Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing the filling in firmly.
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Prepare the breading station:
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Set up three bowls: flour, milk, and breadcrumbs.
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Bread the poppers:
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Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the flour, coat in milk, then roll in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the milk and breadcrumb steps.
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Heat the oil:
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Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot or deep fryer.
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Fry the poppers:
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Fry the breaded jalapeños in batches for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain and serve:
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Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately while hot.
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Notes
Cheese Options: Swap Cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Spicy Twist: Add finely chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese filling for extra heat.
Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes for a lighter, healthier version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
