Spicy Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese (Printable)
Golden jalapeño halves filled with creamy cheese mixture, breaded and fried until crispy. Ideal party appetizer.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 8 fresh jalapeño peppers
→ Filling
02 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Coating
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for extra heat
→ For Frying
12 - Vegetable oil for deep frying
# How To Cook:
01 - Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes using a small spoon. Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation from the capsaicin oils.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Spoon the cheese mixture into each prepared jalapeño half, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top and ensure even distribution.
04 - Arrange three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne pepper in the third.
05 - Working with one filled jalapeño at a time, dredge first in flour to coat lightly, then dip in beaten egg, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
06 - Fill a deep frying pan or pot with vegetable oil to a depth of 3-4 inches. Heat oil to 350°F using a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
07 - Carefully place poppers in batches into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels.
08 - Arrange fried poppers on a serving platter and serve immediately while hot with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing as accompaniment.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These poppers freeze beautifully before frying, so you can prep a big batch during pepper season and always have some ready for impromptu gatherings.
- The combination of cream cheese and cheddar creates this perfect balance that keeps people coming back for seconds, even those who swear they dont like spicy food.
02 -
- After touching jalapeños, wash your hands with dish soap and cold water—hot water opens your pores and makes the burning sensation worse, something I painfully discovered while rubbing my eyes after prepping peppers.
- The heat level can vary dramatically between peppers even from the same batch, so taste a tiny bit of one before deciding how thoroughly to remove the membranes.
03 -
- Score the inside of each jalapeño with a few shallow cuts before filling—this helps the cheese mixture adhere better and prevents it from shooting out during cooking.
- If youre serving these at a party, keep a batch warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes without compromising their texture, allowing you to fry them slightly ahead of guests arrival.