Introduction
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and a little spice, these Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers will be your new favorite appetizer! Fresh jalapeños are stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried (or baked) to golden perfection. Served with a smooth, tangy dipping sauce, they make the perfect snack for parties, game nights, or any occasion that calls for comfort food with a kick.
🧀 Ingredients
For the Jalapeño Poppers:
- 10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) or parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
For Frying (or Baking):
- Oil for deep frying (or olive oil spray for baking)
For the Creamy Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped dill, parsley, or chives
👩🍳 Instructions / Method
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
- Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes (use gloves if you’re sensitive to spice).
- Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Press gently to level the surface — avoid overstuffing.
Step 4: Coat the Poppers
- Roll each filled jalapeño in flour, tapping off excess.
- Dip into beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs until well coated.
- For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
Step 5: Fry or Bake
For frying:
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry the poppers in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels.
For baking (healthier option):
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place poppers on a parchment-lined tray and lightly spray with oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Dip
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the fridge until serving.
🌿 Serving Suggestion
Serve your Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers hot with the creamy dip on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
💡 Tips
- For extra flavor, mix bacon bits or caramelized onions into the cheese filling.
- If you love spice, keep a few jalapeño seeds in the mix!
- These can be frozen before frying/baking — just coat and freeze on a tray, then cook straight from frozen.