by Michelle Dunster
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Looking for a delicious appetizer to make for your next party? Check out this easy Homemade Jalapeno Poppers recipe! These poppers are filled with creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos, and they're sure to be a hit with your guests. These are perfect for game day or any party. These tasty little jalapeno poppers are quite easy to make and are so addictive!
Jalapeno poppers are one of my most favorite appetizers and recently I just had to make some of my own. The craving was there and it needed to be satisfied! lol
These yummy things are a great people pleaser for gatherings and parties. Guests will definitely be impressed that you made these yourself!
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
Are jalapeño poppers Mexican?
Who invented Jalapeño Poppers?
No one really knows for sure, but what we do know is that they're delicious. Jalapeño poppers are a popular appetizer made with fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, and other tasty ingredients.
The recipe is thought to have originated in Texas in the United States. The first known recipe for Jalapeño Poppers was published in a cookbook called “The Tex-Mex Cookbook” in 1978 by author Robb Walsh.
What is a Jalapeno Popper made of?
The cream cheese filling for the Jalapeño poppers are made of cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, a little salt and some worchestershire sauce.
The breading is made from Italian style bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, eggs and flour.
What kind of cheese should I use for the filling?
For this recipe, I used cream cheese, however you can also try a combination of cheeses if you like; such as cream cheese and cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack. I would recommend avoiding strongly flavored cheeses like blue cheese, as they can over power the flavor of the jalapeño.
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make Homemade Jalapeño Poppers – Overview
You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions, at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make homemade jalapeño poppers!
Making jalapeno poppers is not that difficult so long as you have all your ingredients laid out and ready.
Get started by cutting each jalapeño in half lengthwise, and remove the ribs and seeds. You can use the red ones if you like, but I used the green kind since their a little milder.
It's a good idea to wear gloves while working with hot peppers!
First begin by preheating your deep fryer oil to 375°F.
Next, using a mixer (or by hand), combine the jalapeño popper filling ingredients: cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Fill each jalapeño half with cream cheese mixture using a spoon. The filling should be somewhat overfilled.
After that, prepare the bread crumb topping by combining the bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish or plate. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and all-purpose flour. Using your hands, coat a cream cheese filled jalapeño with the egg and flour mixture, then dip it into the bread crumb mixture, then do it again do they're “double coated”.
Fry the poppers in batches of three or four for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove the poppers with a wire mesh basket or heat-proof slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Do not lay them on paper towel; doing so will make them soggy and lose their crispiness!
Continue to cook the remaining poppers in batches until they're done. Serve with marinara or one of your other favorite dipping sauces.
That's basically all there is to making jalapeno poppers! Don't be worried about messing this up becauseyou won't! You got this! 🙂
Should I blanch/parboil jalapeños before stuffing?
Whether or not to blanch your jalapeños before stuffing them is entirely up to you. Some people find that blanching mellows out the heat of the peppers, while others prefer the extra kick. If you're undecided, why not try both methods and see which you like better?
To blanch your jalapeños, simply place them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before removing and patting dry. Or, if you're short on time, you can also place them in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes.
How do you get the batter/bread crumbs to stick to homemade jalapeno poppers?
The key to getting the batter or bread crumb coating to stick to the jalapeño poppers is the that after they're filled with the cream cheese mixture, they're dipped into a combination of egg and all purpose flour, then rolled in the bread crumbs. This is done a second time to make sure the breading is thick enough and stays put!
You can also chill the breaded (uncooked) jalapeño poppers in the fridge for a little while before frying so that the coating sticks better to the peppers.
Recipe Variations
Jalapeño poppers are one of those recipes that are easy to make your own. Whether you stuff them with cream cheese, goat cheese, or cheddar cheese, they're bound to be delicious. You can also mix up the types of peppers you use. While jalapeños are traditional, you could also use serrano, habanero, or even sweet bell peppers.
Here are a few different ways you can make jalapeño poppers:
Cream cheese and bacon: This is a classic combination that is always delicious. The creaminess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the salty crumbled bacon.
Goat cheese and herb: If you're looking for something a little lighter, goat cheese and herbs is a great option. The herby flavor goes well with the slightly spicy peppers.
Cheddar and chive: Another classic flavor combination, sharp cheddar cheese and chives is always a winner. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs nicely with the oniony flavor of the chives.
Cream cheese and cilantro: This is a great option if you want something that is really flavorful. The freshness of the cilantro pairs well with the heat of the jalapeño.
Feel free to adjust the amounts of spices for the filling. If you'd like them a little more spicy, you can always add a little more cayenne pepper if you like.
Please let me know if you create any variations of your own – I'd love to try them out! 🙂
There are endless possibilities when it comes to jalapeño poppers. So get creative and make them your own!
🤔 Looking for alternatives or substitutes to cream cheese?
👉 Explore this helpful guide on tasty substitutes!
How to cook Jalapeño Poppers:
Alternative Cooking Methods
Deep Frying:
The first step is to heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). It is important to use a cooking thermometer to get the temperature just right. If the oil is too hot, the jalapeño poppers will cook too quickly on the outside and not have enough time to cook through. If the oil is not hot enough, the jalapeño poppers will absorb too much oil and be greasy.
Carefully add a few of the jalapeño poppers to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a write rack over a baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining poppers.
Pot of Hot Oil on the Stove:
If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can heat the oil in a large pot on the stove. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
Carefully add a few of the jalapeño poppers to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining jalapeño poppers.
In the oven:
In my experience, frying jalapeño poppers creates the best results, but if you'd like to try baking them, here's how to do it:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the jalapeño poppers on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
In an Air Fryer:
If you have an air fryer, you can cook the jalapeño poppers in that as well. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the jalapeño poppers in the air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Can you freeze jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese?
How to Prepare Jalapeño Poppers ahead:
Just like you can freeze almost anything, you can also freeze jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese. This is a great way to make a big batch of poppers and then have them on hand for whenever the mood (or craving) strikes.
To freeze, simply stuff the jalapeños as usual and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for several hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the poppers to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to eat, there’s no need to thaw – just pop them straight into the oven at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet, or deep fry them at 375°F until golden.
What to serve with jalapeño poppers?
Jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer for any party or gathering! You can serve them with a dip such as a marinara sauce, but I think they taste great all on their own!
They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, including marinara, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even ketchup. If you're looking for something a little different, try serving them with a sweet and sour sauce. Jalapeño poppers are also great as an entree, served with a side of rice and beans.
Storage and Reheat Instructions
Jalapeño Poppers can be stored in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Enjoy!
Other Recipes You'll enjoy:
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Pub Style Crispy Oven Baked Potato Wedges
- Buffalo Wings
Homemade Jalapeno Poppers
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- Total Time: 40 Minutes
- Yield: 20–22 Jalapeno Poppers 1x
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Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded
- Canola oil for frying – about 2 cups when frying in a deep pot on the stove
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp cayenne
- pinch of salt
- ½ tsp Worchestershire sauce
Bread Crumb Coating
- 1 ½ cups Italian style bread crumbs (the kind with herbs added)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- pinch of salt
- pinch of pepper
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
Make the Cream Cheese filling:
- Cream together the filling ingredients using a mixer (or by hand): cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and Worchestershire sauce.
- Using a spoon fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. The filling should be overflowing a bit.
Make the Crispy Bread crumb Coating:
- Combine the bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow dish or plate.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and the all-purpose flour.
- Dip a filled jalapeno half into the egg and flour mixture and then into the bread crumb mixture. Make sure that it's coated on all sides and pack the breading onto the pepper using your hands so there's a nice layer of crumbs.
- Repeat step 3 again with the jalapeno you just breaded. Dip it into the egg mixture and then into the bread crumb mix. Roll the jalapeno in the breadcrumb mix back and forth and pack it with your hands until it's covered.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining jalapeno halves until all have been coated twice.
- Set aside until ready to fry. You can place them in the fridge to firm up a bit before frying – this will help the coating stick.
Frying the Jalapeño Poppers:
To fry your jalapeño poppers, you can use a deep fryer or a large heavy bottomed pot on the stove. Be sure to use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature of your oil.
- Preheat the oil in your deep fryer (or pot of oil in the stove) to 375°F.
- Once the oil reached the right temperature for frying, drop about 3 or 4 poppers in at a time.
- Fry for another 3-4 minutes or until golden.
- Remove the poppers using a wire mesh basket or heat proof slotted spoon and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Do not lay them on paper towel as this will make them soggy and lose their crispness!
- Continue to fry the rest of the poppers as above until all are finished.
- Serve with marinara or one of your other favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
It's a good idea to wear gloves while working with jalapeño peppers to avoid getting the capsaicin oil on your skin. Try to avoid touching your face, eyes and “other sensitive parts” after working with hot peppers so you don't have a spicy surprise! lol
To fry your jalapeño poppers, you can use a deep fryer or a large heavy bottomed pot on the stove. Be sure to use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature of your oil. The best temperature to fry your poppers is 375°F. It's important that the frying oil is hot enough before attempting to fry the poppers. If the oil isn't hot enough the poppers will absorb too much oil and won't be crispy like you want.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American/Canadian
