This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Fresh jalapenos are hollowed out and stuffed with a blend of cream cheese and cheddar, then coated in a light batter and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Serve these golden beauties fresh out of the fryer with a side of cool ranch or tangy sour cream to balance the heat.
And homemade jalapeno poppers are super affordable. Even if you’re buying the jalapenos out of season, these will be cheap to make. Go buy yourself something nice.
I hope you love this appetizer recipe and it becomes one of your favorite recipes for fresh jalapenos.
Deep Fried Jalapeno Poppers
Stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar then battered and fried until their golden brown, this is a delicious appetizer recipe you'll be all too happy to eat for dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 25 minutes minutes
Serving Size 4 people
Equipment
deep fryer, dutch oven, or deep skillet for straining
Tongs
Mixing Bowls
Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 2 dozen jalapeño peppers look for wide peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prep the jalapenos. Wear gloves while handling peppers. Hollow peppers using a sharp paring knife or special pepper tool.
Make the filling. Combine cream cheese and cheddar cheeses with a fork until they are well-mixed.
Stuff the peppers. Stuff the filling in with a spoon, pressing to make sure there are no hollow spaces.
Prep for breading. Make the batter and breading. Combine the eggs and milk with a fork. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, panko, salt, and pepper. Dip in the batter, then breading. Repeat. Peppers should have a thick, sturdy coating of breading.
Bread the peppers. Dip in the egg mixture, then flour mixture. Repeat. Peppers should have a thick, sturdy coating of breading.
Fry. Heat oil in deep fryer, Dutch oven, or skillet until 375°. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Remove to paper towels.
Serve. Serve immediately, with ranch or sour cream.
Notes
If your peppers are very large, fry at 340 for 6 minutes to adequately cook them.
Don’t bake them! You’re missing the point! If you don’t want to deep fry, I’d recommend a totally different style of popper: cut the peppers in half lengthwise, fill with the filling, wrap in a skinny piece of bacon, and bake or air fry at 375 until the peppers are soft.
Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 662mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 977IU | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 3mg
These jalapeno poppers are a total crowd-pleaser at my house. They’re the perfect blend of creamy and crispy, with just the right amount of kick. Honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one… or two… or three. 😉 Whenever I make a batch, they’re gone in a flash! I love serving them with a big bowl of guacamole or a side of salsa for dipping. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun weeknight snack.
What You’ll Need for the Best Fried Poppers
Here’s a breakdown of some of the important tools and ingredients for making these tasty jalapeno poppers:
- Jalapeno Peppers: The star of the show! Look for wide jalapenos as they’re easier to fill. If you prefer less heat, try removing the seeds and ribs before stuffing. Remember, wear gloves when handling them!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an extra crispy coating that’s key for deep-fried poppers. They can usually be found in the Asian foods aisle of most grocery stores.
- Deep Fryer, Dutch Oven, or Deep Skillet: You’ll need something to deep-fry your poppers in. If you don’t have a deep fryer, a Dutch oven or deep skillet will work just fine.
- Tongs: Essential for safely flipping and removing the poppers from the hot oil.
With these tools and ingredients ready to go, you’ll be well on your way to making a batch of irresistible deep-fried jalapeno poppers!
Deep Fried Jalapeno Poppers Tips
- Make Sure To Use Short, Fat Peppers For This Recipe. They are much easier to hollow out and fill than long, skinny peppers.
- The Batter And Breading Should Be Thick And Sturdy. This will ensure that you get a thick, crispy coating that won’t fall off when you fry.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder to the cream cheese mixture. This will enhance the overall flavor and make the cheesy filling even more delicious.
- Use Pepper Jack Cheese: If you want a spicier and more flavorful popper, try using shredded pepper jack cheese instead of or in addition to cheddar cheese.
- Ensure Crispy Breading: For the best results, make sure your batter is thick and sturdy. A thicker batter will create a thicker coating, resulting in a crispier breading that won’t fall off during frying.
- Maintain The Right Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature when deep frying. It should stay around 375°F for perfectly golden and crispy jalapeno poppers. If the temperature drops too low, the coating will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Fry In Batches: Don’t overcrowd the fryer. Fry the poppers in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the hot oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. To reheat, place them on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
To freeze this recipe, just pop ’em on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Deep fry from frozen and add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Arrange the breaded poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealable container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, deep fry from frozen and add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Dipping Sauce Suggestions
Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the spicy jalapenos and cheesy filling.
Blue Cheese Dressing: Another great option, especially if you enjoy the tangy flavor that complements the hot peppers.
Hot Sauce: For those who love spicy food, serve your poppers with a side of hot sauce for an extra kick.
How to Hollow Out Jalapenos
FAQs
Can this Recipe Be Baked?
Um…. I guess. They won’t be as good. If you don’t want to deep fry, I’d actually recommend a totally different style of popper: cut the peppers in half lengthwise, fill with the filling, wrap in a skinny piece of bacon, and bake or air fry at 375 until the peppers are soft.
Are Jalapeno Poppers Keto-friendly?
These are not. Too much breading. (The type I described above is, though.)
Can I use an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make air fryer jalapeno poppers. Simply prepare them as usual, but instead of deep frying, place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
How Can I Make These Poppers Less Spicy?
If you find jalapeno peppers too spicy, you can use the milder jalapeno halves and remove the inner membrane and seeds. This reduces the heat level significantly.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses can be used in the filling for different flavor profiles.
More Recipes For Jalapeno Season
- Jalapeno Cheddar No-Knead Bread
- Cowboy Candy for Canning
- Crisp Pickled Jalapenos
- Pineapple Jalapeno Sangria
Additional Ideas
Game Day Snack: These jalapeno poppers are a game changer for any game day gathering. They are one of the best appetizer recipes to share with friends and family.
Experiment with Coatings: Try using panko bread crumbs or even rice flour for a different texture. For a thicker coating, dip the poppers in pancake batter before breading them with panko crumbs.
Perfect for Parties: Make a large batch of these poppers for your next party. They are a great way to impress your guests and are sure to become one of your favorite snacks.
Alternative Fillings: Experiment with different fillings like cream cheese mixed with green onions and cayenne pepper for a new twist on the original jalapeno poppers.
Using a Large Pot: If you don’t have a deep fryer, a large pot works well for deep frying. Just make sure to use enough oil to submerge the poppers completely.
I Hope You Love Them!
These deep-fried jalapeno poppers are a surefire way to spice up any gathering. Their crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy filling make them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just looking for a tasty treat, these poppers are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, heat up that oil and get ready to enjoy the perfect combination of flavors and textures
