Spice up your next gathering with these irresistible Jalapeno Cheese Appetizers! This crowd-pleasing recipe features fresh jalapenos stuffed with a creamy blend of softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and savory seasonings, all made even better with crispy crumbled bacon. Topped with golden, olive oil-kissed panko breadcrumbs, these baked bites deliver the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and spicy flavors. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes and baked to perfection in 20, these fiery bites are the ultimate appetizer for game days, parties, or any occasion. Serve them warm with ranch or sour cream on the side for a cooling counterpoint to their gentle kick. Perfect for spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the seeds and membranes. (If you prefer less spice, ensure all seeds and membranes are removed.)
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until thoroughly blended.
Gently fold in the crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture.
Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, filling them generously but not overflowing.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil until the crumbs are lightly coated.
Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the stuffed jalapenos to create a crunchy topping.
Arrange the stuffed jalapenos on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Remove the jalapeno cheese appetizers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm, optionally with a side of ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.
Calories |
2147 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 182.6 g | 234% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.6 g | 443% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 470 mg | 157% | |
| Sodium | 4362 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.3 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | ||
| Protein | 81.8 g | 164% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1083 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1328 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.