Jalapeno Pepper Poppers
Get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion with these irresistible Jalapeño Pepper Poppers! Perfect for game day, parties, or an indulgent appetizer, this crispy, golden delight combines the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños with a luscious filling of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and smoky seasonings, with optional bacon bits for an extra-savory punch. Each jalapeño half is stuffed, coated in a crunchy panko crust, and fried to perfection, creating an addictive balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures. Simple to prepare and ready in under 40 minutes, these poppers are a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with ranch dressing or chipotle mayo for dipping. Spice up your snack game and make these homemade jalapeño poppers a part of your next gathering!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.25 cup bacon bits (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Slice each jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and ribs. Set them aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and bacon bits (if using). Mix well until smooth and evenly distributed.
Stuff each jalapeno half with a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture, making sure the filling is level with the edges of the pepper.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each stuffed jalapeno into the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip the floured jalapeno into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated and allow any excess to drip off.
Finally, press the jalapeno into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Gently press to adhere the breadcrumbs.
Repeat the breading process with all the stuffed jalapeno halves and set them on a plate.
In a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry 3-5 jalapeno poppers at a time, depending on the size of your fryer/pot, for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the poppers from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Repeat until all the poppers are fried.
Serve the jalapeno poppers warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch or chipotle mayo.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
10790 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1086.7 g | 1393% | |
| Saturated Fat | 212.0 g | 1060% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 761 mg | 254% | |
| Sodium | 3205 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 260.6 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.9 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.4 g | ||
| Protein | 94.7 g | 189% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 1304 mg | 100% | |
| Iron | 16.6 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 1360 mg | 29% | |
*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.
