Indulge your taste buds with these *Light Baked Jalapeño Poppers*, a guilt-free twist on the classic appetizer! Perfectly balancing spicy and creamy flavors, this recipe features fresh jalapeño peppers stuffed with a luscious blend of light cream cheese, sharp cheddar, green onions, and smoky paprika. The golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping—lightly crisped to perfection in the oven—adds a satisfying texture without the need for frying. Ready in just 35 minutes, these poppers are an ideal choice for parties, game day snacks, or a flavorful appetizer. Easy to make, low in calories, and irresistibly delicious, these baked jalapeño poppers are a must-try for spice enthusiasts and cheese lovers alike!
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. Set the cleaned peppers aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the light cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, leveling it off at the top.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the filled jalapeños, pressing lightly to adhere.
Place the stuffed jalapeños onto the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced.
Lightly spray the tops of the jalapeños with cooking spray to help the breadcrumbs crisp up during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the panko topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Calories |
1199 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.0 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 47.2 g | 236% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 244 mg | 81% | |
| Sodium | 2313 mg | 101% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.5 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.8 g | ||
| Protein | 52.4 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1204 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1118 mg | 24% | |
*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.