Jalapeño Cream Cheese Poppers
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or piping bag
- Baking sheet If baking
- Air fryer Optional
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot If frying
Ingredients
- 10 fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 10 slices bacon cut in half (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- Oil for frying if deep frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
- Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. If you love extra heat, leave a few seeds in!
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This filling is so delicious you might just want to use it in other savory cream cheese recipes too!
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, making sure they are well-filled but not overflowing.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon (Optional)
- If you're using bacon, wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Step 5: Coat the Poppers
- Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg and milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each popper in the flour, then egg, then coat in breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy finish.
Step 6: Cook Your Poppers
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F, place poppers on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Deep Frying Method: Heat oil to 350°F and fry poppers in batches for about 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let them cool slightly before biting in—cream cheese gets HOT! These are perfect for dipping in ranch, sour cream, or a zesty chipotle sauce.