Baked jalapeño poppers are a healthier version of fried jalapeño poppers rolled in panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crispy.
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Two Bite Tested
These baked jalapeño poppers are popular because:
- They bake up golden and crispy with a melty, cheesy center.
- They skip the grease from the traditional frying method.
- They work as a make-ahead party appetizer with simple ingredients.
This recipe includes:
- Detailed ingredient notes
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- Serving and storage suggestions
- A recipe card with nutritional information
A Note From My Kitchen
Before I met my husband, I wouldn't have touched a jalapeño with a 10-foot pole. Too spicy for my delicate taste buds.
But, when I ended up married to a man who eats pickled jalapeños straight from the jar, I decided I had to find out for myself what all the hype was about.
After sampling a variety of jalapeños prepared several different ways, I discovered that jalapeño pepper didn't always have to equal 'burn your mouth off' heat.
The creamy, cheesy filling brings this classic bar food to a whole new level of decadence! I hope you love them as much as we do!
Happy cooking,
Ingredient Notes
- Jalapeños: Choose firm, smooth peppers without soft spots. If they are very large, you may need up to 12 peppers to use up all of the filling.
- Cream cheese: Use regular block cream cheese.
- Green onions: Use both the white and green parts. Chives can be used as a substitute.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Shred from a block if possible!
- Egg: Any size egg will work.
- Paprika: Regular paprika or smoked paprika both work.
- Garlic powder: Use garlic powder, not garlic salt, so they're not too salty.
- Chili powder: Use a standard chili powder spice blend.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and bread the poppers, refrigerate them, then bake when you are ready to serve. They are a great make ahead choice for get-togethers and game day!Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?
You can, but I don't recommend it. The coating is much less crunchy and less appetizing. Panko breadcrumbs give poppers the desired perfect crunch!WHAT ARE PANKO BREADCRUMBS?
Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese style breadcrumbs made from a crustless white bread that is crumbed and dried. Panko breadcrumbs are more coarse in texture and give more of a crunch than traditional breadcrumbs.WHAT IS OLIVE OIL SPRAY?
Several companies make extra virgin olive oil spray that can be sprayed onto food as opposed to drizzled. You can even buy sprayers or misters online to fill with your own olive oil.
Two Bite Take
"The trick to cleaning out jalapeno peppers for poppers is to remove all of the white membrane and the seeds within the peppers before you cook them. THAT is where the spicy lives!"
- Becky
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With Baked Jalapeño Poppers
Serve baked jalapeño poppers hot from the oven with ranch, sour cream, or salsa fresca, plus napkins for the cheesy centers.A typical serving is about 2 popper halves.
Baked Jalapeño Poppers Variations
Keep the method the same and swap ingredients in the filling for a different flavor direction.- Swap sharp cheddar for pepper Jack.
- Add 2 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ranch seasoning to the cheese mixture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning blend for extra heat.
Got Leftovers?
What To Do With Leftover Baked Jalapeño Poppers
Leftover baked jalapeño poppers can be chopped and used in other dishes where you want a cheesy, spicy bite.- Chop and fold into scrambled eggs or an omelet.
- Slice and add to nachos right before serving.
- Chop and stir into mac and cheese.
- Use as a topping for baked potatoes.
- Chop and add to a quesadilla with extra cheddar.
How To Store Baked Jalapeño Poppers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a hot oven or air fryer until warmed through and the coating crisps back up.
Baked Jalapeño Poppers
Yield: 9 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Baked jalapeño poppers are a healthier version of fried jalapeño poppers rolled in panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crispy.
INGREDIENTS
9 fresh jalapeños
4 1/2 ounces cream cheese
5 green onions, sliced
2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup egg, beaten
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
salt and pepper, to taste
olive oil spray
9 fresh jalapeños
4 1/2 ounces cream cheese
5 green onions, sliced
2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup egg, beaten
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
salt and pepper, to taste
olive oil spray
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil spray.
- Wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation, cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and white membrane. (Read my tips above!)
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and green onions, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Put the eggs in a shallow dish and the breadcrumbs in a second shallow dish.
- Using a spoon, fill the peppers with the cheese mixture. Dip the peppers in the egg and then the breadcrumbs, lightly pressing the breadcrumbs onto the peppers. Carefully transfer the peppers to the baking sheet. Lightly spray with the olive oil spray.
- Bake for 25 minutes. You'll know they're done when they are golden brown and the cheese starts oozing out a little.
NOTES
Depending on the size of your peppers, you may need up to 12 peppers to use up all of the filling.
The trick to cleaning out jalapeño peppers for poppers is to remove all of the white membrane and the seeds within the peppers before you cook them. THAT is where the spicy lives! Once you carefully remove the insides, you're left with a pepper that's full of flavor without the burn. I've found using a small, metal 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon is the perfect little tool to scrape out the seeds and white membrane.
Author: Becky Tarala
Depending on the size of your peppers, you may need up to 12 peppers to use up all of the filling.
The trick to cleaning out jalapeño peppers for poppers is to remove all of the white membrane and the seeds within the peppers before you cook them. THAT is where the spicy lives! Once you carefully remove the insides, you're left with a pepper that's full of flavor without the burn. I've found using a small, metal 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon is the perfect little tool to scrape out the seeds and white membrane.
Author: Becky Tarala
Behind the Bites
Hi, I’m Becky, the creator of The Two Bite Club, where good food starts with two bites.
I’ve been cooking and sharing recipes here for years,
sharing the kinds of easy, dependable dishes that tend to become family favorites.
These are the recipes I make in my own kitchen, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
You can read more about me and The Two Bite Club here!
I’ve been cooking and sharing recipes here for years,
sharing the kinds of easy, dependable dishes that tend to become family favorites.
These are the recipes I make in my own kitchen, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
You can read more about me and The Two Bite Club here!
