Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Jalapenos: Fresh, spicy peppers that are halved and seeded to create a vessel for the filling.

Cream cheese: Softened to mix easily with other ingredients, providing a creamy texture.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, cheesy flavor to the filling.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the filling.

Breadcrumbs: Coats the filled jalapenos, giving them a crispy, golden exterior.

When preparing the jalapenos, make sure to wear gloves to avoid any irritation from the capsaicin. To achieve a more even coating of breadcrumbs, lightly press them onto the cheese mixture after dipping. For an extra crispy texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can also grill the jalapeno poppers instead of baking them.

• jalapenos - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers are milder and larger, making them easier to stuff while still providing a slight heat.

• jalapenos - Substitute with banana peppers: Banana peppers are milder and have a slightly tangy flavor, suitable for those who prefer less heat.

• cream cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture, providing a unique twist to the filling.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is lighter and adds a slightly sweet flavor, making the filling less dense.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor, complementing the other ingredients.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese provides a stretchy, gooey texture when melted, ideal for a different cheese experience.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder provides a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the overall taste profile.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped green onions: Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a bit of color to the filling.

• onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder offers a subtle, sweet onion flavor that can add depth to the dish.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a better texture for the coating.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making them an interesting alternative.

• To store your jalapeno poppers, allow them to cool completely after baking.
• Place the cooled jalapeno poppers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. First, arrange the jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the jalapeno poppers to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated jalapeno poppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
• For frozen jalapeno poppers, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. No need to thaw before baking.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the leftover jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumbs.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are reheating evenly.
  4. Remove when the cheese is hot and the breadcrumbs are crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the jalapeno poppers on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splattering.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking after each minute.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the cheese is melted and the poppers are heated through.
  5. Note: This method may not keep the breadcrumbs as crispy as other methods.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the jalapeno poppers in the skillet, cheese side up.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
  5. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the jalapeno poppers at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden and bubbly.

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder into a smooth mixture.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the filled and breaded jalapenos for baking.

• Spatula: Handy for mixing the cheese mixture thoroughly and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the garlic powder and onion powder.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.

• Knife: Necessary for halving and seeding the jalapenos.

• Spoon: Helps in filling each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for halving and seeding the jalapenos.

Prepare the filling ahead: Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a piping bag: Fill a piping bag with the cheese mixture to quickly and neatly fill the jalapeno halves.

Pre-coat breadcrumbs: Coat the filled jalapenos with breadcrumbs and place them on a baking sheet, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.