Jalapeños, oh how they dance on the tongue! These bite-sized wonders are like little fiestas—crisp, spicy, and just waiting to surprise you. I remember the first time I made them, my kitchen smelled of roasted peppers and cheese—a scent that instantly transported me to a summer fair.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Carefully cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise while wearing gloves. Use a small spoon to remove and discard the seeds and membranes from each half.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of each filled jalapeno.
- Arrange the filled jalapenos on a baking pan and place them in the oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the jalapeno poppers to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, possibly with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeños
- 6 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1248 | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 108g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Cholesterol: 336mg | Sodium: 1464mg | Potassium: 792mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 5820IU | Vitamin C: 202.8mg | Calcium: 1032mg | Iron: 2.4mg
FAQ
- How can I reduce the spiciness of jalapeño poppers?
- To lessen the heat in jalapeño poppers, remove the seeds and inner membranes, as these parts contain the most spice. Wearing gloves while handling the peppers is also advised to prevent skin irritation.
- Can I prepare jalapeño poppers in advance?
- Yes, jalapeño poppers can be made a couple of days ahead. You can also freeze them and cook directly from frozen, baking for 25-30 minutes at 425°F.
- What are some variations or additions I can make to the jalapeño popper filling?
- You can enhance the filling by adding crisp bacon, cilantro, or alternative cheeses like Monterey Jack. For a low-carb version, omit the bread crumbs or wrap the poppers in bacon.
- What is the best way to bake jalapeño poppers?
- Bake the jalapeño poppers at 400°F for about 18-22 minutes until they are golden and the cheese is melted. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- How do I properly prepare jalapeños for poppers?
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the peppers’ oils. Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes with a small spoon, discarding them before filling.
Tips
- Always wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid painful burns from the oils. Remember not to touch your face while working with them.
- To adjust the spiciness, remove the seeds and inner membranes for a milder flavor, or leave some membranes if you enjoy more heat.
- For a keto-friendly version, skip the Panko breadcrumbs or try wrapping the jalapenos in bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prepare the poppers ahead of time by assembling them and either refrigerating for a couple of days or freezing them. Bake directly from frozen for 25-30 minutes at 425°F.
Equipment
- Gloves – Essential for safely handling jalapenos.
- Baking pan – Required for baking the poppers.
