How to Make Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are such a flavorful, delicious appetizer. They are great to whip up to serve pre-meal this holiday season, or even bring to a potluck. I love the creamy, cheese filling combined with the punch of spiciness from the pepper. So keep reading as I’m going to teach you how to make jalapeno poppers in under 35 minutes. 

Why you’ll love these jalapeno poppers:

• Quick: We don’t all have hours to spend in the kitchen so this appetizer can be made in just 33 minutes 
• Flavorful: The spice from the peppers combined with the creaminess of the cream cheese really makes these so good
• Versatile: Experiment with the cheeses, and fillings you stuff your peppers with. Get creative!

Ingredient Notes: 

Jalapenos: Jalapenos are rich in vitamins A, C, and potassium. They also are a good source of carotene, folate, vitamin K & B. They’re spicy but packed with nutrients!

Umami Blend: Umami is one of my go-to’s in my kitchen. It’s rich, earthy, and savory, and features porcini and shiitake mushrooms complimented with onion, mustard, thyme, and a hint of chili pepper spice. Seriously adds so much delicious flavor to any recipe!

How to make jalapeno poppers:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F and prepare two baking trays with parchment paper. 
2. Cut the jalapeño peppers in half length-wise. Remove the centers and seeds with a spoon. Set the jalapenos spaced out and the cavities facing up on the baking trays.
3. Prepare the filling by combining softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, and spices in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until combined.
4. Evenly distribute the filling into the jalapeno cavities, this should be approximately 1-2 tbsp worth.
5. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs.
6. One by one, flip upside-down and press the top of each jalapeño popper into the bread crumbs.
7. Bake for 18 – 22 minutes until golden.
8. Serve immediately with fresh chives.

Expert Tips & FAQ: 

Heat warning! Be very careful with the raw jalapeños, be sure to wash your hands + surfaces, wearing gloves if you’d like instead!

How do you make breadcrumbs? You can make your own bread crumbs using any bread available and pulsing in a blender. You can easily make this gluten-friendly by using gluten-free bread crumbs!

Can I use other cheese? Yep! Replace the cheddar cheese with any of your favorite cheeses! Like harvarti, provolone, mozzarella, etc! Make sure it’s something that melts nicely!!

How do I make this recipe vegan? To make completely vegan, replace cream cheese and cheese with your favorite substitute. Add 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast along with these substitutions for a more cheesy flavor, and adjust seasonings to taste. 

Storage: Store in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for 4 – 6 days. Reheat in the oven to serve or enjoy chilled. 

Other recipes you’ll love: 

• Twist Bread with Pesto & Parm
• Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles
• Focaccia Bread Recipe
• White Bean Soup

For more eBooks:

If you want more deliciousness at the click of your finger, be sure to check out FoodByMaria’s Newest Mini Cookbooks. Limited time offer of 3 for $20USD.

For more Greek Recipes:

For more amazing recipes:

How to Make Jalapeno Poppers

5 from 4 votes

I want to teach you how to make jalapeno poppers because they are such an easy appetizer for pot lucks or holiday dinners. Filled with a creamy, cheesy filling and a kick of spice!

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 18 mins

Total Time 33 mins

Course Vegan Meals

Cuisine American-Inspired

Servings 20

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 20 jalapeño peppers
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese or mix
• 4 tsp sweet + spicy umami blend
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 ½ tbsp chives chopped
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400F and prepare two baking trays with parchment paper. 
• Cut the jalapeño peppers in half length-wise. Remove the centers and seeds with a spoon. Set the jalapenos spaced out and the cavities facing up on the baking trays.
• Prepare the filling by combining softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, and spices in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until combined.
• Evenly distribute the filling into the jalapeno cavities, this should be approximately 1-2 tbsp worth.
• In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs.
• One by one, flip upside-down and press the top of each jalapeño popper into the bread crumbs.
• Bake for 18 - 22 minutes until golden.
• Serve immediately with fresh chives.

Notes

Be very careful with the raw jalapeños, be sure to wash your hands + surfaces, wearing gloves if you’d like instead!

You can make your own bread crumbs using any bread available and pulsing in a blender. You can easily make this gluten-friendly by using gluten-free bread crumbs!

Replace the cheddar cheese with any of your favourite cheeses! Like harvarti, provolone, mozzarella, etc! Make sure it's something that melts nicely!!

To make completely vegan, replace cream cheese and cheese with your favourite substitute. Add 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast along with these substitutions for a more cheesy flavour, and adjust seasonings to taste. 

Store in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for 4 – 6 days. Reheat in the oven to serve or enjoy chilled. 

Nutrition

Serving: 20g | Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.7g | Protein: 2.9g | Fat: 4.6g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12.3mg | Sodium: 91.3mg | Fiber: 2.6g | Sugar: 4.1g

Review This Recipe Let us know how it was!

5 from 4 votes