Crispy Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Cheddar
These crispy baked jalapeño poppers are stuffed with a creamy cheddar filling and topped with golden Panko crumbs. Spicy, cheesy, and crunchy, they make the ultimate easy party appetizer.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- small spoon or melon baller
- Mixing bowls
- whisk or rubber spatula
- Gloves optional but recommended
Ingredients
- 12 large fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (25 g) Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Put on gloves. Slice jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Place cut-side up on baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Fill each jalapeño half with cheese mixture, smoothing the top. Do not overfill.
- Mix melted butter and Panko in a small bowl. Spoon mixture on top of each filled jalapeño.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, until jalapeños are tender and topping is golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ranch, sour cream, or salsa.
Notes
Wear gloves when prepping jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Don’t overfill the peppers or the cheese may bubble out. Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days, then bake before serving. For extra flavor, try adding bacon or swapping cheddar for pepper jack.
Nutrition
Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 0.5mg
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