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Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese Filling

Close-up of baked jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese and topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs.
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Make these simple, cheesy jalapeño poppers in the oven for a perfect spicy appetizer without the deep-frying mess. Control the heat by removing the seeds.

Ingredients

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  • 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Optional: 6 slices bacon, halved (for bacon wrapped poppers)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wear gloves to handle the peppers. Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and white membranes. This step controls the heat level.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into the hollowed-out jalapeño halves. Do not overfill.
  5. If making bacon wrapped poppers, wrap each filled half with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick if necessary.
  6. In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
  7. Dredge the tops (the cheese side) of the stuffed peppers in the buttered panko mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.
  8. Place the poppers on the prepared baking sheet, cheese side up.
  9. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is bubbly and lightly golden.
  10. Let the spicy appetizer poppers cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Always wear gloves when slicing and seeding jalapeños to protect your skin from the capsaicin oil.
  • For a milder popper, soak the halved peppers in ice water for 15 minutes before stuffing.
  • If you prefer a crispier coating, you can briefly broil the poppers for the last minute, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/jalapeno-poppers-easy-baked-recipe/