Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

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

Cream cheese: Softened to mix easily with the other ingredients, providing a creamy base for the filling.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded to add a sharp, tangy flavor to the filling.

Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for a crispy, golden crust.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the filling.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of onion.

Salt: Balances the flavors in the filling.

When preparing the jalapenos, consider wearing gloves to avoid any irritation from the capsaicin. To ensure even cooking, arrange the jalapeno halves on the baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. This allows hot air to circulate around them, ensuring they cook evenly and the breadcrumbs become perfectly golden.

• jalapenos - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers are milder than jalapenos but still provide a nice heat and similar texture.

• jalapenos - Substitute with banana peppers: Banana peppers are less spicy and offer a tangy flavor, making them a good alternative for those who prefer less heat.

• cream cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture, which can add a unique twist to the poppers.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is lighter and has a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for a different texture.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with monterey jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese provides a gooey texture and mild taste, which can be a great alternative.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a different texture to the poppers.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the poppers.

• 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 and slightly sweet flavor, which can be a good alternative.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions give a fresh and slightly crunchy texture, enhancing the flavor profile.

• onion powder - Substitute with scallion powder: Scallion powder offers a milder and more delicate onion flavor, suitable for those who prefer a subtler taste.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can be used in place of salt for a different taste.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a more complex flavor and can be a healthier alternative to regular table salt.

• To store your jalapeno poppers, first allow them to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled jalapeno poppers in an airtight container. If stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching. This prevents them from freezing together.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the jalapeno poppers are solid.

• Transfer the frozen jalapeno poppers to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date for reference.

• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen jalapeno poppers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the cheese is bubbly.

• Oven Method:

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

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange 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 not overcooking.
  4. Remove when the cheese is melted 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 a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  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.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the jalapeno poppers in the skillet, cut side up.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are crispy.
  5. If needed, flip the poppers for the last 1-2 minutes to ensure even heating.

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

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

• Baking sheet: Used to place the filled jalapenos on for baking in the oven.

• Spoon: Used to fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.

• Knife: Used to halve and seed the jalapenos.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to halve and seed the jalapenos.

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

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Prepare the filling: Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in advance and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Use a piping bag: Transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag for quick and easy filling of the jalapeno halves.

Pre-seed jalapenos: Seed and halve the jalapenos ahead of time to save prep time on the day of cooking.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.