Jalapeno Cheese Poppers are a delicious and spicy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. These poppers are made with fresh jalapeno peppers stuffed with a cheesy filling and then breaded and fried until crispy and golden brown.
How To Make:
To make Jalapeno Cheese Poppers, start by slicing fresh Jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes. Then, fill each pepper half with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and salt.
Once the peppers are filled, dip each one in a mixture of flour, egg, and milk, and then coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices like paprika and cumin.
Next, fry the jalapeno poppers in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the poppers.
Once the poppers are done, remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
Jalapeno Cheese Poppers are a spicy and satisfying appetizer that is sure to please. They are perfect for serving at parties or as a game-day snack. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or sour cream, to complement the spicy and cheesy flavors.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Wear gloves when handling jalapeno peppers to avoid getting any of the spicy oils on your skin.
If you prefer a milder flavor, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno peppers. For a spicier flavor, leave some or all of the seeds and membranes intact.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the poppers. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and aim for around 350°F (180°C).
Serve the poppers immediately after frying to ensure they stay crispy and warm.
Variations:
Add some cooked bacon or crumbled sausage to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, instead of cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
Mix in some chopped herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the cream cheese filling for added freshness.
Instead of frying the poppers, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve the poppers with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce, for a different twist.
Substitute the jalapeno peppers with other types of peppers, such as poblano or bell peppers, for a milder or sweeter flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 fresh jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Cut the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon or knife.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
Fill each jalapeno pepper half with the cream cheese mixture and set aside.
Combine the flour, paprika, and cumin in a small bowl. In a different, small bowl, whisk the milk and eggs together.
In a third shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and additional paprika and cumin.
Shake off any excess flour as you dip each half of the stuffed jalapeno pepper in the mixture.
Dip the pepper in the egg mixture and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the pepper to make sure it sticks.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of around 350°F (180°C).
Fry the jalapeno poppers in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. The poppers should be taken out of the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and placed on a plate covered with paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
Serve the jalapeno poppers hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or sour cream.
Note: You can also bake the jalapeno poppers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying them, for a healthier option.