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Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese Filling

Close-up of several baked Jalapeño poppers stuffed with cheese and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust.
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Make these simple baked jalapeño poppers for a spicy, cheesy appetizer perfect for game night. Control the heat easily when you prepare them.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the jalapeños: Wear gloves to protect your hands. Slice each jalapeño lengthwise down one side, creating a boat shape. Carefully scoop out the seeds and white membranes using a small spoon or knife. For less heat, scrape out more of the white membrane.
  3. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
  4. Stuff the peppers: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half. Do not overfill.
  5. Set up the breading station: Pour the beaten egg into a shallow dish. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
  6. Coat the poppers: Dip the top (cheese side) of each stuffed pepper half into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then, press the cheese side firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
  7. Arrange the poppers on the prepared baking sheet, cheese-side up. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for better browning.
  8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let the baked jalapeño poppers cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation from the capsaicin.
  • If you want to wrap these in bacon, wrap half a strip around each stuffed pepper before breading and increase the baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of finely minced chives to the cream cheese mixture.

Nutrition

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