Meltingly Good: Perfectly Cooked Cheese Poppers In Minutes

Jalapeno poppers are a popular snack or appetiser, often served at parties or game-day gatherings. They are made by stuffing jalapeno peppers with a creamy, cheesy filling and then baking or frying them. The peppers can be wrapped in bacon or coated in breadcrumbs before cooking for added flavour and texture. The level of spice can be adjusted by removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapenos before filling them.

There are several methods for cooking jalapeno poppers, including baking, grilling, air frying and deep frying. The cooking time will depend on the method used, but generally, jalapeno poppers take around 15-35 minutes to cook. They are done when the filling is hot and melted, and the bacon (if used) is crispy.

How to cut and prepare jalapenos for poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack, but preparing the jalapenos can be a little tricky. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut and prepare jalapenos for poppers:

Step 1: Wear Gloves

Before you start handling jalapenos, it's important to put on a pair of gloves. The oils in the peppers can irritate your skin and cause a burning sensation, so gloves are a must for this step.

Step 2: Choose the Right Jalapenos

Look for firm, small to medium-sized jalapenos with smooth skin. Avoid wrinkly peppers. Choose jalapenos that have some room in the middle, as this is where you'll be stuffing the filling.

Step 3: Cut the Jalapenos in Half

Using a sharp knife, slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise, from stem to end. Try to keep the stem intact on both halves for a nicer presentation.

Step 4: Remove the Seeds and Membranes

Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and light-coloured inner membranes of the jalapenos. Discard the seeds and membranes. This step also helps reduce the heat of the peppers. If you prefer a spicier popper, you can leave a little bit of the membrane intact.

Step 5: Make the Filling

The filling for jalapeno poppers typically includes a base of cream cheese, with additions like shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, chives, bacon bits, or green onions. Simply mix your desired ingredients together in a bowl.

Step 6: Fill the Jalapeno Halves

Once your filling is ready, use a spoon to generously fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. You can also use a piping bag for a neater presentation.

Step 7: Bread the Poppers (Optional)

If you want to add a crispy breading to your poppers, you have a few options. You can dip the stuffed jalapenos in milk, then flour, and finally roll them in breadcrumbs. Let them dry and repeat the process for a thicker coating. Alternatively, you can simply sprinkle a layer of Panko breadcrumbs on top of the filled jalapenos for a simpler preparation.

Step 8: Cook the Poppers

There are a few ways to cook your jalapeno poppers. You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 18-25 minutes, or until golden. You can also fry them in hot oil at 365°F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Another option is to grill them over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy jalapeno poppers ready to be served as a snack or appetiser. Enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!

How to make the cheese filling

The cheese filling is a key component of jalapeno poppers, providing a creamy and indulgent contrast to the spicy jalapeno. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect cheese filling:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities can vary depending on how much filling you want to make and your personal preferences, but the basic ingredients typically include:

• Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavour and a creamy texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds a bold, cheesy flavour.
• Bacon: This is optional but adds a smoky, savoury note. Use centre-cut bacon rather than thick-cut, as it's easier to wrap around the peppers.
• Seasonings: You can experiment with different seasonings, but common choices include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mixing the Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon (if using), and seasonings. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly blended. You can use a rubber spatula or a spoon to mix everything together.

Customising the Filling

The basic cheese filling can be customised in numerous ways to suit your taste preferences:

• Cheese: Try using different types of cheese such as goat cheese, mozzarella, Colby jack, or Monterey jack.
• Meat: In addition to bacon, you can add ground beef, sausage, or crab meat to the filling.
• Vegetables: Chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add texture and flavour.
• Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings like cayenne pepper, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning.

Stuffing the Jalapenos

Once your filling is ready, it's time to stuff the jalapeno peppers:

• Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeno's heat.
• Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno halves. This step will reduce the spiciness of the poppers.
• Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon to add a generous amount of filling to each pepper, being careful not to overfill.

Now your cheese filling is ready, and you can move on to the next steps of making jalapeno poppers, such as adding a crispy topping or breading and baking them to perfection!

How to assemble the poppers

First, set yourself up for success by wearing a pair of rubber gloves. If you don’t wear gloves, the oils can burn your hands and if you accidentally touch your eyes, they will sting. Now that we’re all safe and wearing gloves (and don’t touch your face with the gloves either!), it’s time to slice the jalapeno peppers. Working with one jalapeno at a time, firmly hold the pepper and slice from top to bottom, trying to make both halves as even as possible. I try and slice through the stem as well so each half has part of the stem. This is mainly for aesthetic reasons and won’t affect the taste either way.

The majority of the heat found in jalapeno peppers comes from the seeds and the white/light green inner membranes. We want to remove the seeds and membrane so the jalapeno poppers aren’t fiery hot. I’ve found the easiest way to remove the membrane and seeds is to use a ½-inch teaspoon to scrape out the seeds, starting at the top of the pepper and working my way down.

The filling for these baked jalapeno poppers is delightfully easy to make! Simply add cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, pepper Jack cheese, chives, and seasonings to a bowl. Mix until evenly combined. The cream cheese should be soft enough to easily mix with a spoon before combining ingredients.

Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. I like to add a dollop to the cavity, then spread it with the back of a spoon so it gets nestled into the nooks and crannies. Take care not to overfill the jalapenos or the filling will ooze over the edges as the jalapeno poppers bake.

Now for the crunchiest panko you’ve ever tasted! Many panko toppings are made by adding the panko directly to the top of the jalapeno poppers and baking. This will never deliver evenly golden, crazy crunchy, buttery panko. For the BEST, truly crispy panko topping infused with buttery bliss, you need to toast it first in a skillet with melted butter. This might sound like one unnecessary step, but it makes a HUGE difference. It literally takes minutes but adds tons of YUM!

To toast the panko, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add panko and stir to coat. Continue cooking until the crumbs become golden. Remove to a plate so they stop cooking. How easy was that?!

Now, generously sprinkle each jalapeno popper with crispy panko and line them on a lightly greased, foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake jalapeno poppers at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until the jalapenos are softened and the filling is hot. You don’t want the jalapenos too soft or they won’t hold their shape.

Making the poppers ahead of time

Jalapeno poppers are great for making ahead! To make the cream cheese filling in advance, mix the cream cheese, cheeses, chives, and all seasonings together. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

To assemble in advance:

• Stuff jalapenos with cream cheese filling but don’t add panko.
• Store in a single layer in an airtight container or stack with parchment paper in between the layers. You can also line them on a prepared baking sheet and tightly wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate.
• Prepare panko, let cool completely, and store in an airtight container.

When you’re ready to serve, transfer the jalapeno poppers to a prepared baking sheet and top with panko. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.

How to cook the poppers

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need the following ingredients:

• Jalapeños
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Bacon
• Green onions
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, salt, pepper)

Preparing the Jalapeños

Before you start handling the jalapeños, put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the oils in the peppers, which can cause burns. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds and membranes. If you like your poppers spicy, leave some of the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños.

Making the Filling

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese, spices, and any other ingredients you want to add, such as chopped green onions or cooked and crumbled bacon.

Stuffing the Jalapeños

Use a spoon to fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. If you want to add breadcrumbs, combine them with melted butter in a separate bowl first, then sprinkle the mixture on top of the stuffed jalapeños.

Cooking the Poppers

Preheat your oven to around 400°F. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking pan and bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden. Allow the poppers to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Storage

Jalapeño poppers can be made a couple of days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen and cooked directly from frozen at a later date.

How to store and reheat poppers

Storing jalapeno poppers

Jalapeno poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can also be frozen and stored for later use. To freeze, arrange the poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for a few hours or until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen poppers to a zip-top freezer bag.

Reheating jalapeno poppers

Jalapeno poppers can be reheated in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and bake the poppers for approximately 15 minutes or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, place the poppers on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds.

It is worth noting that while reheating in the microwave is convenient, the poppers' breading will not be as crunchy as when they are freshly baked.

Frequently asked questions