Jalapeno poppers are a popular snack or appetiser, often served at parties or on game day. They are made by stuffing jalapeno peppers with a creamy cheese filling and then cooking them. The peppers can be baked, grilled or fried, and the filling can be adapted to include different cheeses, spices, and other ingredients such as bacon or sausage. The cooking time will depend on the method and the number of poppers being cooked, but typically they will take between 15 and 35 minutes.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cooking time in the oven | 15-35 minutes |
Filling | Cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, shredded Pepper Jack cheese, chives, bacon bits |
Topping | Panko breadcrumbs |
Oven temperature | 365-425°F |
What You'll Learn
How to cut and prepare jalapenos for poppers
Preparing jalapenos for poppers is a simple process, but it requires caution. The spice in jalapenos is found in the seeds and inner membranes, so removing these will reduce the heat of the poppers. It is highly recommended that you wear gloves when preparing jalapenos, as the oils in the peppers can cause burns on your hands.
To cut and prepare jalapenos for poppers:
- Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Try to keep the stem intact on both halves for appearance.
- Using a small spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes and discard them.
- If you want to reduce the heat of the poppers, clean out all of the light-coloured inner membranes. If you prefer a spicier popper, leave some of the membranes intact.
- Fill the jalapeno halves with your desired filling. A traditional filling includes a creamy cheese mixture, such as cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and garlic powder.
- Wrap the filled jalapeno halves with bacon or a breading of your choice. For a traditional deep-fried popper, coat the entire jalapeno in breadcrumbs. For a simpler option, sprinkle a Panko topping on top.
- Bake the poppers until the cheese is melted and the peppers are softened, about 20 minutes at 400°F.
Jalapeno poppers can be made in advance and frozen. When ready to serve, bake them directly from frozen at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.
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How to make the cheese filling for jalapeno poppers
How to Make the Cheese Filling for Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are a delicious snack or appetizer, and making them at home is super easy. The cheese filling is a key component of this tasty treat. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect cheese filling for your jalapeño poppers:
Ingredients:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- Other optional ingredients: garlic powder, chives, bacon bits, taco seasoning, pepperoni, blue cheese, ranch dressing mix, etc.
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
Before you start making the cheese filling, it's important to prepare the jalapeños. Wear food-grade gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeño's oils, which can cause burns. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, and use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If you prefer a spicier popper, you can leave some of the membranes in.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the shredded Cheddar cheese. You can add other ingredients to this mixture to suit your taste. For example, you could add garlic powder, chives, bacon bits, or even get creative with taco seasoning, pepperoni, or blue cheese. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
Step 3: Fill the Jalapeños
Now it's time to fill your jalapeño halves with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon to fill each jalapeño half generously. You can also add other ingredients at this stage, such as wrapping the jalapeños in bacon or coating them in breadcrumbs, but the focus here is on that delicious cheese filling!
Step 4: Bake or Fry
Once your jalapeño poppers are filled, they are ready to cook. You can bake them in the oven at around 400°F for about 20 minutes, or fry them in hot oil at 365°F for 2-3 minutes.
And that's it! You now have a batch of delicious, cheesy jalapeño poppers to enjoy. They are best served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
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How to assemble and cook jalapeno poppers
Jalapeno poppers are a great snack or appetiser, and they're easy to make at home. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own jalapeno poppers.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients:
- Jalapenos
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions
- Breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Milk
- Oil for frying (if not baking)
Preparing the Jalapenos
Before you start, put on some food-grade gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeno oils, which can burn your skin. Then, slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to remove the seeds and veins. If you like your jalapeno poppers spicy, you can leave some of the seeds and veins in.
Making the Filling
In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and green onions. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to taste.
Filling the Jalapenos
Now, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. If you are frying the poppers, dip them in milk, then flour, then milk again, and finally roll them in breadcrumbs. Allow them to dry, then repeat the milk-breadcrumb process.
Cooking the Poppers
If you are baking the poppers, place them on a baking tray and cook in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender.
If you are frying the poppers, heat oil in a skillet to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the poppers in batches until they are golden brown, which should take 2-3 minutes.
Serve your jalapeno poppers hot, with a dip such as ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Tips
- You can add extra cheese on top of the poppers before baking for a more indulgent treat.
- If you want crispier poppers, bake them on the top wire rack in the oven.
- You can also grill or air-fry jalapeno poppers for a different flavour.
- If you are making these poppers in advance, you can store them in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze them for up to a month.
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How to make a crispy topping for jalapeno poppers
How to Make a Crispy Topping for Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are a delicious snack, perfect for parties and game days. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance. The key to a perfect popper is a crispy topping and a gooey cheese filling. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a crispy topping for your jalapeño poppers:
Ingredients:
- Jalapeño peppers
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon (optional)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter
- Seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. It is recommended to wear gloves during this step to protect your hands from the spicy oils in the peppers. You can also leave some seeds and membranes if you prefer your poppers extra spicy.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon (if using). You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. This will be the creamy filling for your poppers.
Step 3: Fill the Jalapeños
Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. You can also top the filled poppers with extra shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Create the Crispy Topping
Melt butter in a small pan and stir in the panko breadcrumbs and your choice of seasonings. You can use garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt for a delicious savoury topping. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the crispy topping over the filled jalapeño poppers. Place the poppers on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the cheese is melted.
Tips:
- You can also wrap the filled poppers with bacon slices for an extra crispy texture.
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the breadcrumbs and wrap the poppers in bacon only.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use a variety of cheeses for your filling.
- Jalapeño poppers can be made in advance and frozen. Bake them straight from frozen for a quick and easy snack.
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How to store and reheat jalapeno poppers
Jalapeno poppers are a great make-ahead appetizer, but it's important to store and reheat them properly to ensure optimal taste and texture. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat jalapeno poppers:
Storing Jalapeno Poppers:
- Jalapeno poppers can be made a couple of days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Place the poppers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil to prevent drying out.
- They should last for about 3 days in the fridge.
- If you want to store them for a longer period, it's best to freeze them.
- To freeze jalapeno poppers, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid.
- Then, transfer the frozen poppers to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Jalapeno Poppers:
- The best way to reheat jalapeno poppers is in the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 325-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the poppers on a baking sheet and heat them for about 15-25 minutes, or until they are heated through.
- If they are frozen, increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
- You can also use a grill to reheat jalapeno poppers.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the poppers on the grill, cut side up, and grill them for about 10 minutes, or until the filling is hot.
- You can also reheat jalapeno poppers in the microwave, but this may affect their texture.
- Place the poppers in a microwave-safe dish and heat them in short bursts until they are warmed through.
- Keep in mind that the microwave may not heat them evenly, so be careful not to overheat or burn them.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook cheese poppers in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400°F.
You can cook cheese poppers in the air fryer until the bacon is crispy.
You can cook frozen cheese poppers for 25-30 minutes at 425°F.
You can grill cheese poppers for about 10 minutes on medium-high heat.