Roasting Jalapenos: The Perfect Timing For Cheesy Treats

Cheese-stuffed jalapenos are a popular appetizer, perfect for game day or a casual get-together. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient choice for hosts. The process involves halving and de-seeding jalapeno peppers, creating a cheese filling, stuffing the peppers, and then baking them. The baking time for stuffed jalapenos varies depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from 10 to 30 minutes.

How to prepare the jalapenos for stuffing

Preparing jalapeños for stuffing is a simple process, but it requires careful handling. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wear Gloves

Before handling jalapeños, it is important to put on disposable gloves to protect your hands from the burn of jalapeño oil. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which can cause a burning sensation if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes.

Step 2: Cut and De-seed the Jalapeños

Using a knife or a spoon, cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. You can also slice off the top one-third of each jalapeño to create a boat shape. If you want extra heat, you can mince the tops and add them to your filling. Remove the seeds and membranes from each jalapeño half. Be careful with the seeds, as they carry a lot of heat.

Step 3: Boil the Jalapeños (Optional)

If you prefer milder jalapeños, you can boil them in water for 5-10 minutes. The longer you boil them, the milder they will become. Drain and rinse the jalapeños in cold water after boiling.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the jalapeños are boiling or after you've de-seeded them, prepare your filling. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco. Mix the cheeses together with spices like garlic powder, cumin, or smoked paprika. You can also add in cooked chorizo, bacon, or onions for extra flavor.

Step 5: Stuff the Jalapeños

Once your filling is ready, it's time to stuff the jalapeños. Pack the filling into the pepper halves or boats, making sure to fill them generously. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the jalapeños.

Step 6: Bake or Grill

Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet or roasting pan. You can brush the jalapeños with oil or wrap them in bacon before baking for added flavor. Bake at 375-400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Alternatively, you can finish the jalapeños on a grill for a smoky flavor.

Remember to exercise caution when handling jalapeños, and always wash your hands thoroughly after preparing them. Enjoy your delicious cheese-stuffed jalapeños!

How to make the cheese filling

To make the cheese filling for your jalapeno poppers, you'll need a mix of cheeses and some flavourings. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (226g) of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican-style or pepper jack cheese)
• Flavourings: e.g. 1 clove of garlic, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika; 1/4 cup of minced onion; 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro; 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin; 1 teaspoon of dried oregano; 1-1/2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce; salt to taste
• Optional extras: e.g. bacon, shrimp, barbecue sauce, sour cream, milk, taco seasoning, bread crumbs, blue cheese, dry ranch dressing, mozzarella, pepperoni, chorizo, brisket, pineapple, lime, brown sugar, honey

Method

• Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and any flavourings together until combined. You could also do this by hand using a rubber spatula.
• If you're adding extras like bacon or shrimp, mix these in now.
• Spoon the cheesy filling equally among all jalapeno halves.
• If you're wrapping your jalapenos in bacon, do this now. Use a half slice of bacon for each jalapeno and stick a toothpick through the centre to keep the bacon in place.

How long to bake the jalapenos

The length of time you bake your jalapenos will depend on the temperature of your oven, the number of jalapenos you are baking, and the type of filling you are using.

If you are baking a large batch of jalapenos, you can expect them to take longer to bake through. Similarly, a higher oven temperature will cook the jalapenos more quickly.

For example, if you are baking 12 jalapenos at 375°F, they will need to bake for 20 to 30 minutes. However, if you are baking a smaller batch of six jalapenos at a higher temperature of 450°F, they will only need to bake for about 10 minutes.

If you are baking your jalapenos with a bacon wrapping, you will need to bake them for longer to ensure the bacon is crisp. This will take around 25 to 28 minutes at 400°F.

You can also boil your jalapenos before baking them, which will reduce their heat and make them milder. Boiling for 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient, and they can then be baked for a shorter time of 3 to 5 minutes at 400°F.

Ultimately, the baking time will depend on your personal preferences for the texture and heat of the jalapenos, as well as the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe.

How to serve and store the jalapenos

How to Serve Jalapenos

Jalapenos can be served as a snack or appetiser, and they go well with a variety of dips and sides. If you want to serve them as part of a Mexican-style meal or buffet, consider pairing them with taco cups, guacamole, and queso dip. You can also serve them with sour cream, milk, or cream cheese to help balance out the spice. For a game day or casual get-together, cheese and bacon-stuffed jalapenos are a great appetiser option.

How to Store Jalapenos

You can prepare the jalapenos and store them in the fridge a day ahead of time. Simply stuff the peppers and keep them in the fridge, then bake them when you're ready to serve.

It's important to note that when working with jalapenos, you should wear disposable gloves to protect your skin from the pepper's oils, which can burn. If you don't have gloves, coat your hands with cooking oil before handling the peppers, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water when you're finished. Avoid touching your eyes for several hours after handling the peppers.

Recipe variations

There are many ways to vary the cheese-stuffed jalapeño recipe to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

• Cheese selection: While cream cheese, cheddar, and pepper jack are popular choices, you can also experiment with other cheeses such as Mexican-style, feta, smoked cheddar, or Parmesan.
• Add-ins: In addition to cheese, you can mix in various ingredients like garlic, cumin, cilantro, onion, shrimp, barbecue sauce, bacon, crab, or Worcestershire sauce.
• Spiciness: For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeños. If you prefer a milder flavour, boil the peppers before stuffing and baking them.
• Preparation: You can either slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise or remove the top third to create a boat shape. The latter allows for more filling but yields fewer stuffed peppers.
• Cooking method: While baking is the most common method, you can also grill the stuffed jalapeños or cook them in an air fryer.
• Presentation: For a fun twist, wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. This adds a crunchy texture and extra flavour to the dish.
• Dipping sauces: Serve your cheese-stuffed jalapeños with a dipping sauce on the side, such as a raspberry dressing or sour cream.

Frequently asked questions