Cheese Options For Jalapeño Poppers: The Best Melty Combinations

Jalapeno poppers are a popular appetiser, but what type of cheese should you use to fill them? While some recipes call for a blend of cheeses, others stick to a single variety. One recipe recommends a combination of feta, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar for a full-flavoured result, while another suggests a simple blend of cream cheese and cheddar. A third recipe takes things a step further by adding mozzarella to the mix, creating a gooey, melty filling. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using goat cheese, pepper jack, or Colby jack. However, it's best to avoid strongly flavoured cheeses like blue cheese, as they can overpower the jalapeno.

Cream cheese and cheddar

Jalapeno poppers are a great snack, and the filling is a key part of their success. One of the most popular options for a filling is a blend of cream cheese and cheddar. This combination provides a rich and creamy texture with a sharp flavour that pairs well with the spicy jalapeno.

The first step to making this delicious treat is to prepare the filling. The cream cheese and shredded cheddar are blended together in equal parts to create a smooth and cohesive mixture. You can add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as garlic powder, onion powder, cilantro, or even bacon bits. The addition of spices and herbs can further elevate the taste profile.

Once the filling is ready, it's time to stuff the jalapenos. After halving and seeding the peppers, you'll fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese and cheddar mixture. Be careful not to overstuff them, as this can lead to bursting or leaking during baking. You can also wrap the stuffed jalapenos with bacon slices for an extra indulgent touch.

When it comes to baking, preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C). Arrange the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. If you've wrapped your poppers with bacon, secure the slices with toothpicks to keep them in place. Bake for 20-30 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

The result is a delicious snack that's perfect for parties, game days, or any time you're craving something creamy, spicy, and indulgent. Jalapeno poppers with a cream cheese and cheddar filling are sure to be a hit, so consider making a double batch! They can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future cravings.

Feta, cheddar and cream cheese

Feta, cheddar, and cream cheese are all excellent choices for jalapeno poppers. Here are some ideas for how to use these cheeses to make delicious jalapeno poppers:

Feta Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

For a simple, tasty feta cheese jalapeno popper, start by removing the seeds, veins, and tops from your jalapenos. Then, place them in a jar or bowl and cover them with a mixture of olive oil and vinegar. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight. After marinating, drain the peppers and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or just until they soften. Be careful not to let them brown. Next, mix together feta cheese and a small amount of cream cheese. Fill each pepper with this cheese mixture and serve as an appetizer or side dish.

Cheddar Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for jalapeno poppers and can be used in a variety of ways. One option is to mix equal parts shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese, and then fill the jalapeno halves with this mixture. You can also add other ingredients to the cheese mixture, such as bacon bits, garlic powder, onion powder, or even cooked bacon. After filling the jalapenos, wrap them with bacon and bake in the oven until the bacon is crispy.

Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

Cream cheese is a versatile choice for jalapeno poppers and can be combined with a variety of other cheeses. One option is to mix cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese and taco seasoning. You can also try mixing cream cheese with mozzarella and pepperoni, or blue cheese and dry ranch dressing mix. For a crispy texture, dredge the filled jalapenos in flour, milk, and breadcrumbs before frying. If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the poppers in the oven instead of frying them.

Goat cheese and herbs

Goat cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or simply want to try something different from the traditional cream cheese and cheddar combination.

For a simple goat cheese jalapeno popper, mix together 4 ounces of cream cheese and 2 ounces of goat cheese. You can add 3 tablespoons of diced bacon for a salty kick. Once you've blended the mixture until creamy, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Fill each jalapeno with the cheese mixture and bake in the oven for 16-17 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you're looking for something more adventurous, try adding some herbs and spices to the mix. One option is to combine 4 ounces each of softened goat cheese and reduced-fat cream cheese with 1/4 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder, along with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Fill the jalapeno halves with this mixture, broil for 6-7 minutes, and top with crumbled bacon and red pepper jelly or honey.

For a vegetarian option, try mixing goat milk cream cheese with an egg and some fresh herbs like chives. Fill the jalapeno peppers with this mixture and bake for 15-17 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Top with crushed BBQ potato chips for a crunchy, savory finish.

Cheddar and chives

Jalapeño poppers are a fantastic snack, and the addition of cheddar and chives takes them to the next level. Here's a detailed guide on how to make them, with some extra tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly.

Ingredients:

• Jalapeños
• Cream Cheese
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Chives
• Bacon (optional)
• Other optional ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, cilantro, paprika, and bread crumbs.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your oven to around 400°F. This temperature will ensure the poppers cook through and the bacon gets crispy.
• Prepare the jalapeños by slicing them in half lengthwise. It is recommended to wear gloves during this step to avoid any irritation from the jalapeño oils. Remove the seeds and membranes, being sure to keep the stem intact on both halves for a nicer appearance.
• Make the filling by mixing cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped chives in a bowl. You can adjust the proportions to your taste, but a good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of cream cheese to cheddar. Add in other ingredients like garlic powder or onion powder if desired.
• Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill. You can use a small spoon to scoop the mixture into the jalapeños.
• If you're adding bacon, wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon. You can secure it with a toothpick if needed.
• Place the poppers on a baking sheet. If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs on top of each popper.
• Bake the poppers for around 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bacon is crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best served warm, and you can provide your favourite dipping sauce on the side.

Tips and Variations:

• You can make these poppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a couple of days before baking. You can even freeze them and bake them straight from frozen at a slightly higher temperature.
• If you want to add a crispy element without using bacon, try wrapping the poppers in bread crumbs. Combine Panko crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
• For a lighter version, you can replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. This creates a tangy and creamy filling that pairs well with the cheddar and chives.
• If you want to add some extra colour, try using red jalapeños or topping the poppers with sliced cherry tomatoes.

Cream cheese and cilantro

Jalapeno poppers are a popular snack or appetiser, and there are many ways to prepare them. One option is to fill them with a mixture of cream cheese and cilantro. This combination is creamy, tasty, and goes well with the jalapeno peppers.

To make cream cheese and cilantro jalapeno poppers, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Cilantro
• Jalapeno peppers
• Other optional ingredients such as garlic powder, onion powder, cheddar cheese, or bread crumbs

First, preheat your oven to between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, prepare the jalapeno peppers by slicing them in half lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes. It is recommended to wear gloves while handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation.

For the filling, mix the cream cheese and finely chopped cilantro in a bowl. You can also add other ingredients to the mixture, such as shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, or garlic powder, to enhance the flavour.

Once the filling is ready, use a spoon to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese and cilantro mixture. Be careful not to overfill the peppers. Place the filled peppers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.

If desired, you can sprinkle bread crumbs or Panko crumbs on top of the filled jalapenos for extra crunch. You can also add a slice of bacon or other meat on top.

Bake the jalapeno poppers in the preheated oven for about 15 to 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the jalapenos.

Once they are done, remove the jalapeno poppers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can serve them as an appetiser or a snack, and they pair well with dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Frequently asked questions