Jalapeno Poppers

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 15 min.

Makes

about 2 dozen

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
These creamy stuffed jalapeno poppers have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 pound fresh jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  • Sour cream, onion dip or ranch salad dressing

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine cheeses, bacon and seasonings; mix well. Spoon about 2 tablespoons into each pepper half. Roll in bread crumbs.
  2. Place in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted and peppers are heated through, 15-20 minutes. Serve with sour cream, dip or dressing.

Can you freeze Jalapeno Poppers?

After rolling in bread crumbs, cover and freeze unbaked stuffed peppers on waxed paper-lined baking sheets until firm. Transfer to a resealable freezer container; return to freezer. To use, bake peppers as directed, increasing time by 3-4 minutes.

Jalapeno Poppers Tips

How can you make jalapeno poppers less spicy?

There are a few tricks that make jalapeno poppers less spicy. Start by inspecting them at the store. Some say that peppers with tiny little cracks in the skin may be spicier than those with smooth skins. When you get home, employ two tried-and-true methods for reducing spice: Removing the seeds and scraping out the inner membranes, and soaking jalapenos in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. If all else fails, serve the jalapeno poppers with a creamy sauce like ranch or sour cream to stop the burn and reduce the heat’s impact on the tongue.

How can you make jalapeno poppers your own?

There are so many delicious variations of this recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make these poppers your own. Play around with different cheeses, or use flavored cream cheese instead of the plain variety. Using seasoned bread crumbs is an easy way to amp up the flavor without a lot of added effort. Check out creative jalapeno-inspired recipes for more ideas.

How can you store leftover jalapeno poppers?

Store leftover jalapeno peppers in a single layer in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. If needed, layer the peppers between parchment paper or waxed paper to prevent them from sticking to each other. Reheat the peppers in the oven or air fryer. To freeze cooked jalapeno poppers, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 24 hours, until frozen through, before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer
Peppers (Hot)
Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1 popper: 94 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.