Make these simple baked jalapeño poppers for a spicy, cheesy appetizer perfect for game night. Control the heat easily!
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:24 pieces
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
12 fresh jalapeño peppers
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and white membranes. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin when handling the peppers.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until the filling is smooth and fully combined.
Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half. Do not overfill.
Sprinkle the top of each stuffed pepper with panko breadcrumbs for a light crunch.
Place the filled peppers on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Let the baked jalapeño poppers cool for a few minutes before serving them warm.
Notes
To reduce the heat significantly, remove as much of the white membrane (the pith) from the inside of the pepper as possible.
If you want bacon wrapped poppers, wrap each filled pepper half with half a slice of bacon before baking. You may need to increase the cook time by 5-7 minutes.
For an extra layer of flavor, mix one tablespoon of finely chopped green onion into the cheese filling.