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Crispy Baked Jalapeño Poppers Recipe – Easy Party Favorite

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These crispy baked jalapeño poppers are the ultimate party appetizer, packed with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. They’re baked—not fried—for a lighter option without sacrificing crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 810 fresh jalapeños, medium-sized
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: diced cooked bacon
  • Optional: fresh herbs like parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to scoop out the seeds and membranes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined.
  4. Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Be generous but don’t overfill.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the cheese filling of each jalapeño half.
  7. Place the poppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  8. Let the poppers cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Choose firm, medium-sized jalapeños for easier stuffing.’, ‘Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.’, ‘Don’t overfill the peppers to prevent the cheese from overflowing during baking.’, ‘Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even crisping.’, ‘Adjust spice level by removing seeds and membranes for less heat or leaving some seeds for extra spice.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, baked appetizer, party food, crispy jalapeño poppers, easy snack, spicy appetizer