Introduction
If you’re looking to add a bit of spice to your appetizer game, these jalapeño poppers are a must-try! With a rich, creamy filling featuring cream cheese and sharp cheddar, all wrapped in crispy bacon, they offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Whether for a party or a cozy movie night at home, these stuffed jalapeños are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Ingredients
150 g (5 oz) streaky bacon
12 jalapeños (approximately 7.5 cm / 3 inches long), halved lengthwise and deseeded
1/2 cup green onions, finely sliced (about 2 large stems)
2 tablespoons chives, finely sliced (optional, for garnish)
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
250 g (8 oz) cream cheese
1 1/2 cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (alternatively, use regular cheddar, tasty, Monterey Jack, or Colby)
1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon cooking/kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt (for breadcrumbs)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
12 stuffed jalapeños
In just a short while, you can enjoy these delectable jalapeño poppers that are sure to be the highlight of any gathering! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both spicy and savory. Happy cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Bacon and Breadcrumbs:
Cook the bacon slices until crispy. Once cooled, finely chop them. Reserve about 1/4 of the chopped bacon for topping. In the same pan, using the rendered bacon fat, toast the panko breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden brown. This ensures even browning during baking.
Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, the remaining chopped bacon, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Prepare the Jalapeños:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon.
Stuff the Jalapeños:
Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, slightly mounding it above the rim. Smooth the surface gently.
Add Toppings:
Place the stuffed jalapeños on a rack set over a foil-lined baking tray to keep them stable during baking. Top each filled jalapeño with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, pressing down lightly to adhere. Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the jalapeños are tender but still hold their shape. Avoid overbaking to prevent the jalapeños from becoming too soft and collapsing.
Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, sprinkle finely sliced chives over the baked jalapeño poppers for added color and flavor. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, ensuring the filling remains warm and creamy.
Notes
Bacon Choices:
You can substitute the streaky bacon with turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative if desired.
Cheese Variations:
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference, such as cream cheese with herbs for added flavor.
Jalapeño Heat Level:
To adjust the spiciness, you can choose to leave some seeds in the jalapeños or opt for milder peppers such as banana peppers.
Storage Tips:
Leftover stuffed jalapeños can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results before serving.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Bacon
Cooking the bacon until crispy allows for a balanced texture within the dish, and using the rendered fat to toast the panko breadcrumbs adds richness and flavor to the filling.
Mixing the Filling
Combining cream cheese with garlic, salt, pepper, chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar creates a smooth and flavorful base that perfectly complements the jalapeños.
Prepping the Jalapeños
Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños is crucial for controlling the heat level and making space for the filling.
Stuffing the Jalapeños
Mounding the cream cheese mixture above the rim of each jalapeño half ensures a generous serving of filling, enhancing the overall experience.
Adding Toppings
Applying a layer of shredded cheddar cheese and toasted panko breadcrumbs not only provides an additional textural element but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Baking
Baking at the right temperature ensures that the jalapeños maintain their shape and the cheese melts perfectly without overcooking, which could lead to a mushy texture.
Garnishing and Serving
Garnishing with chives adds freshness and visual appeal, while allowing the jalapeños to cool slightly before serving helps maintain the creamy filling.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese like regular cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
How can I adjust the heat level of the jalapeños?
To reduce the heat, ensure that you remove all seeds and membranes thoroughly. You can also choose milder jalapeños or substitute them with sweet peppers.
Can I prepare these jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed jalapeños and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
What can I serve with jalapeño poppers?
Jalapeño poppers pair well with various dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy aioli, and make a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes or as an appetizer.
Can these poppers be made without bacon?
Certainly! You can omit the bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian or vegan alternative, such as sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based bacon product, for a delicious vegetarian version.
Conclusion
The stuffed jalapeño poppers offer a delightful combination of flavors, with the creamy filling of cheese and crispy bacon providing a perfect contrast to the spicy jalapeños. They make an excellent appetizer for gatherings or a tasty snack that is sure to impress guests. Enjoy the burst of flavors while indulging in this easy-to-make recipe.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Spread creamy guacamole on toasted bread, then top with crispy bacon and sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist on a classic snack.
