Description
These Easy Creamy Jalapeño Poppers are a flavorful appetizer featuring fresh jalapeños stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spices. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a spicy, cheesy bite perfect for gatherings or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Jalapeños
- 10-12 pieces Fresh Jalapeños (Choose firm, vibrant jalapeños for the best flavor.)
Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened for easy mixing.)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Adds depth of flavor and melty texture.)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Enhances the overall flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Adds subtle sweetness and flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor enhancement.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adds a gentle kick.)
For Baking
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For drizzling on top before baking.)
- Cooking Spray (As needed to grease the baking tray.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the jalapeño poppers evenly.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Wash the jalapeños thoroughly and slice each in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds and membranes to reduce heat and create space for the filling.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Jalapeños: Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, pressing the filling in tightly to ensure it stays in place during baking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the filled jalapeño halves on the sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the filled jalapeños to promote browning and add flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese filling is bubbly and the tops turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the poppers to cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of jalapeños based on size and desired servings.
- Removing seeds reduces heat; leave some seeds if you prefer more spiciness.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These poppers can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
