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To make baked jalapeño poppers, you need a few key ingredients. Each item adds its own flavor and texture. Here’s what you will need: - 12 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients create a cheesy, spicy filling that excites your taste buds. The cream cheese keeps it creamy, while the cheddar adds sharpness. Feta brings a nice tang. Spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika round out the flavors. The panko breadcrumbs give a crunchy topping. This mix makes each bite a burst of joy. You can find the full recipe for more details. Enjoy crafting this delicious snack! Preheating the oven First, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps ensure even cooking. Preparing the jalapeños Next, take 12 fresh jalapeños. Slice them in half and remove the seeds. This step reduces the heat and makes them easier to fill. Mixing the filling In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste Stir until everything is blended well. This filling adds a creamy, cheesy flavor. Filling the jalapeños Use a spoon to fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Make sure to pack it in generously. This step is key for a rich taste. Coating with breadcrumbs In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This makes the topping crispy. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the filled jalapeños. Baking time and temperature Place the filled jalapeño poppers on a lined baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Watch for the tops to turn golden brown and the cheese to bubble. Cooling and serving After baking, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. This makes them easier to handle. Serve them on a platter, and feel free to garnish with extra cilantro or a drizzle of sriracha for a pop of color and spice. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. - Choosing the right jalapeños: Pick firm, bright green jalapeños. They should be smooth and not wrinkled. Size matters too; choose medium-sized ones for a good balance of heat and stuffing. - Adjusting spice levels: If you want less heat, remove all the seeds and membranes. For more heat, leave some seeds in. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce in the cheese filling for an extra kick. - Ensuring even cooking: Spread the poppers out on the baking sheet. This way, they will cook evenly. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for consistent crispiness on each side. - Presentation ideas: Serve your poppers on a large platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges. It makes the dish look colorful and inviting. - Dipping sauces to complement: Try serving them with ranch dressing or sour cream. You could also use a spicy aioli or guacamole for a fun twist. - Pairing with beverages: A cold beer or a refreshing margarita pairs well with these poppers. The cool drinks balance the spice and enhance the flavor. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. Enjoy these tips to elevate your jalapeño poppers! {{image_2}} You can customize your jalapeño poppers in many fun ways. For meat lovers, try adding cooked bacon or sausage to the cheese mix. This adds a savory touch that pairs well with the heat of the jalapeños. If you're vegan, swap cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. For a twist, mix different cheeses. Use pepper jack for extra spice, or blend mozzarella for a gooey texture. Each filling option gives you a new taste experience. You don't have to bake jalapeño poppers in the oven. You can air-fry them for a crispy finish. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled jalapeños in the basket in a single layer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until they are golden and bubbly. Grilling is another great option. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the jalapeños on a grill-safe tray or directly on the grates. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. This adds a smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. After enjoying your baked jalapeño poppers, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. If you want to keep them for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each popper in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bag with the date. Reheating baked jalapeño poppers is easy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the poppers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. However, they may not stay as crispy. Heat them in 30-second intervals until warm. Enjoy your poppers with their fresh flavor and texture! How to make jalapeño poppers less spicy? To lower the heat, you can remove the seeds and membranes. You can also soak the jalapeños in cold water for about 30 minutes. This can help reduce spiciness. Also, you can choose milder peppers like banana peppers. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can! Feel free to mix and match cheese. Cream cheese is a must for smoothness. You can add mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for some extra kick. What are the best ways to serve baked jalapeño poppers? Serve them hot on a nice platter. A drizzle of sriracha adds color and spice. Pair with ranch or blue cheese dip for extra flavor. These poppers also go great with cold drinks like beer or iced tea. Caloric content per serving Each serving has about 250 calories. This can vary based on the amount of cheese and toppings you use. Healthier ingredient swaps You can swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to cut calories. Use low-fat cheese to reduce fat content. For a vegan option, try cashew cheese or tofu-based spreads. In this post, we explored making baked jalapeño poppers. We listed the key ingredients and shared clear step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for choosing jalapeños and adjusting spice levels. We also offered serving ideas and variations, from meat-filled options to air-fryer techniques. Lastly, I provided storage and reheating tips, ensuring your poppers stay fresh. Baked jalapeño poppers are a fun and tasty treat. With these easy steps, you’ll impress family and friends. Now, gather the ingredients and enjoy making your poppers!

Baked Jalapeño Poppers

Spice up your snack game with these Spicy Cheesy Baked Jalapeño Poppers! Bursting with creamy and cheesy flavors, these easy-to-make treats are perfect for parties or game day. Made with fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, and feta, they are baked to golden perfection. Follow our simple recipe for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress!
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Ingredients
  

12 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, feta cheese, cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.

      Using a spoon, carefully fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, packing it in generously.

        In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated.

          Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the filled jalapeños.

            Place the jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve on a platter garnished with extra cilantro and a drizzle of sriracha for added color and spice.