Skip the processed frozen poppers and opt for these homemade Baked Jalapeno Poppers made with jalapeno, cream cheese, and panko crumbs.
Growing up, my biggest weakness was TGIF’s frozen Jalapeno Poppers – they are seriously so good, but also super processed and not practical. I decided to come up with my own version years ago and somehow this recipe still hits the spot. This is a super easy Baked Jalapeno Poppers recipe.
What are Baked Jalapeno Poppers?
Baked Jalapeno Poppers are essentially jalapenos sliced and stuffed with a cream cheese filling. The jalapeno is then pressed onto panko crumbs and baked in the oven. They’re creamy, indulgent, and so easy to make.
Can I make this recipe vegan, gluten-free?
YES!
For a vegan option – use vegan cream cheese and Mexican cheese.
For a gluten-free option – use gluten-free panko crumbs.
How do I cut the Jalapenos?
First, slice the head of the jalapeno off.
Second, slice each jalapeno in half – lengthwise.
Then, deseed each half of the jalapeno.
Are Baked Jalapeno Poppers healthy?
Well, I wouldn’t exactly call this recipe healthy. With that said, it is a healthier option compared to the real thing There is still a good amount of cheese and cream cheese in this recipe so this recipe is definitely not healthy.
Tips on making Baked Jalapeno Poppers:
Slice the jalapenos in half and deseed completely.
Prepare the panko crumb mixture.
Prepare the cream cheese filling.
Stuff each half of the jalapeno with the cream cheese filling.
Then dip each jalapeno into the panko crumb mixture.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. I baked these in the toaster oven rather than a proper oven.
Baked Jalapeno Poppers are:
Baked, not fried
Scrumptious
Creamy
Cheesy
Delicious
Vegetarian
How to make Baked Jalapeno Poppers recipe step by step?
Prep
1. Start by pre-heating the oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, add panko crumbs, 1/2 to 1 tsp of Cayenne Pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, add cream cheese, milk, Mexican cheese, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to a bowl.
3. Mix all the ingredients well.
4. Slice the top of the jalapeno. Then slice in half.
5. Deseed the jalapenos completely.
Assemble
1. Take a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture.
2. Spread the cream cheese inside the jalapeno half.
3. Dip the cream cheese side of the jalapeno in panko crumbs.
4. Place on a baking sheet tray.
Bake
1. Place the baking tray in the oven.
2. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve with ranch dressing and ketchup.
Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, add panko crumbs, 1/2 to 1 tsp of Cayenne Pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix. Set aside.
In another bowl, combine cream cheese, milk, Mexican cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to a bowl.
Mix all the ingredients well.
Slice the top of the jalapeno. Then slice in half.
Deseed the jalapenos completely.
Assemble
Take a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture.
Spread the cream cheese inside the jalapeno half.
Dip the cream cheese side of the jalapeno in panko crumbs.
Place on a baking sheet tray.
Bake
Place the baking tray in the oven.
Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve with ranch dressing and ketchup.
Notes
For a vegan option - use vegan cream cheese and Mexican cheese.For a gluten-free option - use gluten-free panko crumbs.* This recipe was first posted in March 2012.Â
Wow these look amazing…what is it about cheese and jalapenos that go so well together? I don't care if the cheese which the cinema serves nachos with is processed- I love every bite of that gooey goodness! Another processed favorite is undoubtedly Oreos: trans fat or not, I will never rule them out of my diet!
This is a favorite treat here in Texas. While I have many of these, I never really taken the time to make them. Most likely due to the mess of deep frying, but your method here does put a whole new spin on things. Baking is healthier and easier. These do look quite addictive-yum!
I used to love the mozzarella sticks that TGIF used to sell in the frozen section. Those were amazing!! And the Texas Toast from Pepperidge Farm I think? But I haven't had either in a long, long time now!
I love that you said "live a little!" Haha! These look amazing. This recipe will come in handy when I have to be domestic and host a dinner party in the near future! 🙂
The flavors of peppers and cream cheese sound amazing. What a cleaver idea to make this. I am going to try this recipe out soon and will let you know how it turned out.
ooo, this looks amazing. I think these will be very enjoyable to make and will cater to many peoples tastes. At first sight I thought it was some sort of chicken dish but when I learned of the ingredients i was even more intrigued.
@Ameena – I have to taste this Texas Toast from Pepperidge Farm.. never heard of it. I used to eat Giorgino's (something like that) Mozzarella sticks growing up.
Why would you get rid of all the natural delicious heat from the jalapenos, and instead add yucky cayenne pepper, which will stay in your mouth all day?
@Anonymous – I didn't try making these ahead of time, but perhaps you can try with 4 pieces and see how they turn out. I'm not sure if they will get soggy. Sorry.
So yummy! Made these tonight, they were great! did not add the cayenne, just used 1/4 chili powder in each, the crumbs and the cream cheese. Husband LOVED them!!! Thank you!
And for anyone wanting to make them ahead of time… I assembled them about an hour early and just stuck them on a foil covered cookie sheet in the fridge. They did fine.
@Anonymous – thank you so much for your feedback. I'm so glad these worked out for you and you made them an hour in advance. Nice. Merry Christmas. 🙂
Made these for memorial day, while we had some friends over. Great Recipe !! I am new to your blog, love reading about your NYC adventures, recipes, & fashion fun 🙂
Komal – Thanks.. so glad you liked it. I wanna re-work this recipe, I feel like I can skip the flour. Awww.. that's so sweet of you to say, I'm glad you enjoy reading about my NYC escapes, recipes, and all about my shopping addiction. 🙂
I looked up this recipe this morning because I had a few jalapenos from our garden. My husband and I just polished them off as our appetizer. We dipped them in ranch. Oh my goodness. So delicious. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you!!!
We stuffed them with cheddar, with jack, with pepper jack, with cream cheese, with bacon mixed with lots of other things, and we ended up with two favorites.
The jalapeños in my garden went crazy this year so I’m now on my third batch of jalapeño poppers… This recipe came out so good so I use this one each time!
I used to mostly cook Indian food and this was one of the Mexican inspired ingredient in my kitchen, needless to say we loved it. Love Nisha’s recipes and her blog aura is very soothing!
[…] This remake of TGIF’s fried poppers stray far from the fryer and straight into the oven with Honey What’s Cooking’s Baked Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Cream Cheese […]
Wow these look amazing…what is it about cheese and jalapenos that go so well together? I don't care if the cheese which the cinema serves nachos with is processed- I love every bite of that gooey goodness! Another processed favorite is undoubtedly Oreos: trans fat or not, I will never rule them out of my diet!
This is a favorite treat here in Texas. While I have many of these, I never really taken the time to make them. Most likely due to the mess of deep frying, but your method here does put a whole new spin on things. Baking is healthier and easier. These do look quite addictive-yum!
I used to love the mozzarella sticks that TGIF used to sell in the frozen section. Those were amazing!! And the Texas Toast from Pepperidge Farm I think? But I haven't had either in a long, long time now!
These look delicious.
These. Sound. Amazing. Such a good party food!
xo Josie
http://www.winksmilestyle.com
Your first picture is just drool inducing. 🙂
Yum!! Those look even tastier than the frozen jalapeno poppers. My processed food weakness is Hot & Spicy cheez its. They are so addicting.
Mandy
Kini Style & Klury.com
I love that you said "live a little!" Haha! These look amazing. This recipe will come in handy when I have to be domestic and host a dinner party in the near future! 🙂
The flavors of peppers and cream cheese sound amazing. What a cleaver idea to make this. I am going to try this recipe out soon and will let you know how it turned out.
I definitely do not like jalapenos at all. However these look so fancy I think I might just make them for my next dinner party! xo
Oh flippin YUM!!!!! thats all i can say!!!
love K
ooo, this looks amazing. I think these will be very enjoyable to make and will cater to many peoples tastes. At first sight I thought it was some sort of chicken dish but when I learned of the ingredients i was even more intrigued.
@Khushboo – of course, Oreo cookies rock! Love them too.. a good alternative is Newman's version of the Oreo cookies, more natural.
@Ameena – I have to taste this Texas Toast from Pepperidge Farm.. never heard of it. I used to eat Giorgino's (something like that) Mozzarella sticks growing up.
@Mandy – I love anything hot and spicy.. cheez its are yummy!
@Parita – that's my philosophy on life. Life a little so I'll try most things at least once.
Thanks everyone! Just make sure to use Cayenne Pepper, NOT "red chili powder."
ohmygoodnessYES.
I have yet to try these people-pleasing appetizers. I've saved this for the weekend!
The guys will really love this treat for their Friday get togethers…The hubby will love me more 😉
I love poppers and haven't really replicated the recipe at home. Your's turned out so well 🙂
Thanks guys. This recipe is a sure crowd pleaser.
Why would you get rid of all the natural delicious heat from the jalapenos, and instead add yucky cayenne pepper, which will stay in your mouth all day?
@Anonymous – the seeds of the jalapeño are very hot for me. I prefer the cayenne pepper. You can certainly leave the seeds in.
I stuffed mine with chive and onion cream cheese and followed your recipe…..they were awesome!!!!!!
@Anonymous – smart! I'm so glad that worked out for you. 🙂
Just made these with peppers from our garden. Delicious! Thanks!
Tried these today and they were a hit. Obviously, best right out of the oven but amazing for being so "healthy" nonetheless. Thank you!
Can you make these adeah of time and bake them when needed?
@Anonymous – I didn't try making these ahead of time, but perhaps you can try with 4 pieces and see how they turn out. I'm not sure if they will get soggy. Sorry.
So yummy! Made these tonight, they were great! did not add the cayenne, just used 1/4 chili powder in each, the crumbs and the cream cheese. Husband LOVED them!!! Thank you!
Tried these tonight. They were great! 🙂
And for anyone wanting to make them ahead of time… I assembled them about an hour early and just stuck them on a foil covered cookie sheet in the fridge. They did fine.
@Anonymous – thank you so much for your feedback. I'm so glad these worked out for you and you made them an hour in advance. Nice. Merry Christmas. 🙂
Serve with ketchup? Are you serious? YUCK!
@Anonymous – sorry you don't like ketchup, serve it with something else.
🙂
Hi,
Made these for memorial day, while we had some friends over. Great Recipe !! I am new to your blog, love reading about your NYC adventures, recipes, & fashion fun 🙂
Komal
Komal – Thanks.. so glad you liked it. I wanna re-work this recipe, I feel like I can skip the flour. Awww.. that's so sweet of you to say, I'm glad you enjoy reading about my NYC escapes, recipes, and all about my shopping addiction. 🙂
I looked up this recipe this morning because I had a few jalapenos from our garden. My husband and I just polished them off as our appetizer. We dipped them in ranch. Oh my goodness. So delicious. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you!!!
Ooooh.. I'm so happy you enjoyed this. Ranch dressing sounds like a great idea. Thanks for sharing your feedback. Much appreciated.
Can these be prepared ahead of time and frozen? Thanks!!
@Jennifer – I don’t think that will be a problem. I haven’t tried it, but it should be okay. Let me know how it turns out.
This Was Amazing.
I Love this!
I love You!
Marry me 😉
Just kidding, i made these with a ‘Garlan, cheddar and Blue Cheese’-filling.
It tasted superb!
Thank you
Haha. I’m so glad this turned out well. Thanks for the feedback!
We stuffed them with cheddar, with jack, with pepper jack, with cream cheese, with bacon mixed with lots of other things, and we ended up with two favorites.
The jalapeños in my garden went crazy this year so I’m now on my third batch of jalapeño poppers… This recipe came out so good so I use this one each time!
I used to mostly cook Indian food and this was one of the Mexican inspired ingredient in my kitchen, needless to say we loved it. Love Nisha’s recipes and her blog aura is very soothing!
YOu are so sweet. I really appreciate your comment. xoxo
There is no need for takeout poppers again! This is my go-to app & quite the crowd pleaser!
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it so much! xoxo