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. I decided to come up with my own version years ago and somehow this recipe still hits the spot.
These super easy Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are creamy, cheesy, and crunchy. I promise you won't miss the fried stuff because they're just that good. Thsee Baked Jalapeno Poppers are made with real ingredients and they're scrumptious. Hope you guys try them.
What are Baked Jalapeno Poppers?
Baked Jalapeno Poppers are essentially sliced jalapenos that are stuffed with a cream cheese filling. The jalapeno is then pressed onto panko crumbs and baked in the oven. These are the BEST Jalapeno Poppers that you will make as they are creamy, indulgent, and so easy to make.
Baked Jalapeno Poppers are:
Baked, not fried
Scrumptious
Creamy
Cheesy
Delicious
Vegetarian
Ingredients for Baked Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapenos: Definitely use jalapenos and remove the seeds.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Alternatively, you may use Italian or Plain breadcrumbs, but I prefer panko.
Cream Cheese
Mexican Cheese Blend: A classic Mexican Cheese Blend or you may use medium cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese - both will work.
Milk
Spices: Paprika, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt.
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, ½ to 1 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, combine cream cheese, milk, Mexican cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt into a bowl.
3. Mix all the ingredients well.
4. Slice the top of the jalapeno. Then slice it 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.
Serving Suggestions
Jalapeno Poppers are a delicious snacky appetizer or side. They would the perfect side to burgers. You can also pair these with appetizers such as Buffalo Wings or Mexican Stuffed Mushrooms.
For the dipping sauce: I love jalapeno poppers with a side of ranch dressing and ketchup. You can also serve them up with blue cheese, but I loathe the taste of blue cheese so I can't.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegan, gluten-free?
YES!
For Vegan Jalapeno Poppers - use vegan cream cheese and Mexican cheese.
For Gluten-free Jalapeno Poppers - use gluten-free panko crumbs.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. What kind of cream cheese should I use?
I love using Philadelphia Cream Cheese, but I've also used organic cream cheese from Whole Foods. Both work really well.
For reduced-fat, you can also use Neufchatel cream cheese which tastes amazing - it's more like whipped cream cheese and you can find this at any grocery store.
5. What are Jalapeno Popper's filling ideas?
The cream cheese filling is made with cream cheese, cheese, and spices.
Here are some additional filling options:
- You can chop up some bacon and add it to the cream cheese filling.
- Chopped scallions or chives would be delicious in the filling.
- You can even add a touch of tomato paste or marinara sauce for a slight pizza flavor.
- Olives and sun-dried tomatoes combo would be lovely in here too.
6. What can I use instead of jalapenos?
If you're not a fan of jalapenos, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers. I find these peppers to be a tad bit sweeter than green bell peppers. Follow the rest of the recipe exactly.
7. Can I make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers?
Absolutely! I can imagine these would taste amazing in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 8 minutes and check to see if they need more time.
More Cheesy Recipes!
- Jalapeno Popper Garlic Bread
- Mexican Stuffed Mushrooms
- Masala Corn Spinach Toastie
- Burrata Caprese Crostini
- Tomato Onion Pepper Cheese Toastie
Baked Jalapeno Poppers
Vegetarian, Vegan option, Gluten-free optionEquipment
Ingredients
for the jalapenos
- 8 jalapenos, sliced in half & deseeded
for the crumb mixture
- ¾ cup Japanese panko crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
for the cream cheese filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¾ cup Mexican blend cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoon milk
- ⅓ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Prep
- Start by pre-heating the oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, add panko crumbs, ½ to 1 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine cream cheese, milk, Mexican cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt into a bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients well.
- Slice the top of the jalapeno. Then slice it 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.
Khushboo says
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!
Tina says
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!
Ameena says
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.
Josie says
These. Sound. Amazing. Such a good party food!
xo Josie
http://www.winksmilestyle.com
Baker Street says
Your first picture is just drool inducing. 🙂
Mandy says
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
Parita @ myinnershakti says
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! 🙂
Asmita says
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.
Fashion Meets Food says
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
K says
Oh flippin YUM!!!!! thats all i can say!!!
love K
The Head Caterer says
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.
honeywhatscooking says
@Khushboo - of course, Oreo cookies rock! Love them too.. a good alternative is Newman's version of the Oreo cookies, more natural.
honeywhatscooking says
@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.
honeywhatscooking says
@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.
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks everyone! Just make sure to use Cayenne Pepper, NOT "red chili powder."
Katie says
ohmygoodnessYES.
motherrimmy says
I have yet to try these people-pleasing appetizers. I've saved this for the weekend!
MyFudo™ says
The guys will really love this treat for their Friday get togethers...The hubby will love me more 😉
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I love poppers and haven't really replicated the recipe at home. Your's turned out so well 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks guys. This recipe is a sure crowd pleaser.
Anonymous says
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?
honeywhatscooking says
@Anonymous - the seeds of the jalapeño are very hot for me. I prefer the cayenne pepper. You can certainly leave the seeds in.
Anonymous says
I stuffed mine with chive and onion cream cheese and followed your recipe.....they were awesome!!!!!!
honeywhatscooking says
@Anonymous - smart! I'm so glad that worked out for you. 🙂
Anonymous says
Just made these with peppers from our garden. Delicious! Thanks!
Steph says
Tried these today and they were a hit. Obviously, best right out of the oven but amazing for being so "healthy" nonetheless. Thank you!
Anonymous says
Can you make these adeah of time and bake them when needed?
honeywhatscooking says
@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.
courtne450 says
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!
Anonymous says
Tried these tonight. They were great! 🙂
Anonymous says
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.
honeywhatscooking says
@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. 🙂
Anonymous says
Serve with ketchup? Are you serious? YUCK!
honeywhatscooking says
@Anonymous - sorry you don't like ketchup, serve it with something else.
🙂
Anonymous says
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
honeywhatscooking says
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. 🙂
Anonymous says
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!!!
honeywhatscooking says
Ooooh.. I'm so happy you enjoyed this. Ranch dressing sounds like a great idea. Thanks for sharing your feedback. Much appreciated.
Jennifer says
Can these be prepared ahead of time and frozen? Thanks!!
nishags.nyc@gmail.com says
@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.
Vermeulen says
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
honeywhatscooking says
Haha. I'm so glad this turned out well. Thanks for the feedback!
4LOVEknaiz9a says
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.
Danielle says
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!
Rashmi Bharadwaj says
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!
honeywhatscooking says
YOu are so sweet. I really appreciate your comment. xoxo
kim says
There is no need for takeout poppers again! This is my go-to app & quite the crowd pleaser!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it so much! xoxo