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September 28, 2021 49 Comments

Baked Jalapeno Poppers (vegetarian)

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Skip the processed frozen poppers and opt for these homemade Baked Jalapeno Poppers made with jalapeno, cream cheese, and panko crumbs.
Baked Jalapeno Poppers (vegetarian, gluten-free option)

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.
Baked Jalapeno Poppers (vegetarian, gluten-free option)

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.
Baked Jalapeno Poppers (vegetarian, gluten-free option)

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
Baked Jalapeno Poppers (vegetarian, gluten-free option)

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.
Baked Jalapeno Poppers (vegetarian, gluten-free option)

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.

 

Pin & Enjoy!
Baked Jalapeno Poppers #bakedjalapenopoppers #jalapenopoppers #vegetarianappetizer

 

More Cheesy Recipes!

  • Jalapeno Popper Garlic Bread
  • Mexican Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Masala Corn Spinach Toastie
  • Burrata Caprese Crostini
  • Tomato Onion Pepper Cheese Toastie

 

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Skip the processed frozen poppers and opt for these homemade Baked Jalapeno Poppers made with jalapeno, cream cheese, and panko crumbs.
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Diet Vegetarian, Low Carb, Gluten-Free option
Servings: 18 jalapeno poppers
Calories: 49kcal
Author: Nisha

Equipment

Baking Tray
Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

for the jalapenos

  • 8 jalapenos sliced in half & deseeded

for the crumb mixture

  • 3/4 cup Japanese panko crumbs
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

for the cream cheese filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup Mexican blend cheddar cheese
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1/3 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

Prep

  • 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. 

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 201IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @honeywhatscooking or tag #honeywhatscooking!
Previous Post: « Banana Rum Cake
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Khushboo says

    March 26, 2012 at 6:04 AM

    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!

    Reply
  2. Tina says

    March 26, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    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!

    Reply
  3. Ameena says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    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.

    Reply
  4. Josie says

    March 26, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    These. Sound. Amazing. Such a good party food!
    xo Josie
    http://www.winksmilestyle.com

    Reply
  5. Baker Street says

    March 27, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    Your first picture is just drool inducing. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Mandy says

    March 27, 2012 at 6:53 AM

    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

    Reply
  7. Parita @ myinnershakti says

    March 27, 2012 at 12:56 PM

    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! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Asmita says

    March 27, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    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.

    Reply
  9. Fashion Meets Food says

    March 27, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    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

    Reply
  10. K says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Oh flippin YUM!!!!! thats all i can say!!!

    love K

    Reply
  11. The Head Caterer says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:21 PM

    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.

    Reply
  12. honeywhatscooking says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    @Khushboo – of course, Oreo cookies rock! Love them too.. a good alternative is Newman's version of the Oreo cookies, more natural.

    Reply
  13. honeywhatscooking says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    @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.

    Reply
  14. honeywhatscooking says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    @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.

    Reply
  15. honeywhatscooking says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    Thanks everyone! Just make sure to use Cayenne Pepper, NOT "red chili powder."

    Reply
  16. Katie says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    ohmygoodnessYES.

    Reply
  17. motherrimmy says

    March 29, 2012 at 3:08 AM

    I have yet to try these people-pleasing appetizers. I've saved this for the weekend!

    Reply
  18. MyFudoâ„¢ says

    March 29, 2012 at 4:08 AM

    The guys will really love this treat for their Friday get togethers…The hubby will love me more 😉

    Reply
  19. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says

    March 29, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    I love poppers and haven't really replicated the recipe at home. Your's turned out so well 🙂

    Reply
  20. honeywhatscooking says

    March 30, 2012 at 4:12 AM

    Thanks guys. This recipe is a sure crowd pleaser.

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    March 31, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    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?

    Reply
  22. honeywhatscooking says

    April 1, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    @Anonymous – the seeds of the jalapeño are very hot for me. I prefer the cayenne pepper. You can certainly leave the seeds in.

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:15 AM

    I stuffed mine with chive and onion cream cheese and followed your recipe…..they were awesome!!!!!!

    Reply
  24. honeywhatscooking says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:07 AM

    @Anonymous – smart! I'm so glad that worked out for you. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Anonymous says

    August 7, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    Just made these with peppers from our garden. Delicious! Thanks!

    Reply
  26. Steph says

    August 27, 2012 at 3:32 AM

    Tried these today and they were a hit. Obviously, best right out of the oven but amazing for being so "healthy" nonetheless. Thank you!

    Reply
  27. Anonymous says

    October 11, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    Can you make these adeah of time and bake them when needed?

    Reply
  28. honeywhatscooking says

    October 15, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    @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.

    Reply
  29. courtne450 says

    October 26, 2012 at 1:45 AM

    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!

    Reply
  30. Anonymous says

    December 25, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    Tried these tonight. They were great! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Anonymous says

    December 25, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    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.

    Reply
  32. honeywhatscooking says

    December 26, 2012 at 5:33 AM

    @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. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Anonymous says

    March 20, 2013 at 7:21 PM

    Serve with ketchup? Are you serious? YUCK!

    Reply
  34. honeywhatscooking says

    March 20, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    @Anonymous – sorry you don't like ketchup, serve it with something else.
    🙂

    Reply
  35. Anonymous says

    May 29, 2013 at 2:55 PM

    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

    Reply
    • honeywhatscooking says

      May 29, 2013 at 7:06 PM

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  36. Anonymous says

    July 29, 2013 at 10:45 PM

    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!!!

    Reply
    • honeywhatscooking says

      July 31, 2013 at 2:32 AM

      Ooooh.. I'm so happy you enjoyed this. Ranch dressing sounds like a great idea. Thanks for sharing your feedback. Much appreciated.

      Reply
  37. Jennifer says

    August 18, 2016 at 1:10 PM

    Can these be prepared ahead of time and frozen? Thanks!!

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      August 19, 2016 at 3:56 AM

      @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.

      Reply
  38. Vermeulen says

    September 5, 2016 at 4:58 PM

    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

    Reply
    • honeywhatscooking says

      September 5, 2016 at 11:51 PM

      Haha. I’m so glad this turned out well. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  39. 4LOVEknaiz9a says

    September 13, 2016 at 1:12 PM

    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.

    Reply
  40. Danielle says

    August 26, 2018 at 8:05 PM

    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!

    Reply
  41. Rashmi Bharadwaj says

    October 6, 2021 at 11:37 AM

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • honeywhatscooking says

      October 6, 2021 at 6:49 PM

      YOu are so sweet. I really appreciate your comment. xoxo

      Reply
  42. kim says

    December 26, 2021 at 9:55 AM

    5 stars
    There is no need for takeout poppers again! This is my go-to app & quite the crowd pleaser!

    Reply
  43. honeywhatscooking says

    September 21, 2018 at 12:46 AM

    Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it so much! xoxo

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Stuffed Jalapeños with Gorgonzola and Bacon plus 10 Jalapeño Popper Recipes | foodiecrush says:
    September 20, 2018 at 8:00 AM

    […] 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 […]

    Reply

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A foodie who is passionate about living a healthy-ish lifestyle, cooking, and traveling. You'll find a mix of everything here and lots of seasonal content. I moved from Jersey City leaving behind my family & friends to beautiful Southern California for love. I'm adjusting to the laid-back SoCal lifestyle and learning a lot about myself along the way. Come join me on a soul searching journey and I'll tell YOU "what's cooking" through my love for food, fashion, and travel.

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