These Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Packed with flavor, these poppers are the perfect appetizer or party snack. The combination of creamy cream cheese, spicy jalapeños, and crispy breadcrumbs makes for a mouthwatering treat. Plus, baking them instead of frying helps to lighten them up without sacrificing any of the taste. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just want a savory bite to enjoy, these poppers are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 10 jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the jalapeño poppers, you will need 10 jalapeño peppers. Make sure to choose peppers that are fresh and firm to the touch. The cream cheese filling is made with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. This combination creates a creamy and cheesy filling that complements the spicy flavor of the jalapeños. To enhance the flavor of the filling, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. These spices add a smoky, savory, and slightly spicy kick to the poppers.
For the crispy topping, you will need 1/4 cup of bread crumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients create a crunchy and flavorful crust on top of the poppers. If desired, you can also add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for a refreshing and aromatic touch. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying appetizer that is perfect for any occasion.
Steps for Making Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
To make baked cream cheese jalapeño poppers, you will need the following ingredients:
- 10 jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. This step can be done with gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the peppers.
3. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
6. Dip each filled jalapeño popper into the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs to the cream cheese filling.
7. Place the coated jalapeño poppers onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Enjoy your delicious baked cream cheese jalapeño poppers!
Professional Chefs’ Tips on Making Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
When it comes to making delicious Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers, professional chefs have a few tricks up their sleeves. Here are some expert tips to help you perfect this crowd-pleasing appetizer:
- Choose the right peppers: Look for fresh, firm jalapeño peppers that are free of wrinkles or blemishes. The size of the peppers should also be consistent to ensure even cooking.
- Prep the peppers properly: Before stuffing the jalapeños, it’s crucial to remove the seeds and membrane for a milder taste. Use a small spoon or a jalapeño corer to hollow out the peppers, being careful not to tear the walls.
- Create the perfect filling: To make a rich and creamy filling, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Use a piping bag for easy stuffing: To neatly fill the jalapeño halves with the cream cheese mixture, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. This will make it easier to control the amount of filling and achieve an attractive presentation.
- Opt for a crispy coating: Instead of the traditional deep-fried approach, bake the jalapeño poppers on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet. This method allows for even air circulation, resulting in crispy poppers without the extra grease.
With these expert tips in mind, you’ll be able to create irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers that will impress your guests every time. Enjoy!
Reviews
I recently tried the Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers recipe and I must say, it was an absolute hit! As someone who loves spicy food, these poppers were the perfect appetizer to satisfy my cravings. The combination of the creamy cream cheese filling and the heat from the jalapeños was simply divine. The poppers were baked to perfection, with a golden brown crust that added a delightful crunch to each bite.
One of the things I loved about this recipe was how easy it was to make. The ingredients were simple and readily available, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. I particularly enjoyed the fact that these poppers were baked instead of fried, making them a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor.
The flavors in these poppers were incredibly well-balanced. The cream cheese filling was smooth and rich, complementing the spicy kick from the jalapeños perfectly. Each bite was bursting with flavor, and the heat from the jalapeños was just right – enough to add a little kick but not overpowering. These poppers were a crowd-pleaser at my last dinner party, and I received numerous compliments on how delicious they were.
I recently tried the Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers recipe and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. As someone who loves spicy food, these poppers were a dream come true. The combination of the creamy cream cheese filling and the spicy jalapeño peppers was absolutely mouthwatering.
The recipe was easy to follow and the result was a delicious appetizer that had just the right amount of heat. The poppers were also baked, which made them healthier than the traditional deep-fried version. The cream cheese filling was perfectly seasoned and had a smooth and creamy texture that balanced out the spiciness of the jalapeños.
What I loved most about these poppers was the fact that they were not overly spicy. The jalapeños provided a nice kick without being too overwhelming. The cream cheese filling added a richness and tanginess that complemented the heat of the peppers. Each bite was a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
I also appreciated how customizable this recipe was. I added some chopped bacon to a few of the poppers to give them an extra layer of flavor, and they turned out amazing. I can’t wait to make these poppers again for my next gathering or game night. They are sure to be a hit with everyone!
I recently tried the Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers recipe and I must say, they were absolutely delicious! As a fan of spicy food, I was excited to give this recipe a try, and it did not disappoint. The combination of the creamy cheese filling and the heat from the jalapeños created the perfect balance of flavors.
One of the things I loved about this recipe was how easy it was to make. The ingredients were simple and readily available, and the preparation process was straightforward. I appreciated that the recipe called for baking the poppers instead of deep frying them, as it made them a bit healthier without sacrificing any flavor.
When it came time to taste the poppers, I was blown away by how well the flavors had mingled together. The cream cheese filling was rich and creamy, while the jalapeños provided a nice kick of heat. The texture of the poppers was also great – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These poppers were the perfect appetizer for a gathering or game night.
In conclusion, I highly recommend trying the Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers recipe. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and have just the right amount of heat. Whether you are a fan of spicy food or just looking for a tasty appetizer, these poppers are sure to be a hit. Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!
