These oven-baked jalapeño poppers are a delicious appetizer that combines spicy jalapeños with a creamy cheese filling. Perfect for parties or game day, they offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with various fillings and toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy them hot from the oven for the best experience.
Visual Appeal of Jalapeño Poppers
These oven-baked jalapeño poppers are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant green of the jalapeños contrasts beautifully with the creamy, melted cheese filling, creating an inviting presentation that is hard to resist.
Arranged neatly on a rustic wooden table, the golden-brown poppers are garnished with fresh parsley, adding a touch of color and freshness. The crispy breadcrumbs on top provide an enticing texture that complements the creamy interior, making each popper visually appealing and appetizing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual gathering, a game day celebration, or a festive party, jalapeño poppers are an excellent choice for an appetizer. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and enjoy, allowing guests to indulge without the need for utensils.
The combination of spicy jalapeños and creamy cheese filling offers a delightful flavor experience that is sure to impress. Pair them with a small bowl of ranch dressing for dipping, and you have a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Customizable Ingredients
One of the best aspects of making jalapeño poppers is the ability to customize the filling to suit your preferences. While cream cheese and cheddar cheese are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add spices to create your unique flavor profile.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or other spicy ingredients to the cheese mixture. Alternatively, for a milder option, you can use sweet peppers instead of jalapeños, making this dish accessible to a wider audience.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing jalapeño poppers is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. Start by preheating the oven and preparing the filling by mixing the cheeses and spices. Once the jalapeños are halved and seeded, generously fill each half with the creamy mixture.
If you desire an extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking. The poppers bake to perfection in about 20-25 minutes, resulting in a golden and bubbly treat that is ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions
For an appealing presentation, serve the jalapeño poppers on a rustic platter, garnished with fresh herbs. The addition of a small bowl of ranch dressing not only enhances the flavor but also provides a cooling contrast to the heat of the jalapeños.
These poppers can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or served at room temperature, making them versatile for any gathering. They are sure to be a hit, leaving guests reaching for more.
Nutritional Information
Each jalapeño popper is not only delicious but also relatively light, with approximately 120 calories per serving. They contain a good balance of protein and fat, making them a satisfying snack without being overly indulgent.
With just the right amount of spice and creaminess, these poppers are a delightful addition to any appetizer spread, allowing you to enjoy a tasty treat without the guilt.
Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
This recipe features fresh jalapeños halved and filled with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices. Baked until golden and bubbly, they serve as a perfect finger food for gatherings and are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
- Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the filled jalapeños for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 poppers
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 6g