Jalapeno Poppers with Cheddar and Garlic

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Cheddar and Garlic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional); Cooking spray

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Ideas

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Cheddar and Garlic for gatherings or a cozy night in. The spicy kick from the jalapenos, combined with the creamy richness of the cheddar and the aromatic garlic, creates an irresistible flavor. Each popper is easy to prepare and can be prepped ahead of time, making them a go-to snack when friends drop by unexpectedly. I can't resist pairing these with a cooling dip to balance the heat, elevating my snack game effortlessly.

Created by

Megan Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:09:34.421Z

When I first made Jalapeno Poppers, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to prepare. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar not only enhances the flavor but also mellows out the heat from the jalapenos, making them accessible for everyone. I learned that baking them instead of frying keeps things lighter while still delivering that satisfying crunch.

Over time, I've experimented with different cheeses and spices to find the perfect combination. One tip I've found helpful is to ensure you remove all the seeds from the jalapenos if you're looking for a milder taste. Incorporating a touch of garlic also adds an aromatic depth that truly makes these poppers shine!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Spicy kick balanced by creamy cheddar
Easy to make and perfect for sharing
Great for parties or as a delicious snack

      

Choosing the Right Jalapenos

When selecting jalapenos for your poppers, look for bright green, firm peppers with smooth skin. Avoid any with wrinkled or soft spots, as these can indicate they are past their prime. Size matters too; larger jalapenos provide more stuffing space, making them ideal for this recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for jalapenos with fewer seeds, or even consider using poblano peppers for a sweeter alternative.

Before stuffing, you might want to roast the jalapenos briefly on the grill or oven for added depth of flavor. This can amplify their sweetness and soften their skin, making them easier to bite into once cooked. Roasting them for just 5-7 minutes can add a beautiful smokiness that complements the creamy cheese filling beautifully.

Perfecting the Cheese Filling

Using softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth mixture. Make sure it's at room temperature; otherwise, you'll end up with lumps in your filling, which won't adhere well to the jalapenos. A hand mixer can help achieve that silky texture, but if you don’t have one, simply use a fork to mash everything together until well combined, taking care to mix it thoroughly to ensure proper distribution of flavors.

Feel free to customize the cheese mixture to suit your taste. Adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese can introduce a tangy component that contrasts nicely with the cheddar. For a touch of freshness, consider mixing in some finely chopped herbs like chives or cilantro—these not only enhance flavor but also brighten the presentation.

Baking and Serving Tips

After baking for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), your poppers should have a bubbly, slightly crispy texture on the top. If you want an extra crunch, broil them on high for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. The goal is a golden brown crust that contrasts with the creamy interior, providing a satisfying bite. Just let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be quite hot.

To serve, pair these poppers with something cooling, like ranch dressing or a yogurt dip with cucumber. The refreshing elements of a dip can really balance the spicy heat of the jalapenos. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding hot sauce or pickled jalapeno slices on the side for those who crave a more intense kick.

Ingredients

For the Poppers

12 large jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed.

Coat and Bake

If using breadcrumbs, dip each stuffed jalapeno in breadcrumbs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For an extra crispy texture, broil the poppers for the last couple of minutes. You can also experiment with adding cooked bacon bits into the filling for added flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These jalapeno poppers are a fantastic option for meal prep. You can stuff the jalapenos up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go straight from the fridge to the oven to ensure they cook evenly. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating even more delicious poppers.

If you're looking to freeze some for later, assemble, but do not bake them. Place the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 additional minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Flavor Combos

For a twist on the classic, experiment with adding different ingredients to your cheese filling. Try incorporating chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor, or even crumbled bacon for a smoky touch. Each addition adds a unique flavor profile that can suit various palates. Just remember not to overload the filling, as it can cause the poppers to burst during baking.

A great variation could also be to stuff the jalapenos with a mix of spicy sausage instead of cheese for a heartier option. Simply cook the sausage until browned and mix it with cream cheese before stuffing. These meaty poppers are sure to be a hit with anyone looking for a fulfilling appetizer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your jalapeno poppers turn out too spicy, consider pairing them with a sweet dipping sauce to help neutralize the heat. A simple honey or a sweet chili sauce can work wonders in balancing the flavors. Alternatively, removing more seeds and membranes before stuffing can help mellow the heat significantly.

Should the filling leak out during baking, it often means the jalapenos were overstuffed. Make sure to leave a little space at the top when filling them. If you find that the crust isn't as crispy after baking, finish with a quick broil to achieve that golden-brown finish, but keep a careful watch to avoid burning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these jalapeno poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and stuff the jalapenos a few hours in advance. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.

→ How can I adjust the heat level?

To make them milder, remove all the seeds and membranes. You could also opt for sweeter pepper varieties if desired.

→ What can I serve with jalapeno poppers?

They pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a homemade avocado dip.

→ Can I freeze jalapeno poppers?

Yes! Once they are stuffed, you can freeze them before baking. Just bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.