Baked Jalapeno Poppers

April 5, 2018
Filled with a tasty combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and flavorful spices, Baked Jalapeno Poppers pack a wonderfully delicious spicy punch without the fat of frying.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image - Filled with a tasty combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and flavorful spices, Baked Jalapeno Poppers pack a wonderfully delicious spicy punch without the fat of frying.


I totally think jalapeno poppers are appropriately named.  Don't you?  Because when it comes right down to it, they truly are so easy to just "pop" in your mouth.  Both because of their perfectly poppable size ... and because of their fabulous flavor.

As much as I love them, until now I've never really made my own poppers at home ... purely because I don't like to fry.  And I always thought, how can you get that characteristic crunch of a jalapeno popper's coating without frying?

But now I've discovered this BAKED Jalapeno Poppers recipe.  Which means no frying! ... yet still delivers up the popper's characteristic crunch.

That's right ... Baked Jalapeno Poppers can still deliver up the poppers' crunch we love.  Thanks to a little touch of Panko bread crumbs.

Serve some sour cream alongside for dipping, and you've got a most-excellent spicy treat.  All without the fat or hassle of frying.

Panko is a Japanese-style bread crumb that's made in larger flakes, rather than crumbs.  It has a lighter, airier texture than regular bread crumbs that helps it crisp as it cooks ... which brings wonderful crunchy texture to dishes it's in.

And crunch is definitely what a coating of Panko brings to these family-favorite Baked Jalapeno Poppers, indeed.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Panko Bread Crumbs Image

And I just must say ... Oh WOW, are these Baked Jalapeno Poppers ever delicious!

My husband is a man-of-few-words.  It's a HUGE compliment to get a quiet "it's good" from him about food .  When he ate his first popper he said, ... and I quote ... "They're good.  Excellent, excellent, excellent.  Mmm!"

That's three  excellents!  With emphasis, no less.  And that's an incredibly enormous endorsement from the hubby, my friends.

The steps to put these together may sound a bit cumbersome, but I assure you they're really not.  Especially if you have your prep "assembly line" all ready.

I think it's safe to say he didn't miss the fried aspect of traditional poppers.

The steps to put these Baked Jalapeno Poppers together may sound a bit cumbersome, but I assure you they're really not.  Especially if you have your prep "assembly line" all ready ...

... fill, egg dip, Panko, pan ... fill, egg dip, Panko, pan ... Repeat, repeat, repeat.

The poppers actually come together quite quickly with the "assembly line" approach, so please don't be scared away.

Here's my prep assembly line-up, all ready to go:

How to Assemble Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

To get these poppers started, mix up a filling of grated sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, a touch of garlic powder, and chili powder.

Stuff a little bit of the cheese filling into emptied-out jalapeno halves.  I found the easiest way to do the stuffing (and the whole popper assembly process, for that matter) was with the best kitchen utensils I have - my hands!

Cream Cheese Filling for Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

After filling with the cheese mixture, dunk each jalapeno half in egg ...

Dipping Jalapenos in Egg to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

... and then roll it around in Panko bread crumbs.

Get a good coating of crumbs on the exposed cheese-top of the popper, but don't worry too much about the bottom.  The crumbs tend to not stick so well to the jalapeno pepper itself, and that's okay.

A good solid coating of Panko on the cheesy top will give the crunchy texture we're looking for.

Dipping Jalapenos in Bread Crumbs to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

Now, you could also use regular unflavored bread crumbs, but Panko crumbs, which are bigger and crunchier than regular crumbs, give such a wonderful texture and crunch to the poppers.  I highly recommend using Panko.

Place the filled jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet, and bake them up until they're golden brown.

How to Bake Jalapeno Poppers Image

Serve some sour cream alongside your baked jalapeno poppers for dipping, and you've got a most-excellent spicy treat.  All without the fat or hassle of frying.

When enjoying your poppers, you may want to have a beverage handy, though ... these do pack quite a spicy punch.  A wonderfully delicious spicy punch, that is!

Baked Jalapeno Poppers Dipped in Sour Cream Image
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Appetizers & Snacks
Yield: 24 poppers

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Filled with a tasty combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and flavorful spices, Baked Jalapeno Poppers pack a wonderfully delicious spicy punch without the fat of frying.
prep time: 25 Mcook time: 30 Mtotal time: 55 M

ingredients:

  • 12 jalapeno peppers
  • 4 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (I use Cabot)
  • 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. chili powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 c. Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • Sour cream (for dipping)

instructions:

How to cook Baked Jalapeno Poppers

  1. Peppers and Filling: Cut each jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise. Scrape out and discard seeds and ribs. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and chili powder.
  3. Prepare Your Assembly Line: In a small shallow bowl, lightly beat eggs until frothy. In another small shallow bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs and salt. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange your "assembly line" for easy preparation - halved jalapenos, cheese filling mixture, beaten eggs, panko, and then your prepared baking pan.
  4. Popper Assembly: Fill each jalapeno pepper half with a little of the cheese mixture (I found it easiest to just press the cheese filling in with my fingers). Roll each pepper half in egg, and then in panko (the panko will stick a lot to the cheese filling, but just a little to the jalapeno itself). Place each pepper on the baking sheet.
  5. Baking: Bake at 325 degrees until tender and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Serve warm with sour cream for dipping.
Created using The Recipes Generator
You might also like these other tasty little bites:



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33 comments

  1. I love jalapeno poppers & these being baked makes me love them more. I'd love you to share over at Whatcha Whipped Up Wednesday

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    1. I love them, too, Dawn! I'll be over to party with you on Wednesday!!

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    2. I make these as well, the only difference is I put finely chopped fresh garlic, and Italian seasoning in the mix of cream cheese and cheese. I also use Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs. either way they are yummy. I am always asked to bring these to get together's. I have also kept added cream cheese put a shrimp on top, put the other half jalapeno on top and wrap with bacon. Bake the same. These are to die for...

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  2. These look so delcious! I love to have these when I go out to restaurants but these look easy and I'm sure much better for you since they're baked. I'm glad you joined our challenge!

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    1. They are indeed pretty easy, Brenda ... and DEE-licious! Thanks so much for including me in the challenge. I'm really enjoying it.

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  3. Oh wow, these look delicious =)

    Visiting from Flamingo Toes

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  4. Oh those Jalepeno poppers look sooooooo good! Definitely making these! Stopping by from the ATR link party!

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  5. These look delicious. I am pinning it to try :)

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  6. I just made the poppers for my family, they loved them. I would like to make them for the 4th but I bet I would need about 100 lol. Thanks for posting to stone gable. Lena

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  7. I love poppers and these look yummy. I will be making up a batch of these for sure!

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  8. What a great idea! I can't wait to try your recipe. Blessings, Dani

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  9. I love this idea! Everybody at my house will love them!!

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  10. Newest GFC follower. Love that you have the steps layed out. Perfect! Love for you to follow back. Found you from The Girl Creative hop ;)

    www.thenaptimereview.com

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  11. Just a quick note to tell you that I have featured these today over at Whatcha Whipped Up Wednesday. Thanks so much for linking up & hope to see you there this week!

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  12. I wanted to let you know that I am passing the Sunshine Award along to you! Here's a link with some more info sunshine Award

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  13. Just pinned your great recipe, thanks for sharing on Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a great week end!
    Miz Helen

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  14. I let my peppers sit out on the counter and they will turn red and
    somewhat milder. This recipe looks so delish. Wonder how it would work
    with poblano pepppers?
    Suzann

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  15. I made these after my husband requested jalapeño poppers for his birthday. They turned out great! I think my jalapeños were unusually large, thoug, because I had to make a double batch of the cheese mixture and cook them for an extra 15 minutes. But I think I will make them again for a party this weekend!

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  16. I made these for Super Bowl Sunday. They are outstanding..and so easy!! My hubby, who does NOT eat jalapeno anything ate half of what I made and said I should make them again!! Good recipe. Thanks. I love poppers, but hate to fry them so this recipe is perfect!

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    1. I'm so glad you and your husband enjoyed them! Thanks so much for stopping back by to let me know how they worked out for you. They are A LOT easier than frying, aren't they?

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  17. These look great! Thanks for sharing the recipe :)

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  18. I'm planning on making these for a party tomorrow evening. Since you said the breadcrumbs hardly stick to the pepper itself, I was wondering if the egg is necessary? (My sister-in-law is allergic.) Do you think the Panko will stick to the cheese mixture without the egg?

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    1. You know, I bet you can do them without the egg. I'm thinking a little less panko may stick, but you should still get a good bit of crunch from what DOES stick on the cheese mixture. If you try it, I'd love to hear how it goes! Enjoy!

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  19. My boys love these....can these be frozen and then take out and put straight in the oven or do I need to thaw??/

    Please let me know.

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    Replies
    1. I see no reason why these can't be frozen & then go straight from freezer to oven ... you probably just need to increase the baking time a tad. But it should work. Enjoy!

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  20. I just made these for the past weekend celebrations.....so very easy to make and very delicious.Went down a treat, enjoyed by everyone. Will be making for many celebrations to come...Thanks...

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  21. I love that these are baked. What a great appetizer or snack. Thanks for sharing at Friday Frenzy Link Party! PINNED :)

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  22. These look like the perfect little snack!!! Thanks for sharing on Friday Frenzy!

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  23. Tracey, this recipe looks so yummy, I just have to pin it!!!

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  24. I'm not a huge fan of spicy food, but I think my husband would love these!!

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  25. These look and sound so good. I love jalepenos and poppers. Thanks for sharing at the What's for dinner party. Hope the rest of your week is joyful!

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