Baked Jalapeno Poppers

January 24, 2024
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 and mess of frying.

Plate of Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

I totally think jalapeno poppers are appropriately named. Because when it comes right down to it, they are truly 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, I used to rarely make my own poppers at home -- purely because I don't like to fry. But then I discovered this BAKED Jalapeno Poppers recipe, which means I can make them with no frying! Yet, the poppers still deliver up that characteristic poppers flavor and crunch we love.

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

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 in turn 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.

And oh WOW, are these Baked Jalapeno Poppers ever delicious! Packed with a seasoned cheddar and cream cheese filling, they deliver up all the fabulous popper flavor we love. -- All without the fat and hassle of frying.

These tasty poppers pack a wonderfully delicious spicy punch -- all without the fat and mess of frying.

What's to Love About This Recipe?

  • Great jalapeno popper flavor - With their tasty sharp cheddar and cream cheese filling packed inside jalapeno pepper halves, these baked poppers deliver up all the fabulous jalapeno popper flavor we love.
  • No frying! - These tasty poppers pack a wonderfully delicious spicy punch -- all without the fat and mess of frying.
  • Panko crunch - A coating of Japanese-style Panko bread crumbs brings wonderful crunch to these delicious baked jalapeno poppers. You won't miss that fried coating, for sure!
  • Crowd pleaser - Serve up a platter of these tasty baked bites and watch them disappear. -- They just seem to be loved by all.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Panko Bread Crumbs Image

Baked Jalapeno Popper Ingredients:

It doesn't take a ton of ingredients to make these super tasty Baked Jalapeno Poppers. To whip up a batch, you'll need:

  • Jalapeno peppers - Choose firm, unblemished jalapeno peppers that are on the larger side to allow for plenty of room to pack in the cheesy filling. When halving the peppers, completely remove the seeds and pith ribs inside for milder poppers. If it's spicy heat your looking for, leave a little of the pith rib and/or seeds in there to amp up that heat.

  • Extra sharp cheddar cheese - The base of the cheesy filling. We use Cabot extra-sharp white cheddar. Grate your own cheddar (rather than using pre-shredded) for the best result, as it melts better than pre-shredded.

  • Cream cheese - Brings nice creaminess to the jalapeno popper filling. Either regular of lower-fat Neufchatel cream cheese work fine, though we prefer using regular full-fat cream cheese for the creamier texture it produces.

  • Garlic powder - Seasons the filling. Be sure to use garlic powder, not garlic salt.

  • Chili powder - Seasons the filling, bringing a little bit of a spicy kick.

  • Panko bread crumbs - Used as a coating on the baked jalapeno poppers to create a nice crunch. 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 in turn brings wonderful crunchy texture to dishes it's in. You could use regular unflavored bread crumbs instead, but Panko crumbs give such a wonderful texture and crunch to the poppers, we highly recommend sticking with Panko.

  • Eggs - Serve as a binder for the poppers Panko coating. Dipping the stuffed jalapeno halves in beaten egg helps the Panko crumbs adhere.

  • Salt - Seasons the Panko bread crumb coating and enhances the flavors of the baked poppers.

How to Assemble Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

How to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers:

The steps to put these Baked Jalapeno Poppers together may sound a bit cumbersome, but they're really not so bad. The poppers actually come together quite quickly with an "assembly line" approach. -- fill, egg dip, Panko, pan ... fill, egg dip, Panko, pan ... Repeat, repeat, repeat. 

The photo above shows my prep assembly line, all ready to go. Working from right to left, I've got my halved peppers and filling, then the beaten egg for dipping, followed by Panko crumbs, and then the baking pan.

But we've gotten a little ahead of ourselves in the Baked Jalapeno Poppers prep process ...

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

Then stuff a little bit of the cheese filling into emptied-out jalapeno halves. I've found the easiest way to do the stuffing (and the whole popper assembly process, for that matter) is with the best kitchen utensils I have - my hands! I just press the cheese filling into the pepper with my fingers.

Cream Cheese Filling for Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

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

Dipping Jalapenos in Egg to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

Then roll the filled-and-dipped jalapeno half 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 Panko 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 popper texture we're looking for just fine.

Dipping Jalapenos in Bread Crumbs to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

Place the filled-and-coated jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet, and bake until they're a nice golden brown.

Pan of Baked Jalapeno Poppers Image

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


Dipping a Baked Jalapeno Popper 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 and mess 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 until tender and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Serve warm with sour cream for dipping.
Created using The Recipes Generator


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32 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. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. These look great! Thanks for sharing the recipe :)

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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. 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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  20. 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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  21. These look like the perfect little snack!!! Thanks for sharing on Friday Frenzy!

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

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

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  24. 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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