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Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese Filling

Close-up of baked jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese and topped with golden breadcrumbs.
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Make these simple baked jalapeño poppers for a spicy and cheesy appetizer perfect for game night. Control the heat by removing seeds before stuffing.

Ingredients

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  • 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Optional: 12 strips thin-cut bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Put on gloves to protect your hands from the pepper oils. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to carefully scrape out the seeds and white membranes. This step controls the final heat level.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. This is your cream cheese stuffed jalapeños filling.
  4. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, mounding it slightly.
  5. If you are making bacon wrapped poppers, wrap one thin strip of bacon around each filled pepper half and secure it with a toothpick if needed.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the tops of the filled peppers.
  7. Place the poppers on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender. If using bacon, cook until the bacon is crisp.
  9. Let the baked jalapeño poppers cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation from the capsaicin.
  • For less heat, remove all white membrane and seeds. For more heat, leave some seeds in.
  • If you skip the bacon, you can lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before adding the breadcrumbs for better browning.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/easy-baked-jalapeno-poppers-recipe/