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 poppers
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Warm Inspiration

I absolutely love making jalapeno poppers, especially when I'm in the mood for something spicy and cheesy! This recipe combines the heat of fresh jalapenos with the richness of cheddar and the aromatic flavor of garlic for a delicious snack or appetizer. I enjoy serving them at gatherings, and they never fail to impress. Plus, they’re quite simple to prepare, which makes them a favorite in my kitchen. Join me in creating this mouthwatering treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:33:34.883Z

When I first decided to make jalapeno poppers, I wanted to find a way to balance the spiciness of the peppers with some creamy goodness. The combination of cheddar cheese and garlic did the trick beautifully, creating a filling that’s both flavorful and indulgent. I also discovered that baking them with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs gives them an extra crispy texture.

After some trial and error, I learned that removing the seeds from the jalapenos can significantly reduce the heat for those who prefer a milder bite. This way, everyone at the party can enjoy these delightful poppers without fear of them being too spicy!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Perfect balance of heat and creaminess
Easy to make and perfect for parties
Crispy texture with a cheesy center

      

Selecting the Right Jalapenos

Choosing the perfect jalapenos is crucial for the success of your poppers. Look for firm, shiny peppers that are bright green and free from blemishes. The size of the jalapenos can also impact the stuffing process; medium-sized peppers provide a good balance of heat and volume for filling. If you prefer a milder version, opt for peppers that have fewer seeds, as this will significantly reduce the spiciness.

Keep in mind that the heat level of jalapenos can vary. Taste a small piece of the pepper before you start preparing your dish to gauge its spiciness. If you find the peppers particularly hot, consider mixing in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the cheese filling to tone down the heat without sacrificing creaminess.

Perfecting the Filling

The filling is where the magic happens. For a creamy texture, ensure your cream cheese is well-softened, which makes it easier to blend with the cheddar and garlic. I recommend using a hand mixer or fork to create a smooth mixture. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and ensures an even distribution of ingredients within each jalapeno half. Adding minced garlic brings an aromatic punch, while the salt enhances the overall flavor.

If you want a little more depth to your filling, consider adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These can elevate the flavor profile and complement the smokiness from the baking process. You can also swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick and different flavor notes.

Serving and Storage Tips

These jalapeno poppers are best served warm, right out of the oven, when they are crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. For a fun twist, serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch or salsa to enhance the flavor experience. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions can also add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese.

If you're planning on making these in advance, you can prepare the poppers up to the point of baking. Simply store them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before your event. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven and pop them in; if they go straight from the fridge to the oven, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious jalapeno poppers:

Ingredients

12 fresh jalapenos
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can get started on making these poppers!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your jalapeno poppers:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, ensuring they are generously filled.

Add Breadcrumbs

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture on top of each stuffed jalapeno.

Bake

Place the jalapenos on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Let them cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your delicious jalapeno poppers!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like chives for extra flavor. If you want more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapenos.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your jalapeno poppers seem soggy after baking, make sure you’re fully roasting the jalapenos by removing all seeds and membranes, as they can retain moisture. Baking on a rack above a lined baking sheet can also help keep moisture at bay, ensuring a crisp result. If the tops aren't browning as you'd like, consider broiling them for the last couple of minutes—just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

Another common issue is overstuffing the jalapenos. While it's tempting to fill them to the brim, leaving a little space can prevent the filling from overflowing during cooking and ensure an even bake. Additionally, if your filling seems too thick, a splash of milk or cream can smooth it out and make it easier to spoon into the peppers.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe scales easily for larger gatherings. Simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you desire. Just ensure you have a larger baking sheet or multiple sheets to accommodate all the poppers. If you're doubling or tripling the recipe, I recommend preparing and stuffing the jalapenos in batches, which helps manage the filling and maintains consistency in taste and texture.

Alternatively, for smaller gatherings or a quick snack, feel free to reduce the number of jalapenos while keeping the filling ratio the same. You can also consider using mini sweet peppers in place of jalapenos for a milder, yet still delicious variation.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your jalapeno popper filling! Adding cooked and crumbled bacon can introduce a smoky, savory element that complements the cheese beautifully. For a vegetarian option, consider mixing in finely chopped spinach or artichokes for added texture and flavor. These variations maintain that delicious creaminess while offering unique flavor profiles.

Moreover, a drizzle of balsamic reduction on top before serving can add a surprisingly delightful sweet and tangy contrast to the savory poppers. If you’re adventurous, try adding different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a gourmet twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and stuff the jalapenos in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them, then bake when ready to serve.

→ What can I dip them in?

Ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy salsa are great accompaniments for these poppers.

→ How can I make them healthier?

You can use lower-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of cheese used to cut down on calories.

→ Can I freeze leftover poppers?

Absolutely! Just freeze them before baking. When ready to use, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.