Name: Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp green onions or chives, finely chopped; Optional: 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

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These stuffed jalapeño poppers are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy — all packed into a crisp, roasted pepper. I love making these for parties, snacks, or whenever I want something that’s easy to prep and full of bold flavor. With a creamy cheese filling and a golden top, they’re always a hit — no meat required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers serious flavor with just a handful of ingredients. The jalapeños offer just the right amount of heat, while the filling is rich, gooey, and packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness. They’re super simple to make, bake up beautifully, and can be prepped ahead of time. Whether I serve them as a snack or a starter, they always disappear fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
Cream cheese, softened
Shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and black pepper
Green onions or chives, finely chopped
Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the breadcrumbs)

Directions

Prep the jalapeños: I slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes. This helps control the heat and gives room for the filling.
Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, I combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped green onions. I stir until everything is well blended and smooth.
Stuff the jalapeños: I spoon the mixture into each jalapeño half, smoothing the tops with the back of the spoon.
Add toppings (optional): If I want a crispy finish, I sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over each filled jalapeño and lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter.
Bake: I place the poppers on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
Serve: I let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 poppers (10 jalapeños halved). It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, so the total time is about 35 minutes.

Variations

I like switching up the cheeses by mixing in pepper jack, mozzarella, or feta. Sometimes I add finely chopped roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a little extra flavor. If I want them spicier, I leave in a bit of the jalapeño membrane or add a pinch of cayenne to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but I prefer the oven to keep the tops crispy.

FAQs

How spicy are these jalapeño poppers?

They have a mild to medium spice. Removing the seeds and membranes helps reduce the heat, and the creamy filling balances everything out.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare them a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. I bake them fresh right before serving.

Can I freeze these before baking?

Yes, I arrange the stuffed (unbaked) poppers on a tray and freeze them until solid. Then I transfer them to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

I’ve used crushed crackers, regular breadcrumbs, or even left them off entirely. The poppers are still delicious without the crunch.

Are these vegetarian?

Yes, this version is completely vegetarian — just creamy cheese, seasonings, and jalapeños.

Conclusion

Stuffed jalapeño poppers are one of my favorite appetizers — easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. I love how the cheesy filling complements the spice of the jalapeños, and how they always deliver that perfect bite. Whether I’m hosting a party or just making a snack for myself, these poppers always steal the show.