Jalapeno Poppers with Pepper Jack

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Pepper Jack
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 4 oz Pepper Jack cheese, shredded; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

When I first made Jalapeno Poppers with Pepper Jack, I was amazed at how the spiciness of the jalapenos paired perfectly with the creamy, melty cheese. The poppers became a hit at my gatherings, and now I can't resist making them for every party. The crispy breadcrumb coating adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a perfect balance of flavors. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this is it! Trust me, your friends will rave about them and ask for the recipe!

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:37:11.853Z

Creating the perfect Jalapeno Poppers was a delicious experiment for me. The goal was to balance heat and flavor, which I achieved by blending Pepper Jack cheese with cream cheese for richness. I discovered that pre-baking them before frying ensures an evenly melted center without burning the breading. This small tweak made a significant difference in texture and taste.

As I served them to my friends, the joy on their faces sealed the deal. There’s nothing quite like the combination of spicy, cheesy goodness and a crunchy exterior to elevate a gathering. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!

        Why You'll Love These Jalapeno Poppers
        Creamy Pepper Jack cheese brings a kick of flavor
Each bite is a perfect blend of heat and crunch
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion

      

Mastering the Stuffing Technique

Stuffing jalapenos can be a bit tricky if you're not careful. One effective technique is to use a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the corner cut off to smoothly fill each jalapeno half. This method helps you control the amount of filling, ensuring that each popper is generously stuffed without the mess. Just remember to pack the filling down gently but firmly to keep everything secured inside during baking and frying.

When mixing the cheese filling, make sure the cream cheese is thoroughly softened to room temperature. This allows for easier blending and ensures a smooth texture. If your cheese mixture seems too thick to stuff into the jalapenos, you can add a splash of milk or a little more cream cheese to loosen it up slightly.

Choosing the Right Jalapenos

Picking the right jalapenos is essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavor and heat in your poppers. Look for firm, shiny jalapenos with a vibrant green color. These will have a fresher taste and a satisfying crunch. If you prefer less heat, you can opt for larger jalapenos, which tend to be milder than smaller ones. Alternatively, if you want an extra kick, consider leaving some seeds in the poppers as they contain much of the pepper's heat.

If you're sensitive to spice but still want to enjoy these poppers, try cutting the jalapenos in half and soaking them in a mixture of water and vinegar for about 30 minutes. This can help lessen their heat level, making them more palatable while still allowing for a delicious flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the best Jalapeno Poppers:

Ingredients

12 fresh jalapenos
4 oz Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Have everything ready? Let’s move on to the next steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious Jalapeno Poppers:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the shredded Pepper Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Carefully spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half until they are generously filled.

Coat with Breadcrumbs

Roll each filled jalapeno in breadcrumbs to cover completely for a crispy texture.

Bake and Fry

Place the poppers on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Then, heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry them until golden brown and crispy.

Serve

Let the poppers cool slightly before serving on a platter. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Jalapeno Poppers!

Now that you've mastered this recipe, they’ll become a staple for your gatherings!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture. You can also serve these poppers with a dipping sauce like ranch or homemade salsa.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Jalapeno poppers can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for prepping for a party. You can stuff and coat the jalapenos with breadcrumbs, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking and frying. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before cooking, which will help them cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as this can make the poppers soggy.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Jalapeno Poppers pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. A cool ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing can balance the heat beautifully. You can also serve them with salsa or guacamole for an extra layer of flavor. To elevate the experience, garnish the platter with fresh cilantro or lime wedges to add freshness.

For a different twist, consider mixing in other cheeses with the Pepper Jack, such as cheddar or mozzarella for a milder flavor. You can also add cooked bacon bits or chorizo to the filling for an extra savory kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making your poppers even more irresistible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the jalapenos and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking and frying.

→ Are there any alternatives to Pepper Jack cheese?

You can use other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, but the flavor profile will change.

→ How do I make them spicier?

Leave some seeds in the jalapenos or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.

→ Can these be baked instead of fried?

Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option; increase the baking time by a few minutes.