Oven Baked Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Jalapeno poppers are one of the most divine appetizers ever conceived of. They’re the perfect blend of spicy, crispy, cheesy, and creamy.  Not only are they outrageously delicious, but jalapeno poppers are also incredibly easy to make. They do have a little bit of a kick, but not so much that they can’t still be a crowd favorite.

These amazing little appetizers are made by hollowing out fresh jalapenos, stuffing them with a savory filling of cream cheese, goat cheese, herbs, and bacon before roasting them until the stuffing reaches bubbly, molten goodness. Not only that, but a delightful topping of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top of the filling, so you get a crispy, golden brown crust to bite into.  

How to Cut Jalapeno Peppers

Cutting jalapenos is a fairy simple task but can be painful if you’re not careful. Some say that you need to wear gloves when cutting jalapenos to prevent from burning your hands; I do not find this to be the case. Wearing gloves is fine, but if you don’t have access to any, just avoid touching your face, wash your hands thoroughly, and you’ll be fine. Keep in mind that the heat in jalapenos comes from oils in the peppers, so be sure to use dish soap, which is specifically designed to break down oils.

The spiciest parts of any pepper are the seeds and the membrane inside, so when you take these out, the jalapeno will be much less spicy. Removing the seeds and membrane is also necessary to make room for the filling. To remove the seeds and membrane, simply scrape them out with a spoon after the pepper is split. Finally, remember to wash the knife, cutting board, and anything else that came in contact with the peppers after you’re done cutting them. Otherwise, the next thing you cut on that board may be super spicy!

Cutting jalapenos for poppers is quite easy:

1. Split the jalapenos in half lengthwise, keep the stem intact.   

2. Use a small spoon to gently scrape the seeds and membranes out of the peppers. If you desire spicier poppers, you can leave a little membrane left in the bottom.

3. Gently rinse the peppers in cold water to remove any residual seeds.

4. Wash your hands and any utensils thoroughly with dish soap.

How to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Some people choose to fry jalapeno peppers, but I prefer to roast them as the peppers get more color and flavor, plus you avoid the work and the mess of having to bread and fry them. The process for making roasted jalapeno poppers is very simple and straightforward.

First, cut the jalapenos according to the instructions above. Then, soften some cream cheese, add whatever else you desire to your filling, and use a small spoon to carefully stuff the peppers with the mixture. Next, roast them for 10-15 minutes at 400F or until the peppers start to get soft and the cheese is bubbly. Lastly, throw them under the broiler for a minute or 2 to get the breadcrumbs nice and toasted. You don’t want to cook them too long because the peppers will be too soft to pick up and eat and all the cheese will melt out.

This particular recipe calls for a filling of cream cheese and goat cheese, with crumbled bacon tossed in and seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and lemon zest. However, you can customize yours with any herb, cheese, spice, or meat that you like, you can even wrap them with strips of bacon if you so desire. The crust on these poppers is a mix of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan. The creamy richness of the cream cheese helps cool the heat from the peppers and the salty, smokey bacon pairs perfectly with fresh herbs and a hint of brightness from the lemon. Finally, the breadcrumb crust gives you a nice toasty, crispy exterior to bite into.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the perfect game day or party appetizer, look no further. These jalapeno popper supply all the crowd-pleasing taste and satisfaction you need in all of their cheesy, creamy, crispy, bacon-filled, delicious glory. The cream cheese, goat cheese, bacon, thyme, lemon, garlic, parmesan, and breadcrumbs are a truly sublime combination of ingredients that will make every part of your palate sing with glee. Not only are these poppers delicious, but they’re hearty and satisfying, making them preferable to other dainty appetizers. Bring these to your next party and you will quickly find yourself incredibly popular as hungry guests gorge on these sumptuous delights. Enjoy!