Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites
User Reviews
5
Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites
Description
This recipe combines a cheese mixture made from softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar, and mayonnaise, providing a smooth, tangy base. Fresh minced jalapeño and diced pickled jalapeños both contribute varying heat and flavor, blending spicy and tangy notes. Garlic powder and salt season the filling, and additional heat can be introduced with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper according to taste.
The mixture is spooned into ready-made phyllo dough shells arranged on a baking sheet. Crumbled bacon or vegetarian bacon bits add a smoky, savory layer on top, enhancing texture and flavor. Baking at 375°F crisps the phyllo shells while warming the filling, resulting in a crunchy exterior with a creamy, spicy inside.
These popper bites make a flavorful appetizer or snack that can cater to both meat-eaters and vegetarians depending on topping choice. The use of both fresh and jarred jalapeños allows a layered heat profile and balances freshness with pickled tang.
Ingredients
- 30 phyllo dough shells two 15-count packages, frozen
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 TBSP mayonnaise
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated sharp
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 3 TBSP jalapeño diced, jarred
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2-3 TBSP Bacon or veggie bacon bits, crumbled cooked
Instructions
- NOTE: For the jalapeños I like to use both diced jarred jalapeños (they have a pickled nacho-topping vibe to them that's oh so flavorful) and fresh minced jalapeños. You can absolutely use all of one or the other but I find that I adore poppers with both the most.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Arrange phyllo shells on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature or lightly warm for 15-20 seconds in the microwave. Combine with grated cheddar cheese and mayo. Mix well.
- Remove stem and seeds from jalapeno (or keep the seeds if you want them spicy) and finely mince.
- Add fresh minced jalapeño along with pickled jarred jalapeño to your cheese mixture. Season with garlic powder and a pinch of salt and mix well. For extra heat you can add optional crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Spoon mixture into phyllo shells and top with crumbled bacon (or veggie bacon bits if vegetarian) - the bacon can also be skipped and they'll still be super tasty!
- Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until the phyllo is nice and crispy and the cheesy filling is hot and melty. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using both fresh minced and pickled jalapeños combines fresh heat with pickled tang for a more complex popper flavor.
- Crumbled bacon can be omitted or substituted with vegetarian bacon bits for a meatless version that remains flavorful.
- Adjust the heat level by retaining or removing jalapeño seeds and adding optional crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Bake the filled phyllo shells promptly after assembling to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 30phyllo bites
Amount Per Serving
Calories 50 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 50kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 84mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 14mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 111IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
