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Jalapeno Poppers
5 from 24 votes

Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are stuffed halved jalapenos filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, Monterey Jack, bacon, green onions, cilantro, and garlic. Topped with seasoned panko crumbs and baked until golden, they balance smoky, savory, and spicy elements. The crisp topping contrasts the soft cheese filling and tender pepper.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

  • 12 medium (1 lb.) jalapeno pepper halved
  • 7 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Monterey jack cheese
  • 6 lices Bacon cooked and finely chopped, divided
  • 3 1/2 Tbsp thinly sliced green onion divided
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 tsp (heaping) chili powder
  • 2 tsp olive oil

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Wearing food grade gloves remove seeds and ribs from jalapeños. You can do this by hand (fastest method) - just using your thumb to scrape it out. Or you can do this with a pairing knife (just be careful not to cut through peppers bottom side).
  3. Transfer peppers cut side up to an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl add cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, 2/3 of the bacon (4 slices), 2 1/2 Tbsp green onions, cilantro, garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir with a spoon until well combined.
  5. Spoon and spread mixture into each jalapeno halve, it should be just slightly heaping.
  6. In a small mixing bowl using a fork stir together panko, chili powder, salt to taste and olive oil until mixture is evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle panko evenly over each pepper.
  8. Bake in preheated oven until peppers are tender and cheese is melted, about 14 - 18 minutes.
  9. Garnish with remaining 2 slices of finely chopped bacon, and 1 Tbsp green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese briefly in the microwave for easier mixing (about 10-15 seconds per side).
  • Use thin green onions for garnish, not chives, to maintain a mild onion note.
  • Prepare poppers up to a day in advance by stuffing then refrigerating; add panko topping before baking.
  • If topping is added from cold, increase bake time by 3 to 5 minutes to ensure crispiness.