Jalapeño Poppers
User Reviews
5
Jalapeño Poppers
Description
Jalapeño Poppers are prepared by halving and deseeding fresh jalapeño peppers, then filling them with a blend of whole milk Greek yogurt, sharp cheddar cheese, grated garlic, chives, onion powder, sea salt, and smoked paprika. The filling is creamy and flavorful, echoing some characteristics of cream cheese-based stuffings but using yogurt for a tangy note.
Sprinkling panko breadcrumbs on top and drizzling with olive oil before baking at 400°F creates a golden, crunchy topping. After 15 to 20 minutes, the peppers are tender but still hold their shape, and the topping adds texture contrast. The final garnish of chives imparts fresh herbal flavor.
Handling jalapeños carefully is advised due to their heat; gloves are recommended when deseeding. This appetizer offers a flavorful bite combining mild spice, creamy filling, and crispy topping.
Ingredients
- 12 jalapeno pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt see note, thick, whole milk
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese see note, grated
- 3 tablespoons chives divided
- 2 garlic grated, cloves
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ sea salt more for sprinkling, heaping teaspoon
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds and ribbing. Note: You might want to use rubber or disposable plastic gloves when working with these spicy peppers.
- In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, cheese, 2 tablespoons of the chives, garlic, onion powder, salt, and smoked paprika, if using. Fill the jalapeño halves with the yogurt mixture, sprinkle with panko, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining chives.
Notes
- Use thick Greek yogurt like FAGE, Chobani, or Trader Joe’s brand for the best creamy texture similar to cream cheese.
- Grate the cheddar using small holes on a box grater to ensure it blends smoothly into the filling.
- Wear rubber or disposable gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.