Jalapeno Poppers (Baked)

If you are looking for an easy baked jalapeno poppers recipe, look no further this is the best recipe. It has all of the great flavors, including crispy bacon crumbles on top! This is one recipe, you don’t want to miss.

Easy Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Indulge in the perfect blend of spicy and savory with this easy Baked Jalapeno Popper Recipe!

If you’ve ever been disappointed by soggy and oily poppers, fear not—this recipe is here to save the day. Say goodbye to greasy results caused by bacon wrapping, as we opt for a clever twist: crispy bacon crumbles sprinkled on top. Get ready for a pop of flavor that’s sure to delight your taste buds!

My Latest Recipe

If you have been looking for the ultimate appetizer, this jalapeno poppers oven recipe  is perfect!. This is my go to recipe, when I am hosting a large party at my house!

Ingredients Needed For Oven Jalapeno Popper

Here are the simple ingredient, you will need for the best oven jalapeno poppers!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and the nutritional information

• Jalapeno Peppers: Fresh, vibrant jalapeno peppers are the star of the show, providing the signature spicy kick that makes jalapeno poppers so irresistible.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich, cream cheese forms the luscious filling for the poppers, adding a smooth texture and a hint of tanginess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese, grated and mixed with the cream cheese, brings a deliciously cheesy flavor and gooey texture to the filling.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon strips are crumbled and sprinkled over the top of the poppers, adding a smoky, savory crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder enhances the flavor profile of the poppers, adding depth and complexity to each bite.
• Salt and Pepper: A pinch of Kosher salt and black pepper helps to season the filling, balancing the flavors and ensuring a well-rounded taste experience.
• Breadcrumbs (Optional): For an extra crunchy texture, you can coat the filled jalapenos in breadcrumbs before baking, adding a golden brown crust to the exterior.

How To Make Jalapeno Poppers In The Oven

To make jalapeno poppers in the oven, follow these simple steps:

Prep the Jalapenos: Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes using a spoon. This step helps reduce the heat level of the poppers.

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Fill the Jalapenos: Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, filling them until they are slightly overflowing.

Top with Bacon: Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the filled jalapenos, pressing lightly to adhere the bacon to the cheese mixture. For added flavor, and texture add a sprinkle of cornflake crumbs on top.

How Long To Bake Jalapeno Poppers

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Place the filled jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the jalapenos are tender.

Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the jalapeno poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these deliciously cheesy and spicy treats as an appetizer or snack!

Baked Jalapeno Popper Filling Ideas

Get creative with your baked jalapeno popper fillings by trying out these delicious ideas:

• Spinach and Artichoke: Mix cream cheese with chopped spinach, canned artichoke hearts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy and flavorful filling.
• Buffalo Chicken: Combine shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for a spicy and tangy filling.
• Crab and Cream Cheese: Mix cream cheese with canned crab meat, minced green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning for a decadent and seafood-inspired filling.
• Pimento Cheese: Whip up a batch of homemade pimento cheese using cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Southern-inspired twist.
• Taco-Inspired: Season cream cheese with taco seasoning and mix in cooked ground beef or turkey, shredded Mexican cheese blend, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro for a flavorful and zesty filling.
• Mediterranean: Combine cream cheese with chopped Kalamata olives, diced roasted red peppers, minced garlic, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.
• Bacon and Ranch: Add chopped cooked bacon and a coupe of teaspoons of dry ranch seasoning, to the cream cheese mixture.

Pro Tips

• Choose the Right Jalapenos: Select jalapenos that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes. Look for peppers with a vibrant green color for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Wear Gloves: When handling jalapenos, wear gloves to protect your hands from the spicy oils. Avoid touching your face or eyes while working with the peppers.
• Adjust the Heat Level: To control the spiciness of the poppers, remove the seeds and membranes for milder flavor or leave them intact for a hotter kick.
• Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. Softened cream cheese is easier to blend and creates a smoother filling.
• Customize the Filling: Get creative with the filling by adding your favorite ingredients such as bacon, shredded cheese, herbs, or spices. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect popper.
• Precook Bacon: If adding bacon to the filling or topping, precook it until crispy before incorporating it into the recipe. This ensures that the bacon will be fully cooked and crispy after baking.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the poppers from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the poppers while baking to prevent them from becoming too browned or overcooked. Remove them from the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the jalapenos are tender.

Faq’s

Can I make baked jalapeno poppers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the poppers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply assemble the poppers as directed, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I store leftover baked jalapeno poppers? Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Can I freeze baked jalapeno poppers? Yes, you can freeze baked jalapeno poppers for longer storage. Place the cooled poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

How do I make jalapeno poppers less spicy? To reduce the spiciness of jalapeno poppers, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno peppers before filling them. This step removes much of the heat while still allowing you to enjoy the flavor of the peppers.

Can I make baked jalapeno poppers without bacon? Yes, you can omit the bacon from the recipe or replace it with a vegetarian alternative such as cooked and crumbled tempeh or vegan bacon bits. The poppers will still be delicious and flavorful without the bacon.

What to eat with jalapeno poppers: Serve jalapeno poppers as a tasty appetizer at parties, game nights, or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Serve baked jalapeno poppers with your favorite main dishes, such as grilled burgers, barbecue ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches. They add a spicy kick and creamy texture to any meal.

What is the best sauce for jalapeno poppers? Serve jalapeno poppers with a side of ranch dressing, sour cream, or salsa for dipping. The creamy and tangy dips complement the spicy poppers perfectly.