Jalapeno Poppers are a game day favorite! Fresh jalapenos are filled with a creamy cheese and bacon filling, topped with crispy panko, and baked to golden-brown crispy perfection.
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The BEST Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
These Jalapeno Poppers with cream cheese and bacon are the best party appetizer ever!
- Creamy, crunchy, cheesy, spicy, smoky, and salty in every bite!
- A tender jalapeno pepper baked to perfection – never hard and crunchy
- The most incredible creamy cheese filling with cream cheese and sharp cheddar, flavored with garlic and chives
- A super crispy and crunchy, buttered panko topping
- And BACON – enough said.
They are truly better than the ones I’ve had in restaurants. Plus they’re lighter because they’re baked and not fried.
There’s no need to wait for game day to enjoy these Easy, Baked Jalapeno Poppers. My family loves them any day. And you’ll catch me eating the leftovers for breakfast! (If I’m lucky enough to find any left!)
Easy, Baked Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
I love Jalapeno Poppers but I’m not a big fan of frying. I don’t like the mess or the smell, and I definitely don’t like hovering over a pan of hot boiling oil while everyone else is watching the game.
This Easy, Baked Jalapeno Poppers Recipe gives the best of both worlds – melty gooey cheese with a golden brown, super crispy panko topping and no frying. It’s super easy! And I love them even more than the deep fried ones!
Added bonus: they’re so easy to make in advance! Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready!
How to cut a jalapeno
I always wear gloves when handling this many jalapeno peppers. You many unexpectedly come across a particularly hot jalapeno, and when jalapeno oils get in the skin they can cause burns – the dreaded jalapeno hands. And whatever you do – don’t rub your eyes!
- Wear gloves.
- Set the jalapeno on the counter and see which side it naturally rests on. That will be the bottom. (This helps the Jalapeno Poppers sit upright instead of tilting over and spilling out the cheesy filling.)
- Slice the pepper in half lengthwise.
- Scrape the seeds and interior membranes out with a spoon and discard.
Ingredients in homemade Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapenos: Jalapenos are sliced in half and stuffed with a cheesy filling. Jalapenos can range from mild to moderate (2500-5000 Scoville units).
To tame the heat a bit, you can blanch them in boiling water for about a minute then plunge into ice water. This will take away some of the heat, while leaving them bright green. The longer you blanch them, the softer they will get. If they’re too soft, the cheese filling may ooze out and they’ll be harder to pick up and eat.
For a completely mild popper, use baby bell peppers.
Cheese: Cream cheese and sharp cheddar make an incredibly flavored, creamy, bubbly cheese filling.
Bacon: Bacon, cheese, and jalapenos were made for each other. Bacon adds a wonderful smoky, salty flavor to the filling.
Buttered Panko: Super crispy, golden brown panko adds the perfect crunch to these poppers. You’ll never miss the frying.
I sauté my panko in butter before topping the poppers. That way they’re guaranteed to be perfectly crispy and golden brown. I hate waiting for the panko to brown while all the cheese filling oozes out.
Aromatics: I flavor my cheese filling with garlic and chives. If you don’t have chives, use the green ends of green onions.
How to make Jalapeno Poppers
- Cut the peppers and scrape out the seeds and membranes.
- Mix the cheese filling and stuff the halved peppers.
- Brown the panko in butter then sprinkle on top of the stuffed pepper halves.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Jalapeno Poppers topping variations
For a fun flavor variation, instead of buttered panko, try topping your poppers with crushed:
- Tortilla chips
- Doritos
- Sun Chips
- Barbecue flavored potato chips
Restaurant style Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
At a restaurant, these bacon cream cheese Jalapeno Poppers are breaded and fried. I love these stuffed Jalapeno Poppers with the panko sprinkled on top, but if you want the maximum crunch of a fully coated popper, here’s how to do it:
- Roll the cheese stuffed jalapeno in flour.
- Next, dip it in milk.
- Then, roll it in panko until it is fully coated on all sides.
- Place on baking sheet and spray with olive oil spray or drizzle with melted butter. (The spray will result in more even browning.)
- Bake until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Vegetarian Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
It’s easy to make these Jalapeno Poppers vegetarian. Simply omit the bacon or use chopped veggie bacon.
If you omit the bacon, try topping them with crushed barbecue flavored chips to replace the smoky, salty flavor of the bacon.
Healthy Jalapeno Poppers
Baking Jalapeno Poppers is so much healthier than fried. To make them even healthier:
- Use light cream cheese
- Use low fat cheddar
- Substitute veggie bacon for the bacon
- Sauté the panko in olive oil instead of butter
- Instead of sautéing the panko, spray it with cooking spray or olive oil after it is sprinkled on the stuffed jalapeno
How to make easy, cream cheese and bacon Jalapeno Poppers – step by step tutorial
Cut the jalapenos:
- Wear gloves.
- Set the jalapeno on the counter and see which side it naturally rests on. That will be the bottom. (This helps the Jalapeno Poppers sit upright instead of tilting over and spilling out the cheesy filling.)
- Slice the pepper in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact on one side.
- Scrape the seeds and interior membranes out with a spoon and discard.
Make the creamy cheese filling:
- Mix the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, chives, and salt together in a bowl.
- Using softened cream cheese makes it much easier to combine.
Stuff the halved jalapeno peppers
Using a spoon, fill the jalapeno pepper halves with the cheese filling and set on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Make the panko topping
- Sauté panko in butter until the panko is light golden brown (It will brown slightly more in the oven.)
- Sprinkle the panko on the tops of the cheese stuffed jalapenos.
How to bake Jalapeno Pepper Poppers
Bake the jalapeno poppers in the middle of a 400° F oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
The panko will brown slightly more. If it starts to brown too quickly, tent a piece of foil on top of them.
How long to bake Jalapeno Poppers
Because the panko is already golden brown, you only need to bake the Jalapeno Poppers until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
This prevents the jalapeno from burning on the bottom or from becoming too soft. When they’re too soft, they’re a little harder to pick up and eat.
How to make Jalapeno Poppers in advance
These easy baked Jalapeno Poppers can easily be made a couple of days ahead of time or even made in advance and frozen.
- Stuff the peppers, arrange them on the baking sheet, top them with panko, and hold in the refrigerator a few hours until you’re ready to bake.
- Stuff the peppers and put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Keep the cooled, buttered panko at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake them, put them on a baking sheet and sprinkle with buttered panko and bake.
- Freeze the Jalapeno Poppers and cook right from frozen. It may take a few minutes longer to bake.
How to store and reheat Jalapeno Poppers
To store: Place cooked and cooled jalapeno poppers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet in the oven at 325° F until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
How to freeze Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno Poppers can be made in advance and frozen. They can be baked straight from the freezer.
- Stuff the peppers and sprinkle on the panko.
- Freeze in a single layer until frozen.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Bake straight from the freezer. It may take a few minutes longer to bake.
How to make Jalapeno Poppers in the air fryer
- Place the stuffed and topped jalapeños in the basket of an air fryer
- Cook at 370° F until the tops are golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the jalapeños are tender, about 10 minutes.
What’s the best dip/sauce to serve with Jalapeno Poppers
Dip Jalapeno Poppers in ranch or blue cheese dressing. The cool, creaminess is perfect for taming the heat.
What to serve with Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect game day snack. Serve as part of your appetizer and game day spread.
Optional tip for a pretty presentation:
Cutting the top third off of the jalapenos instead of cutting them in halves makes a prettier presentation. It holds the filling in better and there’s less chance that the filling will ooze out.
Just fill the larger side and save the tops for another use. You will need extra jalapenos. (Note: I have used halved jalapenos here.)
Shop the recipe:
Baking pans: a good light-colored baking pan allows the poppers to cook properly without burning on the bottom.
Parchment paper: for no pan to wash – yay! It’s nonstick so your poppers come off perfectly. It also helps the poppers not burn on the bottom.
Easy, Baked Jalapeno Poppers
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 32 poppers 1x
Description
Jalapeno Poppers are a game day favorite! Fresh jalapenos filled with a creamy cheese and bacon filling, topped with crispy panko, and baked to golden-brown crispy perfection.
Ingredients
- 16 jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
- 5 oz (142g) sharp cheddar, shredded
- 6 oz (170g) bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled ((use veggie bacon for vegetarian))
- 3 tablespoons chives finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup (45g) Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F with the rack in the middle.
- Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact. Scrape out the inner membranes and seeds. Wear gloves!
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, crumbled bacon, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the jalapeno halves. Place on a baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the panko bread crumbs and sauté until golden. (It will brown slightly more in the oven.)
- Sprinkle the panko over the cheese filled jalapenos.
- Bake until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted, about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 80
Keywords: appetizer, game day, jalapeno poppers, party
Enjoy, friends!
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These sound so good and I love the idea of baking rather than frying. I can't believe I've never made them before. Pinning!
They're so crispy and crunchy, you'll never miss the frying! Thanks so much, Susan!
Love this lighter (and less messy!) twist on this classic appetizer! Talk about crowd pleasing game day fare. Can't wait to try these, Kelly!
★★★★★
It's so good and so much easier to make! Thanks so much, Marissa!
I am a big fan of Jalapeno Poppers, these Poppers are definitely on my happy food list.
★★★★★
Thanks so much, Cookie Monster!
That bacon cheese filling sounds incredibly delicious! These are some fantastic party appetizers.
I always make a bee-line for the jalapeno poppers! Thanks so much, Angie!
Wow do these look good! What a fabulous filling. Thank you for this recipe!
Thanks so much, Mimi!
I LOVE jalapeño poppers! What a great recipe! Thanks for all the extra tips and information! Love these! And I always love a baked instead of fried appetizer, too!
★★★★★
They're so good that you'll never miss the frying! Thanks so much, Laura!
Delicious! What a perfect collection of ingredients to fill the peppers with. The bacon is the icing on the cake, and I love how you first brown the panko. My husband will adore them! 🙂 ~Valentina
★★★★★
They're irresistible! Thanks so much, Valentina!
Kelly, I love the baked idea as well. Also, good on you for advising folks to wear gloves. I have more than one kitchen horror story involving prep people not wearing gloves when cutting hot peppers.
We don't get that big game day over this way, but we have a big ice hockey game coming up. And, oh yes, blue cheese dressing for me.
★★★★★
Ron, it's never happened to me, but I've seen family members in severe pain for almost 24 hours after handling hot peppers. While these poppers are perfect for game day, my family can't get enough of them so I make them often with dinner. Thanks so much!
after a long while i came across this site and what fascinate recipe i've found thanks for it. gonna try this weekend 🙂
★★★★★
Thanks so much, Mary!
Oooh Kelly! I LOVE jalapeno poppers! Ha they're definitely one of my favorite appetizers/game day snacks. So, so good!! Homemade is always best too. They tops of these look so crispy and delicious! I'm swooning!
★★★★★
Katherine, they're one of my faves too! And I love this recipe for them - full of flavor, super crunchy, and no frying! Thanks so much!
Oh YUM!!! A friend always brings poppers to gathering but seeing these, I think I might add a little competition to his. 🙂 These look fabulous!
They're so good! Thanks so much, MJ!
Kelly - these are little jewels of flavor, aren’t they? I can’t believe I have made it to 61 without ever having a jalapeno popper! It’s about time -and I love all the ingredients in the filling! Have a wonderful weekend.
They're so irresistible, David! The perfect combination of flavors and textures! Thanks so much!
Now, this is funny 🙂 Just before we went to explore northern parts of Europe, I have made this one to publish LOL! Great minds think alike dear Kelly ! Love your photos, as usual 🙂
★★★★★
Yes they do, my friend! Have a lovely holiday!
I just love your photos Kelly! You've really made these poppers look drool worthy! The crispy panko crumb topping just seals the deal for me! I'm pinning to make these soon!
★★★★★
The panko topping is so crispy! You'll never miss the frying! Thanks so much, Leanne!
i don't like frying either so i bake things whenever i can. these look delicious kelly. i love panko breadcrumbs too. so crispy and delish. bacon and cheese sound wonderful in this dish. and jalapenos are the bomb! terrific in all sorts of things. cheers sherry
The flavors and textures in these poppers make them one of my favorite appetizers. Thanks so much, Sherry!
Oh what a delicious looking appetiser Kelly! I've never made Jalapeno Poppers before but I'd make these first. That bacon cheese filling is making my mouth water!!
★★★★★
It's so good! Thanks so much, Neil!
I could honestly eat my weight in jalapeno poppers, so these have me drooling!!!! I love that they are baked so now I don't have to feel quite so guilty when I devour a few dozen in one sitting! Plus, I love that you added bacon to the actual filling!! I love that idea! So much better than the ones wrapped in bacon, those never seem to get crispy. These are perfection! Cant wait to try them! Pinned!
★★★★★
Omg, Chey, me too! I love the bacon flavor inside plus the super crunchy panko topping! Thanks so much!
I love the sound of these, I would never have thought to try making them myself. I really want to now though!
We love them and they're so easy to make! Thanks so much, Caroline!
Oh man, I absolutely love jalapeno poppers! But seeing this post made me realize I haven't had poppers in a long time...maybe a year or more? Clearly that problem needs to get fixed. And there just so happens to be a big game coming up that provides the perfect excuse for making a batch of these. They look delicious, Kelly! Plus, bacon.
★★★★★
They're my fave! Thanks so much, David!
Kelly, so glad to see you post a new recipe! I've missed you! And you didn't dissapoint with this baked jalapeno poppers! I love that they're filled with bacon, creamy cream cheese and that buttery panko! YUM! (Also, i'm totally on team wearing gloves when I cut my jalapenos...sometimes they literally make my skin burn! LOL!)
★★★★★
I took an extra long break to spend time with my kids on their winter vacation. It was wonderful!
I'm definitely on team gloves, too! It's never happened to me, but I've seen a family member cry for hours from the burn after cleaning a lot of jalapenos. Better safe than sorry! Thanks so much, Haylie!
Dear Kelly, while these Jalapeno Poppers look utterly delicious and like a true fun treat for the family, I must admit that I never ever tasted one in my life! The recipe sounds great, love the ingrediinets, love your presentation!
Another delightful recipe with so many helpful tips and notes and all!
P.S.: I do hope that my comment will not disappear into thin air again (a few of my previous comments seem to have taken that route...)
All the best,
Andrea
Dear Andrea, Jalapeno Poppers are my favorite appetizer! I find them quite addicting. Give me a plateful for dinner or even reheated the next morning for breakfast - they're a real treat! Thanks so much, my friend!