Jalapeño Poppers

How to Make Jalapeño Poppers

Making stuffed jalapeño poppers is fun and easy when you know the steps. Follow along with the recipe below for all the instructions for making these scrumptious appetizers:

Mix the Filling

With a spatula, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ground cumin, with the chipotle chile pepper, onion, and garlic powders until well blended. Smooth out any lumps of cream cheese by pressing them against the side of the bowl. Spoon and press the filling into the jalapeño halves using a small spoon to keep the poppers looking their best and keep the filling securely inside the pepper half while dipping and frying. Aim for the filling to be level with the sides of the pepper half. 

Coat the Filled Chiles

In one of three pie plates or shallow bowls, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. In the second, beat the milk and egg with a fork to break up the egg. Place the breadcrumbs in the third. Working with one stuffed jalapeños at a time, roll it first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and last in the bread crumbs. This extra step wraps the poppers in a crispy-fried blanket that puts these little cuties into the appetizer hall of fame. Have all your poppers coated and ready for the hot oil before you start frying.

Fry the Jalapeño Poppers

Fry the poppers in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. The space allows for the poppers to cook and easily be turned without touching each other. Fry the coated jalapeños until they are golden brown on all sides. If the cheese starts to ooze out, remove the chiles immediately. Be sure to watch the temperature of the oil and adjust the heat as necessary to keep it at 350°F. It’s easy to do just place a candy thermometer in the oil before you heat it which makes sure it is easy to read the temperature as you cook the poppers.

Drain and Cool the Poppers

Use a stainless steel spider strainer to lift the fried poppers out of the oil and to a paper towel lined cookie sheet to drain. Allow them to cool a few minutes before moving them to a serving platter.

How to Cut the Jalapeños

All chiles contain capsaicin, the compound that delivers the spicy heat we associate with chiles. If it gets on your skin it can also cause a burning sensation. For that reason, we recommend always wearing gloves and being careful not to touch your eyes while cutting chiles. Be sure to use a separate cutting board and knife for cutting the chiles. Or, before using for cutting other foods, wash them well in hot, soapy water (while still wearing your gloves) and then remove your gloves before rinsing them and re-using.

Use a paring knife to slice the chiles in half lengthwise, including the stem if it is thick enough. Start cutting from the pointed end of the chile and end at the stem. Remove and discard the membrane and seeds—these are the parts of the chiles that contain the most capsaicin, thereby reducing the amount of heat in your popper.

Serving Jalapeño Poppers

Nosh and Nibble Appetizer Parties

Our easy jalapeño poppers are always a hit, so keep this recipe at the top of your list of what to make when you want a sure-fire winner. You’ll get a lot of hosting cred for serving them! And if you are looking for other recipes that go well with spicy, creamy poppers, try any or all of the appetizers from this list of our favorites:

Seven Layer Dip: This delicious dip can bake in the oven while you are frying the jalapeño poppers. The Mexican-inspired flavors pair well with the poppers.

Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Wings: These sweet-and-savory wings cook away all day in your slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it until serving time. Another global-flavored recipe, it goes well with the poppers, adding a heartier option with great flavor contrast.

Zesty Deviled Eggs: A make-ahead app to take the pressure off last-minute party prep. The bacon bits and savory combination of flavors is a match made in heaven for the spicy poppers.

Watching the Game Gatherings

Nothing says killer football party like an offering of good apps to snack on while you root for your favorite team. Choose recipes from this collection that ensure your party is a winning one:

Game Day & Tailgating Recipes: Pick and choose from seriously delicious recipes that are perfect for watching the game or pre-game party.

Storing and Reheating Jalapeño Poppers

For the best textured poppers, we always recommend making the poppers just minutes before you plan to serve them. The exteriors will be at their crispiest when just fried. Be sure to allow them to cool a few minutes before you serve them, so no one will burn their tongue on the hot, cheesy filling.

If you do have leftovers, you can store and reheat them to enjoy another time. The coating on the poppers will have softened, but they are still delicious to eat. They just won’t have the same amazing texture as fresh made.

Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled poppers in an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate no longer than 4 days.

Reheating Directions: Place poppers on microwavable plate. Cover loosely and microwave on medium (50%) for about 1 minute or until warm.

Freezer Storage: This recipe is not recommended for freezing. The deep-fried coating will become soggy, and the filling can become watery during freezing and reheating.

More Easy Appetizers

Love a spread of great-tasting apps? We do too. Try any of these top-rated recipes from this list of amazing appetizers, next time you’re looking for craveable snacks to serve:

Barbecue Chicken Bacon Ranch Cheese Dip: All your favorite savory snacking flavors rolled into one quick and easy dip.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings: Break out of the Buffalo rut with these amazing wings wrapped in bacon goodness and glazed with a sweet and spicy bourbon barbecue sauce.

Cheesy Pull-Aparts with Spinach-Artichoke Dip: What’s better than hot, homemade spinach-artichoke dip? Flaky biscuit dippers filled with gooey mozzarella cheese baked with the dip.

Meatball Sub Bites: All the flavors you love in a meatball sub—meatballs, marinara, and mozzarella-- but made into the cutest little 3-bite biscuit cups you can eat with your hands.