Whether he’s stirring something new and delicious into his skillet cornbread, adding a healthy twist to a favorite comfort food recipe, or trying out a new exotic spice, Senior Food Editor Josh Miller loves dreaming up delicious, cookable recipes for PioneerWoman.com. When he hangs up his apron for the day, you can him in his pottery studio, creating fun and functional items for the kitchen and home.
Jalapeño poppers are the perfect easy party food! Cheesy and spicy in every crunchy bite, they're a great tailgate food idea, appetizer, finger food, or anytime snack. Don't be scared if you don't love spicy jalapeño recipes; these can be mild or spicy, depending on your preference. The cheesy filling of this recipe is inspired by Ree Drummond's pimento cheese—it's the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and is supremely snackable! Plus, it can even stirred together ahead of time to make assembling even easier come party time. The crispy bacon on top is the ultimate finishing touch!
Do I need to wear gloves when handling jalapeños?
Wearing rubber gloves isn't required, but it's a great practice when cutting and prepping fresh spicy peppers. The heat comes from the ribs and seeds of the peppers; so once they're cut open, pay attention to what else you touch even if you are wearing gloves.
Do you remove the seeds from the jalapeño for jalapeño poppers?
Yes! To dial down the heat, it's best to remove the seeds. It's OK to leave just a few seeds, but don't leave them all. No one wants to bite down on a bunch of fiery seeds when munching on a popper!
How do I make jalapeño poppers more spicy?
Since most of the seeds and ribs are removed, these bacon appetizers aren't very spicy. Looking for more of a kick? Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture before stuffing the peppers. Want even more heat? Don't scrape out all of the ribs from the peppers.
How full should should I stuff the peppers?
Although it's tempting to overstuff these peppers, resist the urge. Add cheese to the peppers so that the filling is just about level with the sides of the pepper, like filling a canoe with water; then, mound the breadcrumb mixture on top. Any leftover filling is great spread on a sandwich or with crackers.
What is the best dip for jalapeño poppers?
These poppers are divine on their own, but if you want to add in a dip, go for something creamy like homemade ranch dressing. It'll help balance out some of the spice; plus, ranch is tasty on almost anything!
- Yields:
- 6 - 8 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 25 mins
- Total Time:
- 40 mins
Ingredients
- 12
fresh jalapeño peppers
- 2 c.
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz.
cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp.
mayonnaise
- 1/4 c.
diced pimiento peppers, drained
- 1/4 c.
minced white or yellow onion
- 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp.
smoked paprika, divided
- 1/2 tsp.
ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 c.
panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp.
olive oil
- 6
slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 8)
- Calories326 Fat28 gSaturated fat12 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol63 mgSodium451 mgCarbohydrates6 gFiber1 gSugar2 gProtein12 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium262 mgIron0 mgPotassium160 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1Preheat the oven to 400°.
- Step 2Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds and ribs from the peppers. Set the halved peppers aside.
- Step 3Stir together the cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimientos, onion, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt, paprika, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir together the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt, paprika, and pepper, as well as olive oil in a small bowl.
- Step 4Fill each pepper half with some of the cheese mixture, and place on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops of the peppers evenly with the panko mixture.
- Step 5Bake until the tops are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove the peppers from the oven and top them with bacon and chives.
Tip: Want an extra kick? Stir in some diced pickled jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture.
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