Spicy Jalapeno Poppers Cream Cheese (Printable Version)
Crispy jalapeños filled with creamy cheese and spices, ideal for a flavorful appetizer or party snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Jalapeños
01 - 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers
→ Filling
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 spring onion, finely chopped
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ¼ teaspoon salt
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Coating
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - ¼ cup milk
11 - ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
12 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
13 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - Vegetable oil, for frying
# How to Make It:
01 - Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes using a small spoon while wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation.
02 - Combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, finely chopped spring onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
03 - Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, smoothing the surface evenly.
04 - Arrange flour in one shallow bowl; whisk eggs and milk together in a second bowl; mix panko breadcrumbs and cayenne pepper in a third bowl.
05 - Dip each stuffed jalapeño first into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
06 - Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan until it reaches a 2-inch depth.
07 - Fry the poppers in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crisp, then drain on paper towels.
08 - Serve hot with optional ranch dressing or preferred dipping sauce.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- They disappear from the plate faster than you can make a second batch, and guests always ask for the recipe.
- The contrast between crispy coating and creamy filling is genuinely addictive, and nobody suspects how easy they are to pull off.
02 -
- The membrane inside the jalapeño is what actually holds the heat—removing it makes these genuinely approachable for people who shy away from spicy food, but leaving a little gives real kick.
- Room-temperature cream cheese makes a difference you can actually taste; cold cream cheese creates a lumpy filling that separates during frying.
03 -
- Use a thermometer for the oil temperature—this single thing guarantees crispy poppers every single time, no guessing required.
- Make your filling the night before and store it covered in the fridge so you can assemble and fry on the day of your gathering without rushing.