Ingredients
Method
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Jalapeños
- Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Be careful handling the jalapeños, and consider using gloves to avoid contact with the spicy oils.
Make the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- If using, stir in the bacon bits and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Stuff the Jalapeños
- Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, pressing gently to fill.
- If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle a bit over each popper for added crunch.
Bake the Poppers
- Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapeños are tender.
- For a more golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
Serve
- Garnish the poppers with fresh chives or parsley and serve hot.
- Enjoy these spicy, cheesy bites with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Popper):
- Calories: 60-70
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- Adjust the spice level by removing more or fewer seeds from the jalapeños. Removing the seeds and membranes will make them less spicy.
- If you’re sensitive to spice, try using mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños for a milder version.
- For added texture, you can also use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy topping.