Description
Creamy Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers deliver a spicy kick with irresistible comfort. Crispy bacon and melted cheese create a perfect balance of heat and richness that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 jalapeños, seeds removed, sautéed until soft
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Binding and Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare three shallow dishes for the dredging process: first with all-purpose flour, second with a whisked combination of buttermilk and eggs, and third with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with desired spices.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese with finely chopped, sautéed jalapeño peppers until evenly distributed.
- Carefully form the cheese and pepper mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter.
- Arrange the formed cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill the cheese balls for 30-45 minutes to help them maintain their shape during cooking.
- Select a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep frying pan and heat 2-3 inches (5-7.5 centimeters) of vegetable oil to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit (175-190 degrees Celsius).
- Meticulously coat each frozen cheese ball by first rolling in flour, then dipping in the egg mixture, and finally covering completely with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Gently lower 6-8 breaded cheese bites into the hot oil, maintaining consistent temperature and avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry the jalapeño poppers for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even, golden-brown coloration on all surfaces.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the poppers and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Allow the poppers to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving alongside ranch, marinara, or preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Prep ahead by flash freezing the cheese balls for easier handling and preventing them from falling apart during frying.
- Create a smooth dredging process by setting up three separate stations with flour, egg mixture, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Always wear gloves when handling jalapeños to protect your skin from potential irritation and spicy oils.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F for even golden-brown coating and perfectly crispy poppers.
- Allow excess oil to drain completely on paper towels to keep the appetizers crisp and prevent greasiness.
- Choose a tangy ranch or creamy southwest dipping sauce to complement the spicy, cheesy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 273 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg