Best Ever Jalapeño Poppers

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This homemade jalapeño poppers recipe was made by taking the best features of three or four other popper recipes and combining them to make something that tastes wonderful. A frequent request at my house, and at others. I usually make 100 and put them in the fridge. They don't last long so increase the recipe as necessary. Adjust the amount of bacon bits and type of shredded cheese to taste. Lots of tests will help you figure out the best way you like your jalapeño poppers.

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looking down at a dish full of jalapeño poppers with one cut in half to see inside filling
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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
20

Jalapeño poppers: They're warm, spicy, cheesy, and ultra-indulgent. What more could you ask for in an appetizer? These homemade jalapeño poppers taste like they're from a restaurant, but they're quite simple to make in the comfort of your own kitchen.

How to Make Jalapeño Poppers

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these homemade jalapeño poppers:

Seed and Half the Jalapeños

Wear food-grade gloves to avoid burning your hands while removing the jalapeño seeds. Slice the jalapeño in half lengthwise with a paring knife, then use the knife to cut away the seeds and ribs.

Fill the Jalapeños

Make the filling by mixing softened cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Spoon the mixture into jalapeño halves.

Dredge the Jalapeños

Dip the jalapeños in milk, then dip them in flour. Let them dry for about 10 minutes, then dip them in milk again. Roll the wet jalapeños in bread crumbs until they're well-coated. Let them dry, then repeat the milk-crumb process once more. Allow the peppers to dry completely.

Fry and Drain the Jalapeños

Heat oil to 365 degrees F in a skillet. Working in batches, fry the jalapeño poppers until they're golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Best Ever Jalapeno Poppers with dip in background
Karl Weinsteiger

How Long to Cook Jalapeños Poppers

When fried at 365 degrees F, these homemade jalapeño poppers should be beautifully golden brown and crunchy in about two to three minutes.

What to Serve With Jalapeño Poppers

These jalapeño poppers are pretty versatile — you can serve them with just about anything. They pair perfectly with other classic appetizers like nachos, chicken wings, or any kind of dip. Homemade jalapeño poppers are also a great warm-up for tailgate-style entrees, such as hot dogs or hamburgers.

As far as sauces go, you'll love dipping these jalapeño poppers in garlic aioli, ranch, or even queso.

How to Store Jalapeño Poppers

Best Ever Jalapeno Poppers
Yoly

Store cooled jalapeño poppers in the fridge in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. They should last for about three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave in short bursts.

Can You Freeze Jalapeño Poppers?

Yes, you can freeze homemade jalapeño poppers. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for a few hours, or until they're frozen solid. Transfer the frozen poppers to a zip-top freezer bag labeled with the date. Wrap in a layer of aluminum foil for added protection. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through (400 degrees F for about 10 minutes should be enough).

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I just made these for the first time and they are delicious," raves hilaryhop. "Make sure not to overheat the oil, I burned my first one. So easy, so quick, and delicious!"

"Amazing," according to Dana McBride. "The only change I made was gourmet sharp Cheddar cheese, real bacon, and I added some garlic powder. I also used Italian seasoned bread crumbs."

"Although these do involve a good deal of work, they really are the best jalapeño poppers," says Marley29. "They also freeze well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy them at other times."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 20 servings

  • 12 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

  • 1 tablespoon bacon bits

  • 12 ounces jalapeño peppers, seeded and halved

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs

  • 2 quarts oil for frying, or as needed

Directions

  1. Mix cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits together in a medium bowl until well combined. Spoon mixture into jalapeño halves.

    Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits mixed together in a medium bowl.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

    Spoon mixture into jalapeño halves.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Put milk in one small bowl, flour in a second, and bread crumbs in a third.

  3. Dip stuffed jalapeños in milk, then in flour, making sure they are well-coated. Transfer coated jalapeños to a plate; let dry for 10 minutes.

    Dip stuffed jalapeños in milk, then in flour, making sure they're well coated.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Dip jalapeños in milk once more, then roll through the bread crumbs. Let dry on the plate for 10 minutes, then repeat dipping in milk and rolling in bread crumbs once more; make sure they are completely coated. Let dry.

    Dip once more in milk, then roll through bread crumbs, repeat twice.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Heat oil to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C) in a medium skillet.

  6. Working in batches if necessary, deep-fry coated jalapeños until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and let drain on a paper towel.

    Deep fry until golden-brown and let drain on paper towel.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Serve hot and enjoy!

    looking down at a dish full of jalapeño poppers with one cut in half to see inside filling

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Recipe Tip

Be sure to wear rubber gloves while seeding the jalapeños — they will burn your fingers.

Editor's Note

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

1,430 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

161 Calories
10g Fat
11g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 20
Calories 161
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 6g 32%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 176mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin C 8mg 8%
Calcium 121mg 9%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 103mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.