Spicy Jalapeno Poppers Cream Cheese (Printable)

Crispy jalapeños filled with creamy cheese and spices, fried golden for a tasty, spicy snack.

# What You 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 breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
13 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)

# How To Make It:

01 - Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes using a small spoon. Wear gloves to protect skin.
02 - In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, spring onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
03 - Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, smoothing the surface.
04 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs combined with cayenne pepper if using.
05 - Dip each stuffed jalapeño first in flour, then in egg wash, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.
06 - Heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C) to a depth of approximately 2 inches in a deep pan.
07 - Fry jalapeños in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
08 - Serve hot with optional ranch dressing or favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're simultaneously impressive and genuinely easy, which means you'll actually make them again.
  • The cheese filling is tangy and rich enough that people forget they're eating vegetables.
  • Crispy outside, creamy inside, with a kick that sneaks up on you—the perfect bite-sized balance.
02 -
  • Don't skip removing the membranes inside the pepper—they hold moisture and can make your filling watery and the poppers soggy after frying.
  • The egg-and-milk mixture (called tempura batter essence) is what creates that extra-crispy exterior, so don't skip coating in it even though it feels like an extra step.
03 -
  • Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least thirty minutes before mixing so you get a smooth filling without lumps.
  • If your oil temperature drops while frying (which happens when you add cold poppers), let it come back to temperature before adding the next batch.

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