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Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect appetizer for game day or any party! Fill fresh jalapenos with a cream cheese, bacon filling and top with crispy breadcrumbs. They’re easy to make and perfect to feed a crowd!

jalapeno halves with breadcrumbs on top and parsley

Jalapenos Poppers are easily the best appetizer for any occasion – they are hand-held, two-bite snacks that have crispy, creamy, spicy, and savory all rolled into a neat little package.

Want to try more of our favorite game day appetizers? Try some Boneless Chicken Wings, Sausage Rolls or Cranberry Jalapeno Dip!

Ingredients for Spicy Jalapeno Poppers

All you need are some fresh jalapenos and some simple ingredients for the cheesy filling to make a crowd-pleasing game day snack! Here’s what you need:

  • Jalapeno Peppers – Pick peppers that are bright green and firm without any soft spots. You’ll want peppers that are medium-sized so there is room for the cheese filling.
  • Cream Cheese – Use brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable kind in a tub.
  • Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – You can swap in a Mexican blend shredded cheese or another cheese of choice.
  • Bacon – You’ll cook this to a crisp and then finely chop up to use in both the filling and sprinkled on top of the poppers. You can also buy the pre-crumbled bacon in a jar to really speed up the prep.
  • Green Onions – also called scallions or spring onions.
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Garlic – Using a fresh clove that you finely mince by hand is best.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs – You can swap in regular breadcrumbs or even Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Butter – Melted to make the crispy breadcrumb topping.
  • Salt and Pepper
ingredients for jalapeno poppers

How to Make Milder Poppers for Picky Eaters

Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are not overly spicy since we remove the ribs and seeds, however, they do still have a mild kick. If you have picky eaters that can’t tolerate any spice, you can substitute mini bell peppers for the jalapenos. The recipe steps remain the same but the results are sweeter without spice.

jalapeno with seeds and ribs removed

Step by Step Instructions

Prep – Start by preheating the oven and line a baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil well with nonstick cooking spray

Cut the Peppers – Slice the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise. Make sure to leave the stems intact. Remove the white ribs and seeds – you can use a spoon to scrape them out. Place the pepper halves cut side up on the baking sheet.

jalapeno halves on a baking tray

Make the Filling – In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, â…” of the chopped crispy bacon, â…” of the sliced green onions, parsley, and garlic.

mixed filling in a bowl
jalapeno popper with filling on a baking tray

Fill the Jalapeno Peppers – Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pepper halves and spread to fill each popper.

Breadcrumb Topping – Mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the filled peppers.

baked jalapeno poppers on baking sheet

Bake – Bake uncovered. The poppers are done when the jalapeno peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle the baked poppers with the remaining chopped bacon and sliced green onions.

Make Ahead, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Make Ahead: A great thing about this appetizer is that they can be made in advance! Prepare and fill the peppers then store in the fridge up to 2 days in advance before baking and serving.

Freezing: You can even freeze the unbaked stuffed poppers to bake later. After stuffing the peppers, place them in an airtight container (do not stack them). Freeze the poppers for up to 1 month then bake from frozen – you will need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.

Leftovers and Reheating: While the poppers are best served right after baking, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the poppers in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

jalapeno popper halves on a tray

Expert Tips

  • Use Gloves! I HIGHLY recommend wearing gloves when cutting jalapenos – and be very careful not to touch your face or rub your eyes. If you don’t have gloves, I recommend using a spoon to scrape out the ribs and seeds so you don’t get the oils on your fingers then immediately wash your hands well.
  • Customize the heat. The spice is in the ribs and seeds . By removing the ribs and seeds, the jalapenos are much less spicy. If you LOVE spice, you can leave some of the ribs in the peppers.
  • Leave the Stem. When slicing the jalapenos in half, make sure to leave the stem on both halves. Not only does the stem make a pretty appearance, but it makes it easier to pick them up to eat.
  • Skip the Breadcrumbs for Low Carb Option. If you want a game day snack that is Keto-friendly, you can simply skip the sprinkle of breadcrumbs on the top. The poppers are still fabulous without it!
  • Serve with a Dipping Sauce. While the poppers are amazing on their own, you can also serve them with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or your other favorite cool and creamy dressing.
jalapeno poppers on a tray

More Appetizers You’ll Love

Recipe

Jalapeno Poppers

5 from 6 votes
Jalapeno Poppers are stuffed with cream cheese and bacon and a crispy breadcrumb topping. They are hand held and bite sized, the perfect appetizer for any occasion!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 24 poppers

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound jalapeno peppers about 12 medium
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and finely chopped, divided
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced, divided
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced parsley
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons butter melted
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and ribs, keep the pepper intact (pro tips: leave stems intact when slicing in half and wear food grade gloves when handling peppers). If you are wearing gloves, you can scrape them with your hands.
  • Arrange the peppers, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
  • In a medium sized bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, â…” of the bacon, â…” of the green onions, parsley and garlic until well combined.
  • Spoon the mixture into the open peppers and spread to fill. The filling should just slightly overfill the peppers.
  • In a small bowl, stir together panko breadcrumbs, melted butter and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle evenly over the peppers.
  • Bake uncovered for about 15-18 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with reserved bacon and green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Make Ahead: Prepare and fill the peppers then store in the fridge up to 2 days in advance before baking and serving.
Freezing: After stuffing the peppers, place them in an airtight container (do not stack them). Freeze the poppers for up to 1 month then bake from frozen – you will need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
Leftovers and Reheating: While the poppers are best served right after baking, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the poppers in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Keyword jalapeno poppers

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 109mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 433IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.

Kristin Maxwell

Kristin Maxwell is the creator and main recipe developer, writer, and photographer of Yellow Bliss Road. A self-taught cook and self-appointed foodie, she specializes in easy, flavorful and approachable recipes for any home cook.

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5 from 6 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Maureen says:

    Tried these for NY Day,. So good and also love that they can be made ahead and frozen. Looking forward to introducing my Book Club to them next time we have a Mexican meeting.

    1. Kristin says:

      Nice! Thanks for the feedback Maureen.