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Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers Easy No Frying Recipe

crispy baked cream cheese jalapeno poppers - featured image

These crispy baked cream cheese jalapeno poppers are a quick, crowd-pleasing snack with a crunchy coating and creamy, spicy filling, perfect for parties and game days without the mess of frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 fresh jalapenos, medium-sized
  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (about 100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (about 60g) panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup (20g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • About 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Wear gloves. Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or small scoop, leaving a little space at the top.
  5. In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Lightly drizzle or spray the filled jalapenos with olive oil.
  6. Press each filled jalapeno into the breadcrumb mixture to coat the filling and edges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack with space between each.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crisp and the filling is bubbling. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even crispness. Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.
  8. Let the poppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid irritation. Pat jalapenos dry to ensure crispiness. Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking for even browning. Let poppers rest before eating to avoid burns. Refrigerate filled jalapenos up to 24 hours before baking for convenience. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno poppers, baked jalapeno poppers, cream cheese poppers, no frying, crispy snack, party appetizer, easy snack