Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bites (Printable)

Baked jalapeños filled with creamy cheese and spices, crisped to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Peppers

01 - 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers

→ Cheese Filling

02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
05 - 1 garlic clove, minced
06 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Coating

09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
11 - ½ teaspoon paprika
12 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Optional Garnish

13 - 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes for milder heat or leave some for extra spice.
03 - In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
04 - Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, mounding slightly above the edges.
05 - Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper.
06 - Dip each stuffed jalapeño half into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat.
07 - Place coated poppers on the prepared baking sheet, filling side up. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with crumbled bacon and fresh chives if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They deliver that perfect balance of heat and creaminess that feels like a secret indulgence.
  • The ease of preparation turned these into my go-to crowd-pleaser at every gathering.
02 -
  • The heat of jalapeños varies wildly, so tasting seeds before adding can save you from surprises but losing seeds takes some flavor too.
  • Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular crumbs delivers that unbeatable crunch that makes these poppers truly addictive.
03 -
  • Chill the cheese filling for 30 minutes before stuffing to make filling easier and neater.
  • Adding a pinch of chili flakes into the cheese takes the heat level to the next memorable level without overpowering.

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