Description
These easy baked jalapeño poppers are the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy indulgence. Each jalapeño half is filled with a rich, cheesy mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly. They’re a standout at game day spreads, casual parties, or as a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked breakfast sausage or crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the jalapeños: Wear gloves if desired. Halve the jalapeño peppers lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully scrape out the seeds and white membranes. This step is crucial for controlling the heat level of your baked jalapeño poppers.
- Make the creamy filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked sausage or bacon (if using), chopped chives, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill the jalapeños: Spoon the creamy cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half. Mound the filling slightly.
- Bake the jalapeño poppers: Arrange the filled jalapeño halves on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked jalapeño poppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious, creamy baked jalapeño poppers!
Notes
- For a milder flavor, remove as much of the white membrane and seeds as possible.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the poppers for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg