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cheesy jalapeno poppers

Crispy Baked Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers

These Crispy Baked Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers deliver the perfect combination of creaminess, crunch, and heat.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Jalapeño Poppers
  • 10 fresh jalapeños halved and deseeded
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Quick Homemade Dipping Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Prep the Jalapeños
  1. Start by washing and drying your jalapeños. Slice them lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes with a small spoon.
  2. If you prefer extra heat, leave a few seeds intact. Place the jalapeño halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side up, and set them aside.
Make the Cheese Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
Stuff the Jalapeños
  1. Use a small spoon to generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Ensure the filling is slightly mounded for that cheesy, gooey effect.
Prepare the Crispy Coating
  1. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. This combination adds a rich, crunchy texture to your poppers.
Coat the Poppers
  1. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the stuffed jalapeños, pressing lightly so it adheres to the cheese filling.
Bake to Perfection
  1. Preheat your oven or air-fryer to 400°F (200°C). Bake the poppers for 18–20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling. For an extra crispy finish, broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end.
  2. To air fry these jalapeño poppers, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy and the cheese filling is bubbling.
Quick Homemade Dipping Sauce
  1. While the poppers bake, whip up a simple dipping sauce. Combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste. This zesty, creamy sauce perfectly complements the spicy poppers.