Stuffed Jalapeños

Wow a crowd with this super simple appetizer that packs a delicious spicy punch!

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Don’t get me wrong – I love summer. But as soon as I start to feel a fall chill in the air, I instantly start craving the coziness of indoor gatherings (accompanied by some filling, warming food). As the first leaves are falling, kids are heading back to school, and American football is just starting up again. As fall begins, it means it’s stuffed jalapeño season too!

Really, it’s the season of any homemade appetizer, enjoyed with the comforting company of friends and family. Maybe you’ve landed on this stuffed jalapeños recipe because Super Bowl weekend is around the corner, or maybe the season finale of your favorite show is coming up. If so, you’ve come to the right place!

These stuffed jalapeños are delicious and come together in a pinch. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese deliver rich cheesy flavors while the jalapeño peppers deliver a tasty punch, backed up by garlic powder, paprika, and crispy panko breadcrumbs. This appetizer is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Are Stuffed Jalapeños Healthy?

Though the jalapeño peppers in this recipe do provide some vitamins and antioxidants, the cream cheese and cheddar cheese may not necessarily be considered healthy for some diets, since they are higher in fat and calories. Fortunately, if you’re health-conscious, this recipe is flexible enough for modifications. You can add a smaller amount of the cheese mixture to the jalapeños, opt for low-fat cream cheese, or even use your favorite vegan cheese.

Overall, these stuffed jalapeños can be considered a healthier twist on fried jalapeño poppers since they are baked and not fried.

Are There Different Kinds of Jalapeño Peppers?

You may be used to seeing just one kind of jalapeño pepper at the supermarket, but there are actually plenty of different varieties. In fact, there are so many varieties that it’s hard to say exactly how many are out there. The jalapeño peppers available at your local grocery store are most likely a milder option, but if you are looking for some extra spiciness, try looking for jalapeño peppers at a Mexican or Latin grocer. Some red jalapeño peppers are this color because they have matured for longer, resulting in a spicier flavor, but this isn’t the case for every variety.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could tell how spicy a jalapeño pepper is just by looking at it? Well, many claim that you can by paying attention to any white lines on the jalapeño’s outer skin. Apparently, smooth green peppers are more likely to be mild while those with white lines have a higher chance of being spicier – this is because the white lines are a sign of maturity, so smoother jalapeños may have been picked earlier in their growth cycle, leading to a milder flavor profile. The accuracy of this method is debated, but it may just be worth trying out!

INGREDIENTS

12 large jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep
Preheat oven, mix fillings, and prepare jalapeños.

Fill
Stuff jalapeños with cheese mixture and top with breadcrumbs.

Bake
Cook until golden and tender.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

It’s easy to make stuffed jalapeños ahead of time or save your leftovers! The method is the same for both, as long you’ve got a freezer, a baking sheet, and a freezer-safe bag. First, place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Store them loose in the bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them fully before baking or reheating.

How Do I Get Perfect Stuffed Jalapeños?

The first step for getting perfect stuffed jalapeños is to make sure the peppers are properly prepared. Try to cut them evenly, straight down the middle, for a uniform presentation. Then, use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Removing the seeds will also help ensure your stuffed jalapeños aren’t too spicy.
From there, make sure your cheese mixture is well mixed. Using cream cheese that is room temperature rather than straight from the refrigerator can make this process easier. And finally, be sure not to overfill your peppers or the filling will spill over the edges while baking.

Can I use Different Spices for Stuffed Jalapeños?

Definitely! This recipe is super versatile and you can swap the paprika for something else or build on it with other spices. You can experiment with flavor combinations like taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed jalapeños are an incredible appetizer when you’re looking to entertain, or just turn a regular day into something a little more special. If you want to serve it along with other appetizers for a wider offering, I recommend these Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks or this Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp.

Got leftover jalapeños? There are so many other creative ways to use them! If you’re feeling adventurous, use up your leftover peppers in these Jalapeño Deviled Eggs, or make this simple Jalapeño Salsa and serve it with tortilla chips. Better yet, make your own Air Fryer Tortilla Chips!