Description
Sizzling jalapeño popper bites deliver explosive flavor in one irresistible appetizer. Crispy, creamy, and packed with spicy goodness, these poppers promise to elevate your party snack game and leave guests craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 jalapeno peppers
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese
- 115 g (4 oz) cheddar cheese
- 1 lb bacon
Coating Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Seasoning and Extras:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash jalapeno peppers and slice them lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and membranes to reduce intense heat.
- In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Fill each jalapeno half generously with the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution and smooth surface.
- Cut bacon strips into halves and wrap each cheese-filled jalapeno half, securing the bacon around the pepper.
- Create a breading station with separate bowls: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped jalapeno bite first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F (190°C), maintaining consistent temperature.
- Carefully lower breaded jalapeno bites into hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Remove bites using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burning, then plate and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Remove seeds and membranes carefully to control spice level, allowing even those with lower heat tolerance to enjoy the appetizer.
- Choose fresh, firm jalapeños without soft spots or blemishes to ensure crisp texture and optimal flavor when cooking.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling peppers to prevent skin irritation and accidental eye or face touching with capsaicin oils.
- Pat bacon and jalapeños completely dry before breading to help coating adhere better and create extra crispy exterior when frying.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese for unique flavor variations that complement the spicy peppers.
- Use a digital thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt jalapeño bites during frying process.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg