Description
Experience the ultimate party appetizer with these Best Ever Jalapeño Poppers. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy, these crispy bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon bacon bits
- 12 ounces jalapeño peppers, seeded and halved
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 quarts oil for frying, or as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Mix cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits together in a medium bowl until well combined. Spoon mixture into jalapeño halves.
- Set up breading station: Put milk in one small bowl, flour in a second, and bread crumbs in a third.
- First coating: Dip stuffed jalapeños in milk, then in flour, ensuring they are well-coated. Transfer coated jalapeños to a plate and let dry for 10 minutes.
- Second coating: Dip jalapeños in milk once more, then roll through the bread crumbs. Let dry on the plate for 10 minutes.
- Third coating: Repeat dipping in milk and rolling in bread crumbs once more, making sure they are completely coated. Let dry.
- Heat oil: Heat oil to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C) in a medium skillet.
- Fry poppers: Working in batches if necessary, deep-fry coated jalapeños until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and let drain on a paper towel.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Wear rubber gloves while seeding the jalapeños to protect your hands from the spicy oils.
- For a healthier version, these can be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- To make ahead, prepare the poppers up to the final breading step and refrigerate. Fry just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
