Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese Filling are the ultimate appetizer for spice lovers! These poppers are made by stuffing fresh jalapeño halves with a rich, creamy cheese mixture and baking them until bubbly and golden. The combination of the fiery jalapeño, smooth cream cheese, and crispy topping creates the perfect bite — creamy, spicy, and irresistibly crunchy.

Unlike fried versions, these poppers are baked, making them lighter but just as satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a game night, party, or simply craving a flavorful snack, these baked jalapeño poppers always steal the show.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a beautiful balance of heat and creaminess. The spiciness of the jalapeño contrasts perfectly with the cooling, cheesy filling, and the golden baked topping adds the most delicious crunch.

What I love most is how customizable it is — you can make them mild or fiery, vegetarian or loaded with crispy bacon.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Healthier than fried: Same crunch and flavor, less oil.
Perfect party food: Bite-sized, portable, and fun to eat.
Easy and quick: Minimal prep, no complicated techniques.
Versatile: Great for vegetarians, and easy to adjust the spice level.

Once you try these baked jalapeño poppers, they’ll become a go-to snack for every gathering — spicy, creamy, and impossible to stop at just one!

Recipe Time & Yield

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings (makes about 12 poppers)
Calories: ~140 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer / Snack / Party Food

Ingredients

For the Jalapeño Poppers:

6 large fresh jalapeños (halved lengthwise and seeds removed)
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for spice)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)
2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)

For the Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

4 strips cooked bacon, finely crumbled (for bacon lovers!)

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut and deseed jalapeños.
Mix cream cheese filling and stuff each half.
Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping.
Bake until golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes (for less heat).
Place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together:
- Cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and green onions.
Stir until smooth and well combined.
(Optional) Add crumbled bacon for a savory twist.

Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños

Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into each jalapeño half, filling them generously but neatly.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl.
Sprinkle evenly over the stuffed jalapeños.

Step 5: Bake the Poppers

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra cheese before serving.

How to Serve

Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
Arrange on a platter for parties or game nights.
Pair with light drinks like iced lemonade, beer, or sparkling water.
For a meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, tacos, or nachos.

Additional Recipe Tips

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
For less spice, soak the halved jalapeños in cold water for 15 minutes before stuffing.
Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
Want extra crunch? Mix crushed tortilla chips into the breadcrumb topping.
If your jalapeños are too spicy, try mini sweet peppers for a milder version.

Variations

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers:
Wrap each filled jalapeño half with half a slice of bacon before baking.
Tex-Mex Style:
Add taco seasoning and corn kernels to the filling.
Herb & Garlic Poppers:
Mix in chopped herbs like chives, dill, or basil for fresh flavor.
Four-Cheese Poppers:
Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda for a super cheesy twist.
Vegan Version:
Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar, and brush with olive oil before baking.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing (Unbaked):

Arrange stuffed (but unbaked) jalapeños on a tray and freeze for 2 hours.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Freezing (Baked):

Freeze cooled baked poppers for up to 1 month.
Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Spoon or piping bag
Small knife and gloves (for handling jalapeños)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use pickled jalapeños?
No — they’re too soft. Use fresh jalapeños for best results.

Q2: How can I make them milder?
Remove all seeds and white membranes, or use mini sweet peppers instead.

Q3: Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Q4: Can I make them ahead?
Yes — assemble them a few hours before baking and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Q5: What other cheeses can I use?
Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese Filling are the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy — a true party favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The baked method keeps them light and crispy without the mess of frying, while the creamy filling balances the heat beautifully.