Best Ever Jalape?o Poppers

Jalape?o poppers: They're warm, spicy, cheesy, and ultra-indulgent. What more could you ask for in an appetizer? These homemade jalape?o poppers taste like they're from a restaurant, but they're quite simple to make in the comfort of your own kitchen.

How to Make Jalape?o Poppers

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these homemade jalape?o poppers:

Seed and Half the Jalape?os

Wear food-grade gloves to avoid burning your hands while removing the jalape?o seeds. Slice the jalape?o in half lengthwise with a paring knife, then use the knife to cut away the seeds and ribs.

Fill the Jalape?os

Make the filling by mixing softened cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Spoon the mixture into jalape?o halves.

Dredge the Jalape?os

Dip the jalape?os in milk, then dip them in flour. Let them dry for about 10 minutes, then dip them in milk again. Roll the wet jalape?os in bread crumbs until they're well-coated. Let them dry, then repeat the milk-crumb process once more. Allow the peppers to dry completely.

Fry and Drain the Jalape?os

Heat oil to 365 degrees F in a skillet. Working in batches, fry the jalape?o poppers until they're golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

How Long to Cook Jalape?os Poppers

When fried at 365 degrees F, these homemade jalape?o poppers should be beautifully golden brown and crunchy in about two to three minutes.

What to Serve With Jalape?o Poppers

These jalape?o poppers are pretty versatile — you can serve them with just about anything. They pair perfectly with other classic appetizers like nachos, chicken wings, or any kind of dip. Homemade jalape?o poppers are also a great warm-up for tailgate-style entrees, such as hot dogs or hamburgers.

As far as sauces go, you’ll love dipping these jalape?o poppers in garlic aioli, ranch, or even queso.

How to Store Jalape?o Poppers

Store cooled jalape?o poppers in the fridge in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. They should last for about three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave in short bursts.

Can You Freeze Jalape?o Poppers?

Yes, you can freeze homemade jalape?o poppers. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for a few hours, or until they're frozen solid. Transfer the frozen poppers to a zip-top freezer bag labeled with the date. Wrap in a layer of aluminum foil for added protection. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through (400 degrees F for about 10 minutes should be enough).

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“I just made these for the first time and they are delicious,” raves hilaryhop. “Make sure not to overheat the oil, I burned my first one. So easy, so quick, and delicious!”

“Amazing,” according to Dana McBride. “The only change I made was gourmet sharp Cheddar cheese, real bacon, and I added some garlic powder. I also used Italian seasoned bread crumbs.”

“Although these do involve a good deal of work, they really are the best jalape?o poppers,” says Marley29. “They also freeze well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy them at other times.”