Crispy Jalapeño Poppers (Printable)

Golden fried jalapeño halves stuffed with creamy cheese blend, breaded and served with cool ranch dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jalapeños

01 - 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers

→ Cheese Filling

02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
05 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Breading

07 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ For Frying

12 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

→ Ranch Dip

13 - 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing

# How-To Steps:

01 - Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves to protect hands from capsaicin irritation.
02 - Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl. Mix until completely smooth and evenly incorporated.
03 - Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the cavity is completely filled without overflowing.
04 - Arrange three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beat eggs in the second, and combine breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in the third.
05 - Dredge each stuffed jalapeño in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
06 - Heat oil to 350°F. Fry poppers in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
07 - Arrange poppers on a serving platter and accompany with ranch dip for dipping. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Perfectly Balanced: A delightful combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy textures that tantalizes the taste buds.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Ideal for parties, game days, or any gathering, these poppers are always a hit.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or switch from frying to baking to suit your preference.
  • Deliciously Cheesy: The smooth cream cheese and sharp cheddar filling is simply irresistible.
02 -
  • Safety First: Always wear gloves when handling jalapeños to protect your skin from the capsaicin, which can cause irritation.
  • Easy Seeding: Use a small spoon or a melon baller to quickly and cleanly scoop out the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño halves.
  • Perfect Frying Temperature: Maintain an oil temperature of 180°C (350°F) to ensure the poppers become crispy and golden without absorbing too much oil.
  • Secure Breading: Press the breadcrumbs gently but firmly onto each popper to make sure the coating adheres well and doesn't fall off during frying.
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