Crispy Jalapeño Cheese Poppers (Print version)

Golden-fried jalapeño halves filled with creamy cheese and served with a cool ranch dip for a spicy appetizer.

# 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 (optional)
05 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Breading

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

→ For Frying

12 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

→ Ranch Dip

13 - 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing

# How to Make It:

01 - Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes, wearing gloves to prevent irritation.
02 - Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl; mix until smooth.
03 - Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to evenly distribute the filling.
04 - Place flour in one shallow bowl, beat eggs in a second, and mix breadcrumbs with salt and black pepper in a third bowl.
05 - Roll each stuffed jalapeño first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
06 - Heat vegetable oil to 350°F and fry poppers in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
07 - Serve warm with ranch dressing on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're the perfect balance of spicy kick and creamy comfort—no single flavor overpowers the other.
  • Your friends will genuinely believe you're more of a cook than you probably are.
  • The whole process takes less than 40 minutes from raw peppers to plate.
02 -
  • The seeds and membranes are what make jalapeños hot—removing them keeps the heat mild and the focus on the creamy cheese.
  • Don't skip the flour coating; it's what helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick properly and creates that satisfying golden crust.
  • Oil temperature is everything—if it's not hot enough, the poppers absorb oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
03 -
  • A melon baller makes scooping out seeds feel less tedious and more like actual cooking instead of repetitive work.
  • Panko breadcrumbs stay crunchier longer than regular ones, and the slight extra cost is worth it for the texture difference.
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