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Fried Jalapeño Poppers
Crispy fried party poppers with a creamy, savory center and a sturdy coating that stays crunchy.
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Servings: 8
Calories: 234kcal
Equipment
- Spider or Slotted Spoon
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated by hand
- 1 tablespoon bacon bits
- 12 jalapeño peppers halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 quarts soybean oil or as needed for frying
Instructions
- Make the Filling
- Combine the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits in a medium bowl12 ounces cream cheese, 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 1 tablespoon bacon bits
- Stir until smooth and evenly mixed
- Fill the Jalapeños12 jalapeño peppers
- Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half
- Fill flush to the top without overfilling
- Set Up the Breading Station
- Whisk the milk and egg together and pour into a dredging pan1 cup whole milk, 2 eggs
- Place the flour in a dredging pan1 cup all-purpose flour
- Place the bread crumbs in a dredging pan1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- First Coating
- Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the milk mixture
- Roll in the flour until fully coated
- Place on a plate and let rest for 10 minutes
- Second and Third Coating
- Dip the jalapeños back into the milk mixture
- Roll in the Panko bread crumbs
- Let rest for 10 minutes
- Repeat once more, dipping again in milk and rolling again in bread crumbs
- Let rest until the coating looks dry and firm
- At this point the poppers can be placed in the refrigerator until ready to fry, or frozen until ready to use at a later time.
- Fry the Poppers
- Heat oil to 365°F in a deep skillet or heavy pot
- Fry the poppers in small batches
- Cook until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain
- Serve
- Serve hot
- Slow Cooker Instructions
- (Drew Barrymore Beautiful 10-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker)
- This method keeps poppers warm after frying for parties.
- Set the multi-cooker to Keep Warm
- Line the inner pot with paper towels
- Place fried jalapeño poppers inside in a single layer, placing paper towels between layers
- Cover loosely (do not seal with lid or the poppers will become soggy)
- Hold warm for up to 2 hours, replacing paper towels if they become damp
Notes
Substitutions
• Pepper Jack can replace Cheddar for extra heat
• Turkey bacon bits may replace regular bacon bits
• Regular breadcrumbs can replace Panko, but may not be as crunchy Serving Suggestions
• Serve with ranch dressing, Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch, sour cream, or a simple chipotle mayo
• Pair with tortilla chips and salsa for a full appetizer spread Storage
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days Freezing
• Freeze breaded, uncooked poppers on a baking sheet until solid
• Transfer to freezer bags and freeze up to 3 months
• Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time
• Pepper Jack can replace Cheddar for extra heat
• Turkey bacon bits may replace regular bacon bits
• Regular breadcrumbs can replace Panko, but may not be as crunchy Serving Suggestions
• Serve with ranch dressing, Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch, sour cream, or a simple chipotle mayo
• Pair with tortilla chips and salsa for a full appetizer spread Storage
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days Freezing
• Freeze breaded, uncooked poppers on a baking sheet until solid
• Transfer to freezer bags and freeze up to 3 months
• Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time
Nutrition
Serving: 3 poppers | Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 288mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 590IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 1mg
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.