Sometimes a recipe can be more about the method–and that’s true for this jalapeno poppers recipe I’m sharing today. What do I mean by that? Simply that once you understand the method of making jalapeno poppers, you are free to adjust and customize the ingredients to make this jalapeno poppers recipe your own. And football season is coming up fast, so it’s the perfect time to learn. Don’t go away, because jalapeno poppers are the ultimate in hot finger foods for football lovers.

Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

There are some basic things you need to have on hand the next time you want to make jalapeno poppers. Here they are:

• Fresh jalapenos
• Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup per half pound of jalapenos
• Softened cream cheese, about 8 ounces per every half pound of jalapenos
• Spices, including onion and garlic powder
• Bread crumbs {for fried jalapeno poppers}
• Beaten egg
• Bacon, if desired
• Cilantro {optional}
• Oil {if frying}

Note that you can make this jalapeno poppers recipe either baked or fried. If you have an air fryer, you can fry your jalapeno poppers with no oil for a healthier but still delicious option. It is also delicious to bake your jalapeno poppers in a smoker or pellet grill, so don’t be afraid to try it if you have one!

Jalapeno Poppers Basic Method

1. Wash and remove the seeds from your jalapeno peppers. Be careful, as the seeds can burn your skin. Wear kitchen gloves for protection.
2. Decide if you want your jalapeno poppers whole or halved. Either way is great–it’s just a matter of personal preference. It’s best to leave them whole if you want to stuff and fry them in oil.
3. Mix softened cream cheese and shredded Monterrey Jack cheese together in a small bowl. Add desired spices, but remember that the jalapenos themselves are going to be the kicker! If you aren’t wrapping your poppers with bacon, you can pre-cook the bacon, dice, and mix into the cheese mixture.
4. Stuff the jalapenos with the cream cheese mixture.
5. For fried jalapeno poppers, dip the stuffed peppers in beaten egg, then bread crumbs, then in beaten egg once more.
6. Allow the poppers to sit while you heat the oil to 365 degrees F. Or, preheat the air fryer if using.
7. Fry the jalapeno poppers in hot oil for approximately 3 minutes, or until golden brown in color. Remove from the oil and drain.
8. Optionally, air fry the jalapeno poppers in a single layer at 400 degrees F until golden brown, rotating partway through cooking.

Jalapeno Poppers Variation

An easy variation for the basic method is to cut the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise before stuffing. Stuff with the cheese mixture. Wrap each jalapeno with 1/2 – 1 strip of uncooked bacon. Place the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400 degrees F 10-15 minutes, or until bacon is cooked and cheese is bubbly.