Crispy Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers (Printable)

Golden crispy jalapeño halves filled with cheesy creaminess, breaded and fried until perfectly crunchy.

# 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
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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Carefully remove seeds and membranes while wearing gloves to prevent skin irritation.
02 - Combine cream cheese, cheddar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl. Mix until completely smooth and homogeneous.
03 - Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling reaches all corners 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 coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
06 - Heat oil to 350°F. Fry poppers in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
07 - Arrange warm poppers on a serving platter alongside ranch dip for immediate enjoyment.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • That perfect moment when you bite through the crispy breadcrumb coating into the cool creamy cheese filling while the heat from the pepper hits you
  • They disappear faster than you can fry them, making you the instant hero of any gathering
02 -
  • Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature and makes the poppers soggy instead of crispy
  • Letting the stuffed peppers chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before breading helps them hold their shape better
03 -
  • A candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of oil temperature and prevents undercooked or burnt poppers
  • Leftover filling makes an excellent spread for crackers or bagels the next day
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