Ingredients
- 6 jalapeños, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Mix until well combined.
3. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, mounding it slightly. Place the jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a shallow bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Heat 1-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, dip each jalapeño half in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Place the jalapeños in the hot oil and fry until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the jalapeños to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Bake the jalapeños for 5 minutes, then turn on the broiler and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve the jalapeño poppers warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Per serving (3 pieces): Calories: 249, Fat: 19.9 g, Saturated fat: 9.8 g, Cholesterol: 45 mg, Sodium: 546 mg, Carbohydrates: 8.2 g, Fiber: 1.6 g, Sugar: 1.3 g, Protein: 12.2 g.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy jalapeno poppers without all the added fat and calories that come with deep-frying them. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon adds a ton of flavor, and the crunchy coating is a delicious contrast to the creamy filling. Whether you're looking for a tasty party appetizer or just a fun snack, jalapeno poppers are sure to be a hit!
These poppers are also incredibly versatile. If you don't like spicy foods, you can use milder jalapeños or even bell peppers in place of the jalapeños. You can also switch up the cheese filling by using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even feta cheese. The possibilities are endless!
No matter what variation you choose, jalapeno poppers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. They're easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be served as an appetizer or a snack. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why jalapeno poppers are so popular!
