Welcome to the world of jalapeno poppers! Whether you’re a novice chef looking for an easy appetizer to whip up before your next dinner party, or a seasoned pro looking to add a new dish to your repertoire, this guide is for you. Jalapeno poppers are the perfect combination of cheesy, spicy, and crunchy – plus, they’re easy and quick to make. Read on for a step-by-step guide to cooking the perfect jalapeno popper.
Contents
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these ingredients handy:
- 10-12 jalapenos
- 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Prep the Jalapenos
Once you have your ingredients, it’s time to start prepping your jalapenos. Start by washing the peppers and cutting off the stems. Then, cut each pepper in half lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds and membranes with a spoon.
Joke Break: What did one jalapeno say to the other? “You are hot!”
Make the Filling
Now that your peppers are prepped, it’s time to make the filling. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until fully combined.
Fill the Peppers
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to fill the peppers. Spoon the mixture into the jalapeno halves, filling each one to the brim.
Mix the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, butter, and a pinch of salt. You can use a fork to mix everything together, or your hands if you’d prefer.
Coat the Peppers
Once your coating is ready, it’s time to coat the peppers. Dip each jalapeno half in the coating, making sure to coat each side evenly.
Bake the Poppers
Now it’s time to bake your jalapeno poppers! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the jalapeno halves on the baking sheet, making sure there is at least an inch of space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the filling is melted.
Serve & Enjoy!
Your jalapeno poppers are now ready to eat! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Jalapeno poppers are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. With this easy guide, you can whip up a batch in no time. So next time you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, give jalapeno poppers a try – you won’t regret it!
Joke Break: What did the hot pepper say to the other hot pepper? “Let’s spice things up!”
