Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers: Creamy, Cheesy & Irresistible

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Do you crave something spicy, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent for your next gathering? These Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers might be your new go-to. Bursting with creamy filling and golden melted cheese, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in seconds.

Whether you’re entertaining friends, planning a game-day spread, or looking for a low-carb snack with flavor to spare, these jalapeño poppers hit all the right notes. Baking them instead of frying keeps things lighter without sacrificing crunch or flavor. They’re simple, satisfying, and can be prepped ahead—the perfect combination.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these jalapeño poppers perfectly, gather the following tools:

• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – To slice the jalapeños cleanly and remove the seeds safely.
• Gloves – Highly recommended when working with jalapeños to avoid chili oil irritation.
• Mixing Bowl – For blending the cheesy filling evenly.
• Spoon or Small Scoop – To neatly fill each pepper half with the creamy mixture.
• Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper – Ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Oven – Baking brings out the best in both the peppers and the gooey, golden cheese topping.

Each of these tools plays a role in getting the job done quickly, safely, and deliciously. Gloves protect your hands, sharp knives make precise cuts, and a good oven bake eliminates the grease without losing that satisfying crunch.

---

Ingredients for the Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers

• Fresh Jalapeños – These are the star of the recipe, bringing a crisp texture and signature heat.
• Cream Cheese – Provides a rich, smooth base that balances the heat of the peppers.
• Cheddar Cheese – Adds sharpness and helps create a bubbly, golden topping when baked.
• Cooked Bacon (optional) – Adds a smoky, savory depth to the filling.
• Green Onions – Brings a fresh, slightly peppery brightness to the cheesy mix.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall flavor with subtle warmth.
• Salt and Pepper – For simple but necessary seasoning.

---

How To Make the Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños

Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Use gloves to protect your hands from the oils.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped cooked bacon, sliced green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Fill the Jalapeño Halves

Use a spoon or small scoop to fill each jalapeño half generously with the creamy cheese mixture.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place the filled jalapeños on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the poppers cool for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the filling set and avoids burning your mouth on the first bite.

---

How to Serve and Store Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers

These jalapeño poppers are best served hot, straight from the oven when the cheese is still melty and the peppers have a slight bite. They make a fantastic appetizer for game nights, potlucks, backyard BBQs, or any casual get-together. Pair them with a cool dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or avocado crema to balance the heat.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to bring back their crisp edges and melty center. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to soften the peppers too much.

You can also freeze unbaked, filled jalapeños for a quick snack later. Just thaw them slightly before baking as directed.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best for the filling?

Cream cheese is essential for creaminess, and sharp cheddar melts beautifully with great flavor. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda.

Are these poppers really spicy?

It depends on the jalapeños! Removing the seeds and membranes cuts most of the heat. You can also soak the halved peppers in cold water for 15 minutes to mellow them out.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble them a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Pop them in the oven just before serving.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the bacon and maybe add finely chopped mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

How do I avoid the filling spilling out during baking?

Don’t overfill and make sure the poppers are nestled snugly on the baking sheet. A slight mound of filling is fine, but too much will ooze out.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Yes! Place them cut-side up on indirect heat for about 15 minutes, covered. The smoky flavor from the grill is an excellent bonus.

---

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If these Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers sparked your appetite, you’ll love some of these other crowd-pleasers from LadyPlate:

Try the Cheeseburger Sliders for a meaty, melty finger food that disappears fast. Or go for the Meaty Texas Trash Dip if you need a gooey, shareable dip that pairs beautifully with chips.

Looking for something a bit more surprising? These Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles offer a crispy, tangy twist. And don’t miss the Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers for the ultimate cheesy-crunchy bite.

For a crossover of spicy and creamy, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna delivers bold flavor in every forkful—a great way to level up your comfort food game.

---

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your party boards for later. Just hit the Pin button.

If you give this a try, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you use bacon or skip it? Did you go spicier? Leave a comment below—I’m always excited to see your twist on it.

And for more daily recipes and inspiration, follow me on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?