Introduction

These Cowboy Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers are a bold and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Stuffed with a creamy blend of cheeses, bacon, and spices, then topped with crispy breadcrumbs, they’re sure to impress your guests with every bite.

The image shows a white plate with four jalapeño peppers cut in half lengthwise and filled with a white cream cheese mix. Each pepper is covered with a golden brown, crunchy layer of toasted breadcrumbs that have a slightly rough texture and specks of reddish seasoning. The bright green skin of the jalapeños frames the creamy filling which contrasts with the crispy topping. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light coming from the side, highlighting the crunchy texture of the topping and the moist, smooth filling inside the peppers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 large jalapeno peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
2 oz crumbled cooked bacon
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter.
Step 6: Coat the filled jalapenos with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 7: Place poppers on a baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

For a milder popper, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapenos to reduce heat.
Try substituting cilantro with fresh parsley or chives for a different herb flavor.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture for smoky or spicy notes.

Storage

Store leftover jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the topping crisp and the filling warm.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with several jalapeño halves, each one layered with three main parts: the dark green jalapeño skin on the outside, a creamy, white cheese filling mixed with small red pepper flakes in the middle, and a golden-brown crispy breadcrumb topping that looks crunchy and toasted, covering the cheese. One jalapeño is held by a woman's hand, showing the soft cheese layer inside clearly, with the crunchy crumb topping on top, all set against a blurred indoor background and a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these poppers in advance?

Yes, you can fill the jalapeno halves with the cheese mixture and coat them with breadcrumbs ahead of time, then refrigerate the poppers for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I make these poppers gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to coat the jalapenos instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Cowboy Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

Cowboy Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers are a flavorful appetizer featuring spicy jalapeno halves stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, and smoky bacon, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. This crowd-pleaser combines heat, creaminess, and crunch for an irresistible bite.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 24 jalapeno halves (serves about 12 as appetizer) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Jalapenos

12 large jalapeno peppers

Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
2 oz crumbled cooked bacon
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the poppers evenly.
Prepare Jalapenos: Carefully cut the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove all seeds and membranes to reduce heat and create space for the filling.
Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
Stuff Jalapenos: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, filling them generously but neatly.
Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated, which will give a crisp and flavorful topping.
Coat Poppers: Lightly coat the filled jalapenos with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the topping adheres.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, keeping them spaced to allow heat circulation.
Bake: Bake the jalapeno poppers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the jalapenos are tender and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

Wear gloves while handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation due to capsaicin.
Removing seeds reduces heat; leave some seeds if you prefer spicier poppers.
Use freshly cooked bacon for best flavor and texture.
Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko for extra crunch.
These poppers can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
Allow to cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth from hot filling.

Keywords: Jalapeno Poppers, Cowboy Poppers, Cream Cheese Jalapenos, Bacon Jalapeno Poppers, Appetizer