Cowboy Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
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.
- 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
