Fiery Baked Jalapeño Poppers
Game Day Classic: Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers with a Spicy Drizzle
These baked jalapeño poppers are a healthier take on the classic appetizer, delivering a creamy, savory filling encased in a mildly spicy pepper shell. Perfect for game day, parties, or a simple snack, they are naturally Mexican-style, offering a bold kick that everyone will love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 12 poppers
Ingredients:
12 (about 6 oz / 170 g) large jalapeños
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (25 g) cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
1/4 tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) Blazing Citrus Hot (optional, for drizzling)
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce. For an intense layer of flavor and heat, drizzle the finished poppers with Blazing Citrus Hot just before serving. The Fiery sauce cuts through the rich cream cheese with a zesty brightness, giving you that perfect spicy citrus hot sauce for tacos flavor profile. This organic citrus infused hot sauce is vinegar free, ensuring the texture of the filling stays creamy.
Heat Level: 8 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce is our extreme heat champion, built for serious spice fans and challenge seekers. Carolina Reaper peppers deliver searing intensity, while fresh grapefruit and lemon juice replace vinegar for a bright, tangy lift and full flavor. It is very spicy yet vibrant, turning wings, tacos, grilled meats, and bowls into a bold, citrus charged experience. Turn the heat all the way up and get maximum flavor in every drop.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and membranes. Tip: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the capsaicin.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (if using), garlic powder, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. Use a spoon or a small rubber spatula to fill each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture. Place the filled poppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cream cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with the optional Blazing Citrus Hot for a Fiery finish.
Tips & Variations
Make it Smokier: Add a 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the cream cheese filling for a deep, smoky flavor that complements the heat of the jalapeño.
Instant Pot: While not traditional, you can steam the whole, unfilled jalapeños for 1 minute on high pressure for a very soft pepper. Then slice, fill, and finish under the broiler for 3 minutes to brown the cheese.
Regional Swap (Mediterranean): Replace the cheddar cheese and bacon with crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a salty, tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing: Cheddar cheese with monterey jack. New Measurement: Use 1/2 cup (60 g) monterey jack cheese. Why: Monterey jack melts more smoothly than cheddar, leading to a creamier texture inside the popper once it cools slightly.
Replacing: Baking the poppers with air frying. New Measurement: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. Why: Air frying provides a crispier exterior on the jalapeño shell and melts the cheese quickly without having to fully heat up a conventional oven.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store leftover baked jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the air fryer until heated through and the cheese is soft again. Freeze: You can freeze uncooked poppers (pre-filled) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 130 Protein: 6g Carbs: 5g Fat: 10g
Explore More Recipes from Eleven Eleven Sauce:
