In the quest for the ultimate snack, look no further than these irresistibly cheesy and delightfully spicy Jalapeño Poppers. Packed with a blend of pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheeses and encased in a crispy breadcrumb shell, these poppers promise to be the star of any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, these poppers offer the perfect mix of texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cheeses: 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded.
- Jalapeños: 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and sautéed until soft.
- For Dredging and Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1-2 cups)
- Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions to Popper Perfection
- Preparation:
- Begin by setting up a dredging station with three shallow containers: one for the flour, one for the mixed buttermilk and beaten eggs, and the third for the breadcrumbs blended with all the seasonings.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix both types of shredded cheese with the sautéed jalapeños.
- Forming the Poppers:
- Shape the cheese mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- To ensure they hold their shape while frying, flash freeze the cheese balls for 30-45 minutes.
- Cooking:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Coat each cheese ball first in the flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the poppers in batches of 6-8 at a time until golden brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serving:
- Serve the poppers hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a burst of flavors that complement the cheesy, spicy profile.
Nutritional Information & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
- Servings: Makes 6 servings
Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers are not just a treat; they’re a journey into the heart of comfort food with a spicy twist. Every bite offers a burst of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crisp outer shell, accented by the heat of jalapeños and the bold flavors of the seasonings. Whether it’s for a party or a personal indulgence, these poppers are sure to impress! Enjoy crafting these delights and watch them disappear in no time.
Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Dive into the delightful crunch and irresistible melt of these Spicy Gourmet Cheese Bites, a perfect fusion of sharp cheddar and creamy pepper jack enveloped in a crispy breadcrumb coating, sparked with a touch of jalapeño heat. These bites offer a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors that make them an ideal appetizer for any occasion.Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a snack, these cheese bites are easy to prepare and even easier to love. The combination of spicy and savory notes guarantees that they’ll be a hit with anyone who tries them, providing a bold kick that pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy dip.
Ingredients
2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 jalapeños, seeds removed, sautéed until soft
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1–2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
Set up a dredging station with three shallow containers: one with flour, the second with a mixture of buttermilk and beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with all the seasonings.
In a large bowl, combine both cheeses and sautéed jalapeños.
Roll the mixture into small balls and place on a baking sheet. Flash freeze for 30-45 minutes.
Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Coat each cheese ball first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.
Fry 6-8 bites at a time until golden on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 310