Crispy Jalapeño Poppers (Printable)

Golden, crispy stuffed jalapeños with creamy cheese filling and cool ranch dip.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jalapeños

01 - 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers

→ Cheese Filling

02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
05 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Breading

07 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ For Frying

12 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

→ Ranch Dip

13 - 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing

# How To Make It:

01 - Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Carefully remove seeds and membranes, wearing gloves to protect your hands from capsaicin irritation.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and evenly incorporated.
03 - Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling is compact and reaches the edges without overflowing.
04 - Arrange three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beat eggs in the second, and combine breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in the third.
05 - Dredge each stuffed jalapeño in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F. Fry poppers in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
07 - Arrange warm poppers on a serving platter alongside ranch dip for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crispy exterior gives way to molten cheese that balances the heat perfectly
  • They come together faster than you expect and reheat surprisingly well
  • Everyone fights over the last one, and that is the best kind of compliment
02 -
  • Undercooked poppers with raw flour taste disappointingly doughy, so make sure your oil is hot enough before you start
  • Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature and makes everything greasy
  • Letting them cool slightly improves the texture and prevents burned tongues
03 -
  • Double coating creates that restaurant style crunch everyone loves
  • Pepper jack instead of cheddar adds another layer of heat
  • Leftovers reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes
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