Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup breadcrumbs; Cooking spray; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home Cooking Favorites

I absolutely love serving Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip at gatherings. The combination of spicy jalapenos stuffed with creamy cheese, paired with a cool and tangy onion dip, creates a flavor explosion that everyone enjoys. Making these poppers is not only fun but allows me to experiment with different cheeses and spices. Whether I'm making them for a family get-together or a game day party, these poppers always disappear quickly, leaving everyone craving more.

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:55:22.366Z

When I first tried making these Jalapeno Poppers, I was surprised at how easy they were to make from scratch. I remember biting into that crispy exterior and being delightfully hit by the creaminess inside. Using a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheese really elevates the texture and flavor of the stuffing, ensuring that each bite is rich and satisfying.

One tip I found crucial is to soak the jalapenos in water before stuffing them. This not only tamps down their heat but also helps them soften during cooking. I always use a mild onion dip alongside, which balances the spice of the poppers beautifully, creating a perfect appetizer pairing.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Spicy and cheesy delight that's sure to impress your guests
Easy to customize with different types of cheese and spices
Perfect balance of heat and coolness from the onion dip

      

Crafting the Perfect Filling

Creating the filling for your jalapeno poppers is crucial to achieving that gooey, flavorful center. Using softened cream cheese is a must; it seamlessly blends with the shredded cheddar, garlic, and onion powders, ensuring a luscious texture. Make sure to beat the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, typically 2-3 minutes. This thorough mixing helps avoid any lumps, creating a uniform filling that melts beautifully when baked.

Feel free to experiment with your choice of cheese in the stuffing. For a sharper flavor, try using pepper jack or a smoky Gouda. You can also mix in some crumbled bacon or diced sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture. Just keep the cheese-to-cream cheese ratio balanced to ensure the filling remains creamy and easy to stuff into the jalapenos.

Baking to Perfection

After stuffing the jalapenos, ensuring they are coated with breadcrumbs is essential for that crispy outer layer. A good tip is to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the poppers to ensure even coverage; this promotes better crunchiness during baking. When lightly sprayed with cooking spray, the breadcrumbs will brown evenly, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy interior. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.

Keep an eye on them towards the end of the bake; every oven is different. If they haven't reached a desirable crispness after 20 minutes, continue checking every few minutes until they reach that perfect golden hue. Overbaking can lead to rubbery textures in the filling, so your vigilance pays off here.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Jalapeno Poppers and Onion Dip:

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

For the Onion Dip

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure you have everything ready before you start preparing the poppers!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes for a milder flavor. Soak them in water for about 10 minutes to help reduce heat.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, pressing slightly to pack it in.

Coat with Breadcrumbs

Dip each stuffed jalapeno into breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Poppers

Lightly spray the poppers with cooking spray and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Onion Dip

While the poppers are baking, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

Once the poppers are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with the onion dip.

Enjoy your delightful Jalapeno Poppers with the refreshing onion dip!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding crumbled bacon to the cheese filling for extra flavor. Adjust the amount of cheese according to your taste, and consider using different types like pepper jack for added heat.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover jalapeno poppers, they can be refrigerated for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, I recommend using the oven instead of the microwave to retain the crispiness. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the poppers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy once again.

For longer storage, consider freezing the uncooked stuffed jalapenos. After preparing and coating them with breadcrumbs, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and keep for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing

When it comes to serving, these jalapeno poppers pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some crunchy tortilla chips for a complete appetizer spread. You might also consider offering a variety of dips alongside the onion dip, such as salsa or guacamole, giving your guests options to choose from based on their taste preferences.

For those looking to add some extra flair, garnish the onion dip with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or some freshly chopped herbs like chives or cilantro. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing, making it even more inviting when placed on your serving table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make Jalapeno Poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead and store them in the fridge. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

→ How do I store leftover Jalapeno Poppers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

→ Can I use other peppers instead of jalapenos?

Absolutely! You can use sweeter peppers like mini bell peppers for a milder version of these poppers.

→ Are these poppers gluten-free?

To keep them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the breading altogether.