Jalapeno Poppers with Smoked Cheese

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Smoked Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos, halved and seeded; 8 oz smoked cheese, such as Gouda or Cheddar; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Home Delights

I love making Jalapeno Poppers with Smoked Cheese for gatherings because they offer the perfect combination of heat and flavor. The smoky undertones from the cheese add a depth that complements the jalapenos wonderfully. This recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it also provides a crowd-pleasing snack that everyone enjoys. Whether it's game day or a cozy movie night, these poppers always steal the show with their delectable crunch and cheesy goodness.

Created by

Rowena Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:01:23.210Z

Making Jalapeno Poppers with Smoked Cheese became a favorite of mine after I first served them at a backyard barbecue. I was amazed at how popular they were among my friends and family. The combination of the crispy exterior and melty cheese is simply irresistible. I learned a great tip: soaking the jalapenos in water for a bit before baking can help reduce their spiciness while retaining flavor.

Another great thing about this recipe is how versatile it can be. I’ve experimented with different smoked cheeses, like Gouda and Provolone, and each one adds its unique twist to the poppers. My favorite creation was when I mixed in herbs and spices with the cheese—adding a bit of garlic powder elevates the flavor even more!

Why You'll Love These Poppers
Deliciously smoky flavor that complements the spiciness of jalapenos
Crispy exterior with a gooey cheese filling
Easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings

Understanding Jalapenos

Jalapenos are known for their medium heat level, ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville heat units. When preparing them for poppers, it's essential to remove the seeds and membranes, as these parts contain most of the heat. You can gauge the spice level by tasting a small piece of the jalapeno before cooking. If you’re looking for milder poppers, consider using fewer jalapenos or substituting with a less spicy pepper variety, such as Anaheim peppers.

For those who might find the naturally spicy interpretation a bit daunting, a quick soak in a vinegar solution can help tone down the heat without sacrificing flavor. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and let the halved jalapenos soak for about 30 minutes before stuffing them. This method not only tempers the heat but also enhances the overall tanginess of the poppers.

Choosing the Right Cheese

The choice of cheese is crucial for achieving the smoky, rich flavor that makes these jalapeno poppers stand out. Smoked Gouda has a creamy texture and a mellow, smoky profile, making it an excellent choice. For a sharper flavor, smoked cheddar can elevate the taste profile further. If you're looking to experiment, try a blend of both cheeses for added complexity or even incorporate a touch of pepper jack for an extra kick.

Cream cheese acts as a binder in this recipe, providing a smooth consistency that melds with the smoked cheese. If you wish to lighten things up or make this dish dairy-free, consider using cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Just ensure that any substitutes maintain a creamy texture to achieve that satisfying gooeyness we all love in jalapeno poppers.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving these poppers hot out of the oven ensures that they maintain their crispy texture and melted filling. Pair them with a cooling dip, such as ranch or sour cream, to offset the spice and enhance the overall flavor experience. For a twist, try serving them with a sweet chili sauce for a delightful contrast to the heat.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the cooled poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and crisp. Alternatively, they can be frozen before baking; just ensure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn and bake from frozen when you're ready.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

Ingredients for Jalapeno Poppers

12 large jalapenos, halved and seeded
8 oz smoked cheese, such as Gouda or Cheddar
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Jalapeno Poppers:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds with a spoon. This will help reduce the heat.

Make the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine the smoked cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Stuff the Poppers

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, filling it generously. Press the filling down to ensure it is secure.

Coat in Breadcrumbs

In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs and olive oil, stirring to coat evenly. Dip the stuffed jalapenos into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing softly to adhere.

Bake

Place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the tops are golden and crispy.

Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious poppers!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding diced jalapenos to the cheese mixture or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on top before baking.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A frequent mishap when making jalapeno poppers is overfilling the jalapeno halves, leading to spillage during baking. To avoid this, ensure the filling is gently packed but not overflowing the edges. Also, using a spoon to fill the jalapenos allows you to better control the amount of mixture you add, ensuring a perfect fit.

Another common issue is uneven baking, which can result from placing the poppers too closely together on the baking sheet. Allow enough space between them so that hot air can circulate, promoting even crispiness. If you're baking a large batch, consider using two baking sheets, rotating them halfway through cooking for perfectly baked poppers.

Texture and Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the texture of your jalapeno poppers, consider adding a layer of panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko provides a lighter, crunchier coating that stays crispier even after baking. To incorporate an extra flavor dimension, mix in grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. This gives it a rich, cheesy crust that pairs beautifully with the smoky filling.

For those who prefer a smoky kick, adding a sprinkle of chipotle powder to the cheese mixture can deepen the flavor. Additionally, a few drops of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavor profile without relying solely on the cheese. Just be careful not to overdo it; a little goes a long way in intensifying the overall taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them right before serving.

→ What can I serve with jalapeno poppers?

They pair well with ranch dip, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.

→ Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different smoked cheeses or even add some spicy cheese for more heat.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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