Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños
Ingredients
- 8 ozcream cheese
at room temperature
- cooking spray
- 2 mediumscallions
finely minced
- 4 ozsharp cheddar cheese
shredded, about 2 cups
- ½ tspkosher salt
- ½ tspground cumin
- ½ tspdijon mustard
- ¼ tspgarlic powder
- ¼ tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 10 largejalapeño peppers
halved lengthwise and seeded, 1 to 1 1/2 pounds total
- ½ cpanko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbspolive oil
Directions
- 1
Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- 2
Place 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add 2 finely minced scallions, 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir and mash with a rubber spatula until well-combined.
- 3
Place the halved and seeded jalapeños cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Gently smear 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the filling into each jalapeño half.
- 4
Bake until the filling puffs up and the peppers are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, place 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in a small microwave-safe bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir to combine. Microwave on high power in 30 intervals, stirring after each, until golden-brown, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes total.
- 5
Immediately sprinkle the baked jalapeños with panko breadcrumbs and serve warm.
Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños
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About this Recipe
Craving that perfect game day appetizer that packs a punch of flavor without too much fuss? These Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños are your answer, delivering a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of spicy kick. Perfect for sharing, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of these cheesy stuffed jalapeños lies in the irresistible contrast of creamy, tangy cream cheese and sharp cheddar, perfectly balanced with savory spices like cumin and garlic powder. A hint of Dijon mustard adds an unexpected layer of complexity, elevating the filling beyond simple cheese. The crisp texture of panko breadcrumbs on top provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft, spicy pepper.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly satisfying bite. You'll experience the initial warmth of a perfectly cooked jalapeño, followed by a rush of rich, melted sharp cheddar and velvety cream cheese. The subtle spice from the pepper is wonderfully complemented by the aromatic cumin and a whisper of garlic, all brightened by fresh scallions. Each jalapeño is designed to be a balanced explosion of flavor, making it an ideal lunch item, side dish, or snack.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; try adding a touch of pepper jack for an extra layer of spice, or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor alongside the sharp cheddar. For a different textural crunch, finely crushed cornflakes or even gluten-free almond flour can replace the panko breadcrumbs. If you prefer a milder pepper, consider using bell peppers instead of some jalapeños.
Serving & Context
These Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños are destined for your next party spread, game day gathering, or even as a flavorful addition to your lunch. They’re fantastic served warm, allowing the cheeses to remain perfectly melty and inviting.