Smooth cream cheese and zingy cheddar meet spicy jalapeños for a game-day bite that packs a punch.
I’ve always loved playing sports. Growing up, I spent entire summers playing baseball with the neighborhood kids, and in high school, I even captained my volleyball team. These days, tennis is my go-to escape from the stress of daily life. Watching sports on TV, however, is (quite literally) a whole other ballgame. In fact, Super Bowl Sunday is just an excuse for me to hibernate in the kitchen, whipping up plate after plate of snacks for the crowd that gathers in our living room—shouting at the television and pumping their fists in the air. Quite the spectacle in itself, I must say.
Of course, I make all the classics: chicken wings, all sorts of dips, spiced and roasted nuts, nachos, loaded potato skins—the works. But if there’s one snack I especially look forward to making, it’s the ever-so-creamy, perfectly spicy jalapeño poppers. Plump, vibrant jalapeños, filled to the brim with a rich mixture of cream cheese and zesty cheddar, seasoned with garlic and onion powder? Sign me up! And yes, I always pop a few in my mouth—inevitably scalding my tongue—before I bring out the platter. I’ve learned my lesson.
These disappear in the blink of an eye, so I make sure to take care of myself first, just like they tell you on an airplane. If you bring these jalapeño poppers to a game-day party (or, honestly, any party), all you’ll have at the end of the night is an empty dish—and a lot of people asking for the recipe.
Are These Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers Healthy?
Sure, these spicy little poppers are baked, not fried, making them a better option than most typical game-day snacks. That said, cream cheese and cheddar do add their share of saturated fat, so you may want to consume these in moderation. (I know, easier said than done.) You could make them a bit lighter by using low-fat dairy, but let’s be real—that still doesn’t make them health food.
Too Hot To Handle?
Jalapeño poppers aren’t just for spice lovers. You can easily adjust the heat level by removing the seeds and pith, the white membrane inside the pepper, which contains most of the capsaicin (the compound responsible for the heat).
To reduce spiciness, slice the jalapeños lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and pith using a paring knife. Be sure to wear gloves to prevent capsaicin from lingering on your skin, as it can cause irritation long after handling the peppers. I’ve made the mistake of rubbing my eyes after working with jalapeños, and trust me—you do not want to experience that level of discomfort. If removing the seeds and pith isn’t enough, you can soak the jalapeños in milk for 15 minutes before stuffing them. The casein in the milk will help neutralize capsaicin’s burn.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. The poppers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Flash-freeze them on a baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring them to a Ziploc bag.
Serving Suggestions
It’s not a game-day party without a table full of tasty finger foods! So, besides jalapeño poppers, what else makes the ultimate party menu? Classics include Chicken Wings, a creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip, and a towering pile of Air-Fryer Nachos. And truth be told, since I’m doing all the cooking, you can bet I’ll be treating myself to a Dry Martini or two!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 medium jalapeño peppers halved lengthwise and seeded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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