Jalapeno Poppers with Garlic Herb Filling

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Garlic Herb Filling
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 fresh jalapenos, halved and seeded; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; Olive oil spray

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Garlic Herb Filling for gatherings and parties. They pack a flavor punch that elevates any occasion! The creamy and savory filling, spiced up with jalapeno heat, is always a crowd-pleaser. I've perfected this recipe over time, ensuring the balance between the robust garlic and the fresh herbs shines through without overwhelming the jalapeno’s natural taste. Believe me, once you try them, you'll find it hard to stop at just one!

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:46:21.012Z

When I first attempted making Jalapeno Poppers, I experimented with various fillings until I landed on this garlic herb blend. The combination complements the heat of the peppers while adding layers of flavor. I even discovered that mixing in a little cream cheese elevates the texture, making each bite ultra creamy. It’s this little twist that keeps everyone coming back for more.

One tip I can offer is to choose jalapenos that are firm and bright green to ensure maximum crunch and flavor. Additionally, removing the seeds can help control the spice level, making these poppers suitable for all taste preferences in a party setting.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy garlic herb filling that enchants the taste buds
Perfectly balances heat and flavor for a delightful snack
Ideal for parties, game days, or cozy family dinners

      

Mastering the Stuffing Technique

Getting the stuffing just right is crucial for the success of your Jalapeno Poppers. When combining the ingredients for the filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for optimal mixing. This will create a smooth and creamy texture that can easily meld with the other ingredients. If the cream cheese is too cold, it can lead to lumps in your filling, making it harder to stuff into the jalapenos. For best results, blend until the mixture is glossy and cohesive.

As you stuff the jalapenos, aim to fill each half generously but don't overstuff them to the point where the filling spills out during baking. A small offset spatula or spoon can help push the filling into the corners. If you have leftover filling, consider using it as a dip or combining it with cooked pasta for a creamy side dish.

Achieving Perfectly Golden Breadcrumbs

The breadcrumbs play a crucial role in both texture and flavor of the Jalapeno Poppers. After stuffing, sprinkle a generous amount of breadcrumbs on top. I like using panko for a crunchier texture, but traditional breadcrumbs work just as well. To ensure that they crisp up, a light spray of olive oil is essential—it enhances browning without making them greasy. If you prefer, you can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for added flavor.

Bake the poppers until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, usually around 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes; if they start to darken too quickly, consider covering them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the jalapenos finish cooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious Jalapeno Poppers:

For the Filling

1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapenos, halved and seeded
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Olive oil spray

Once you have everything ready, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers:

Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Take each halved jalapeno and carefully fill with the cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously filled.

Coat with Breadcrumbs

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over each stuffed jalapeno and lightly spray with olive oil to help them brown nicely during baking.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until the jalapenos are tender and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Your Jalapeno Poppers are now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, try adding some bacon bits into the filling. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using bell peppers instead of jalapenos.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Jalapeno Poppers can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings. Prepare the filling and stuff the jalapenos, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking, so they cook evenly.

You can also freeze the stuffed jalapenos if you want to prepare them further in advance. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, there's no need to defrost; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.

Serving Suggestions

For an added touch when serving your Jalapeno Poppers, consider a dip. A cool dip like ranch or sour cream balances the heat from the jalapenos beautifully. You can also enhance the presentation by garnishing with additional fresh herbs, such as chopped cilantro or extra chives, right before serving.

These poppers can stand alone as a snack or appetizer, but they also make a fantastic accompaniment to a main dish. Serve them alongside grilled meats, burgers, or with a spicy salsa to complement their flavors. Adjust the spice level by choosing milder jalapenos if serving to those with a lower tolerance for heat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the poppers in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them just before serving.

→ How spicy are these Jalapeno Poppers?

The level of heat can vary depending on the jalapenos used. Removing the seeds reduces the spiciness, making them more approachable.

→ Can I freeze Jalapeno Poppers?

Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they are properly wrapped and defrost them before baking.

→ What can I serve with these poppers?

They pair wonderfully with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy with your favorite beverage!