Crispy Jalapeño Cheese Poppers (Print Version)

Golden fried jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and crisped breadcrumbs, paired with a cool ranch dip.

# What You Need:

→ Jalapeños

01 - 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers

→ Cheese Filling

02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
05 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Breading

07 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ For Frying

12 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

→ Ranch Dip

13 - 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing

# How To Make It:

01 - Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes using gloves.
02 - Combine cream cheese, cheddar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl; blend until smooth.
03 - Fill each jalapeño half evenly with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to secure.
04 - Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
05 - Dredge each stuffed pepper in flour, dip into eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
06 - Heat oil to 350°F in a deep saucepan and fry poppers in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and golden; drain on paper towels.
07 - Present warm with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy breadcrumb coating shatters perfectly against creamy, tangy cheese filling.
  • You control the heat by how thoroughly you scrape out the seeds and membranes.
  • They disappear faster than you can fry them, which means everyone's happy.
  • Ranch dip cools everything down and adds a familiar, comforting contrast.
02 -
  • Don't skip the gloves when handling jalapeños; the capsaicin oil lingers on your fingers and will burn if you touch your face.
  • Make sure the oil temperature stays steady; if it drops too low, the poppers absorb grease and turn soggy instead of crispy.
  • Let the breaded poppers rest for 5 minutes before frying so the coating adheres better and doesn't slide off in the oil.
03 -
  • For an even crunchier coating, dip the poppers in egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature; consistency is the secret to perfectly golden poppers every time.
  • If you're baking instead of frying, brush the breaded poppers lightly with oil before putting them in the oven so they still get crispy.
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