Mexican
⭐ Highly Rated
20 minmedium
MexicanAppetizer
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsThese authentic Mexican jalapeño poppers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers bold flavors with every bite. Fresh jalapeños are halved and seeded, then generously filled with a mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, garlic, and spices. The peppers are baked until golden and bubbly, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. Accompanied by a refreshing lime crema made with sour cream, fresh lime juice, and cilantro, these poppers offer the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors. Whether you are hosting a casual gathering or looking for a delicious snack, these poppers are sure to impress. The recipe is easily customizable – adjust the heat level by leaving some seeds in the jalapeños, or make them milder by removing all seeds and membranes. This dish showcases the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine while being simple enough for home cooks of any skill level.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Wash jalapeños and cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully remove seeds and membranes (wear gloves if you have sensitive skin).
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, mounding it slightly.
Arrange filled jalapeños on the prepared sheet pan, cheese side up.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
While peppers bake, prepare the lime crema: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Remove poppers from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Serve warm with lime crema drizzled over top or on the side for dipping.
Jalapeño Poppers with Lime Crema
5.0 (85)
Crispy baked jalapeños stuffed with a savory cream cheese and cheddar filling, served with a tangy lime crema for the perfect balance of heat and cool refreshment.
medium
45 min
6 servings
Ingredients
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Main
- 12 pieces bell-peppers, jalapeños, halved and seeded
Filling
- 8 ounces cream-cheese, softened
- 1 cups cheese-cheddar, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoons cumin, ground
- 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
Lime Crema
- 1/2 cups sour-cream
- 2 pieces lime, juiced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, fresh, chopped
Chef Tips
expert advice•For extra crispy poppers, place them under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
•If you prefer less heat, use Anaheim or poblano peppers instead of jalapeños.
•The lime crema can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
•For a smoky flavor variation, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the cheese filling.
•These poppers pair wonderfully with Mexican beer or margaritas.
•You can also wrap each filled pepper half with a half-slice of bacon before baking for added richness and flavor.
