Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos

Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños are the perfect finger food for your next party! Stuff your favorite peppers with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and green onions for a creamy, spicy, savory appetizer.

Are you a fan of spice? Do you love jalapeño peppers? If so, you will love these cream cheese stuffed jalapenos. They are stuffed with two different types of cheese, cumin and green onions, and they are incredibly delicious. This spicy treat is a must-try, perfect as an easy appetizer for game day, potlucks, get-togethers, and even snacks. 

The great news about these delicious cream cheese stuffed jalapenos is that they are easy to make. Using simple ingredients and only requiring a few steps, they make the perfect party appetizer for any occasion. 

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos

• Easy to Make: These cream cheese jalapeño poppers are super easy to make. They require minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients. These delicious appetizers appear to have taken hours to make, but they don’t. 
• Versatility: Stuffed jalapeños can be served as a versatile appetizer, snack, or party dish. They work well for casual gatherings, game nights, or as a tasty addition to barbecue parties.
• Customizable Heat Level: The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of seeds and membranes left in the jalapeños. This means they can be as spicy or mild as you prefer. 
• Make-Ahead Option: These jalapeños can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake or grill. This makes them a great choice for planning and hosting events.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Jalapeños: You want whole fresh jalapeños for this recipe. Just cut them in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill!
• Cream cheese: I love the creamy tang of cream cheese. You want it softened but not melted for these jalapeño poppers.
• Shredded cheese: I use Monterey Jack cheese for this recipe, but any shredded cheese works! Use what you have.
• Cumin: This basic seasoning adds such a depth of flavor to these cheese stuffed jalapeño peppers. It’s a must in all my Mexican-inspired recipes.
• Green onions: I like the extra crunch of spring onions in these stuffed peppers. Garnish your platter with more for the party, too!

How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos

• Step One: Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
• Step Two: Slice each jalapeno lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and ribs with a spoon.
• Step Three: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, and green onion.

• Step Four: Add a spoonful of the cheese mixture to each jalapeno. You will have to spread the cheese a little so it covers the inside of the jalapeno.
• Step Five: Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is browned and peppers are soft.
• Step Six: Enjoy hot! Makes 24 individual appetizers.

Equipment Needed

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• Mixing bowls: You just need one bowl for this appetizer recipe! Luckily these are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup before your guests arrive.
• Baking sheets: Make sure you cover the baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep the peppers from sticking. For the best stuffed peppers, make sure they’re not touching during the baking.
• Cheese grater: I love shredding my own cheese! It melts way better than pre-shredded cheese, and this way I can use any flavor I want.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos

Serve this easy jalapeño poppers recipe alongside some of your favorite appetizers to create a great party spread. 

• Big Mac Egg Rolls
• Slow Cooker Little Smokies
• Avocado Toast Pockets
• Pico de Gallo
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls
• Stuffed Bacon Rolls

Variations and Substitutions 

• Spicy Variation: For a spicier kick, substitute some or all of the Monterey Jack cheese with Pepper Jack cheese. This will up the heat level of the cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños. 
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese, for unique flavor combinations. The kind of cheese you use is entirely up to you. 
• Bacon Addition: Add cooked and crumbled thick-cut bacon to the cream cheese mixture. This will add a smoky flavor and texture that will perfectly complement the spicy jalapeños. 
• Herb Infusion: Mix in finely chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley. This will add a delicious depth of flavor and dimension to the dish. 
• Onion Swap: Substitute green onions with finely chopped red onions or shallots. These more pungent onions will lend a deeper, richer flavor, creating the perfect appetizer. 

What Cheese Goes Best with Jalapenos

• Cream Cheese
• Cheddar Cheese
• Monterey Jack Cheese
• Pepper Jack Cheese
• Cotija Cheese
• Gouda Cheese

Storage Instructions

The great news is that these cream cheese stuffed jalapenos are perfect for making ahead. Whether you have leftovers or want to be prepared for a party, they are kept in the fridge. Cover them with plastic wrap tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Can I Freeze?

Jalapeño poppers can be frozen successfully both before and after baking. To freeze them, arrange the prepared poppers on a baking tray, ensuring they’re not touching, and freeze them overnight. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for long-term storage. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the jalapeno peppers. This will prevent you from transferring spiciness from your hands to vulnerable body parts, like your eyes.
• Wear Gloves: If you have disposable gloves, it is a good idea to wear them. This will help keep your hands free of the spicy material that the jalapenos give off. 
• Uniform Size: Choose jalapenos that are similar in size. This helps ensure that all the jalapeno poppers are ready simultaneously and bake evenly.
• Opt for Larger Jalapenos: Select larger jalapenos. You want them to be approximately 3-4 inches long. Larger Jalapenos are easier to clean and can hold more filling.
• Control Spice Level: Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of seeds and membranes in the jalapenos. Removing them entirely provides a milder heat. If you want some extra spice, leaving some or adding seeds results in spicier jalapeno poppers. The spice level is entirely up to you. 
• Soft Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing with other ingredients. If the cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave it in 15-second intervals until it’s easy to stir.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Opt for freshly grated cheese over pre-packed varieties to ensure proper melting. Pre-packed cheeses often contain anti-clumping agents, which can make the cheese less melty. 

How to Make Them Not Soggy

To make sure that your stuffed Jalapenos don’t get soggy, there are a few steps you can take.

Start by thoroughly drying your fresh jalapenos to remove any excess moisture. You will also want to ensure that you use a thick cheese mixture and avoid overfilling them.

If you wish to exercise additional caution, bake your stuffed jalapenos in a single layer on a baking rack. This will help to circulate the air around the peppers,  promoting even cooking. 

Spice Levels of Jalapeno Peppers

Jalapeños, typically ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), are relatively mild. They are a versatile ingredient in several different dishes like salsa and salads. They provide a delightful hint of spice without overwhelming heat. 

How to Cut Jalapenos for Stuffing

• Step One: Wash the jalapeños under cold water to remove dirt or debris.
• Step Two: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise, from the stem to the tip, creating two halves.
• Step Three: To remove the seeds and white membrane, use a spoon to scoop them out of each jalapeño half gently. Removing the seeds and membranes helps reduce the heat level of the jalapeños.
• Step Four: Once the seeds and membranes are removed, the jalapeño halves are ready to be stuffed with the cream cheese mixture according to the recipe instructions. Be sure to evenly distribute the filling in each jalapeño half for consistent flavor.

Party Food Recipes

• Pizza Dip
• Potato Nachos
• Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
• Cheesy Bacon Pinwheels
• Pizza Rolls
• More appetizer recipes

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