Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos, halved and seeded; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs; Cooking spray; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Golden Kitchen

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip for gatherings. The creamy filling blends perfectly with the spicy kick of the jalapenos, creating a wonderful balance that keeps everyone coming back for more. I’ve experimented with different fillings and spices, but I always find myself returning to this classic recipe. The addition of the onion dip takes these poppers to a whole new level, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it's game day, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

Created by

Bethan Rowcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-12T06:01:35.001Z

When I first decided to make Jalapeno Poppers, I wanted to ensure I got the right blend of flavors. After testing various cheese combinations, I found that a mix of cream cheese and cheddar delivers an incredibly smooth texture. I also love adding a hint of garlic to the filling for an extra punch. This simple but effective method truly highlights the jalapeno's natural taste while providing a creamy contrast.

One detail I learned through experimentation is to bake them until they're golden and bubbly, which adds a lovely crunch. Pairing them with a homemade onion dip makes for the ultimate snack experience. It’s a hit every single time, and now I couldn’t imagine serving them without it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy cheese filling balanced with spicy jalapenos
Homemade onion dip adds a delicious twist
Perfect for parties or cozy nights in

Perfecting the Filling

When preparing the filling for your jalapeno poppers, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This ensures easy blending with the shredded cheddar and prevents any lumps. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. This enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the jalapenos.

Achieving the right consistency is key. The filling should be creamy yet thick enough to hold its shape when stuffed into the jalapenos. If it seems too loose, try adding a bit more cheddar cheese or a spoonful of sour cream, which can also contribute to a delightful tanginess. Don't hesitate to taste the mixture before stuffing; this allows you to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Baking Techniques

For perfectly golden jalapeno poppers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and keep an eye on them as they bake. The poppers will typically need about 15-20 minutes in the oven, but every oven varies. Look for them to be golden brown and slightly puffed. A tip from my kitchen: if you find they’re browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing them to cook through.

Using cooking spray is not just to prevent sticking but also aids in achieving that desired crispiness from the breadcrumbs. Aim for an even coating without saturating the breading, as this will help maintain a crunchy texture once baked.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

When serving your jalapeno poppers, consider pairing them with a variety of dipping sauces beyond the onion dip. A zesty ranch dressing or a spicy chipotle aioli can provide additional flavor contrasts that your guests may enjoy. I love to serve the poppers on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro for a colorful presentation.

For those looking to switch things up, experiment with different cheese combinations in the filling. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even goat cheese can impart unique flavors. Additionally, if you want to make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and still achieve creamy, satisfying results.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious batch of Jalapeno Poppers:

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapenos, halved and seeded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

For the Onion Dip

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers and Onion Dip:

Prepare the Jalapeno Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, pressing slightly to ensure it's packed in.

Coat with Breadcrumbs

Dredge the stuffed jalapenos in breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Poppers

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray the jalapenos lightly with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare the Onion Dip

In another bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve

Once the jalapeno poppers are done, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with the onion dip on the side.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, you can add diced cooked bacon to the cheese filling or try different types of cheese like pepper jack.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, you can store the jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They reheat beautifully in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the breadcrumbs to regain some crispiness. Avoid using the microwave as it may render the breading soggy.

For longer storage, consider freezing the prepared poppers before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to your baking time for best results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that the jalapeno poppers are too spicy, choose milder jalapenos or remove all the seeds and membranes, as they contain most of the heat. Conversely, if you want more heat, experiment with serrano peppers, which pack an even spicier punch.

Ensure your jalapenos are fresh for the best flavor; they should be firm to the touch with vibrant skins. If they feel soft or have blemishes, they might impart an undesirable texture to your poppers. A great tip is to choose jalapenos that are uniform in size, making cooking time consistent for each popper.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you require. However, when making a larger batch, I recommend baking the poppers in batches as overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping.

Conversely, if you want to make fewer poppers, you can simply halve the ingredients. Just note that the filling might be less than required for full-sized jalapenos; it’s perfectly acceptable to use any leftover filling in your next baked dish or as a creamy spread.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the jalapeno poppers and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just bake them right before serving.

→ How spicy are these poppers?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos you choose. For a milder flavor, remove all seeds and inner membranes.

→ Can I use frozen jalapenos?

It's best to use fresh jalapenos to ensure the best texture and flavor, but frozen jalapenos can be a substitute in a pinch.

→ What can I serve with these poppers?

Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or guacamole, in addition to the onion dip.