Description
These easy baked Jalapeño Poppers are a flavorful appetizer or game day snack featuring jalapeños stuffed with a creamy and tangy mix of Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, garlic, and chives, then topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Jalapeño Poppers
- 12 jalapeño peppers
- 1 cup thick whole milk Greek yogurt (such as FAGE, Chobani, or Trader Joe’s brand)
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons chives, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ heaping teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and ribbing to reduce the heat. Wearing rubber or disposable gloves is recommended to avoid irritation from the spicy oils.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine the thick Greek yogurt, grated cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, grated garlic, onion powder, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Mix until well blended to create a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the yogurt and cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, filling each cavity generously.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the filled jalapeño halves with panko bread crumbs, then drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh chives on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve warm and enjoy as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use thick whole milk Greek yogurt brands like FAGE, Chobani, or Trader Joe’s brand to replicate the cream cheese texture.
- Wearing gloves is recommended when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation from the spicy oils.
- To reduce heat, removing seeds and ribs is essential, but leaving some seeds will retain more spiciness.
- Panko breadcrumbs add a crunchy topping, but you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and cheddar with plant-based alternatives and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American