Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Plate
- Paper towels
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the deep fryer or large pot with vegetable oil to 375°F.
2. Cut off the stem end of each jalapeno pepper and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture and press the halves back together.
5. Place the flour in a medium mixing bowl, the beaten eggs in another medium mixing bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl.
6. Coat each stuffed jalapeno in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the jalapenos to make sure they stick.
7. Place the coated jalapenos on a plate and repeat until all jalapenos are coated.
8. Carefully place the coated jalapenos in the preheated oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Use a slotted spoon to remove the jalapeno poppers from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 6 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 24 jalapeno poppers. Serving size is 2 jalapeno poppers per person.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 220
Fat per serving: 14g
Saturated fat per serving: 6g
Cholesterol per serving: 50mg
Sodium per serving: 310mg
Carbohydrates per serving: 17g
Fiber per serving: 1g
Sugar per serving: 1g
Protein per serving: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you like instead of pepper jack cheese.
- Instead of smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if you have a gluten intolerance.
Variations:
- You can add cooked bacon or sausage to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Instead of jalapeno peppers, you can use mini sweet peppers or banana peppers.
- You can bake the jalapeno poppers in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying them.
Tips and tricks:
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeno peppers to avoid getting the oils on your skin.
- Make sure the cheese mixture is at room temperature so it's easier to stuff the jalapenos.
- Press the breadcrumbs onto the jalapenos to make sure they stick well.
- Don't overcrowd the deep fryer or pot with too many jalapeno poppers at once, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy poppers.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the jalapeno poppers, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the jalapeno poppers on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or salsa.
- Garnish the jalapeno poppers with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
Pairings:
- Serve the jalapeno poppers as an appetizer before a Mexican-inspired meal, such as tacos or enchiladas.
- Pair the jalapeno poppers with a cold beer or margarita.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the jalapeno poppers with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips.
- Pair the jalapeno poppers with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a healthier option.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese mixture is too thick to stuff the jalapenos, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.
- If the jalapeno poppers are not crispy enough, increase the frying time by 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the jalapeno poppers to avoid undercooked poppers.
- Use caution when handling hot oil to avoid burns.
- Store any leftover jalapeno poppers in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.
Food history:
- Jalapeno poppers originated in the United States in the 1980s and have since become a popular appetizer at restaurants and parties.
Flavor profiles:
- The jalapeno poppers have a spicy and cheesy flavor with a crispy breadcrumb coating.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the jalapeno poppers on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Arrange the jalapeno poppers on a bed of lettuce or kale for a colorful presentation.
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