Jalapeno Poppers with Jalapeno Jam

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Jalapeno Jam
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup breadcrumbs; Cooking spray; 1 cup chopped jalapenos (seeds removed for less heat); 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup pectin

Highlighted under: Fusion Cooking

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers, and the addition of Jalapeno Jam elevates them to a whole new level! The way the savory, cheesy filling perfectly complements the sweet and spicy jam is simply irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that always disappears quickly at parties. Preparing these poppers from scratch is fun and rewarding, and I can assure you that your guests will be asking for seconds. I can't wait to share this delightful recipe with you so you can enjoy it just as much as I do!

Created by

Flora Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:29:35.104Z

When I first tried Jalapeno Poppers paired with Jalapeno Jam, I instantly knew I had stumbled upon something special. The balance of flavors created an explosion in my mouth that I couldn't resist replicating.

During my trials, I discovered that baking them instead of frying preserves the freshness of the jalapenos and delivers a nice crispness without extra oil. Make sure to choose firm, fresh jalapenos for the best texture!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy cheese filling bursting with flavor
Sweet and spicy jalapeno jam adds a unique twist
Perfect for game days, parties, or a cozy night in

      

The Perfect Cheese Filling

The blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar creates a rich and creamy filling that perfectly adheres to the jalapeno halves. Cream cheese offers a smooth texture, while cheddar adds depth and a slight tanginess. Make sure your cream cheese is well-softened, around room temperature, to ensure an easy and even mix. If you're looking for a different flavor profile, consider substituting half of the cheddar with pepper jack for an added kick.

When mixing the cheese filling, be thorough to guarantee that the seasonings evenly distribute throughout. Garlic powder and onion powder contribute savory notes that beautifully complement the jalapeno's natural heat. A sprinkle of cheese on top before baking can also add more flavor and a richer texture, making the poppers even more appealing.

Key to Baking Crispy Poppers

Baking the jalapeno poppers at the right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crunch. Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) allows for an even cooking process, ensuring that the breadcrumb coating becomes crisp. If your poppers are cooked but the breadcrumbs aren't as brown as you'd like, consider finishing them under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.

A light spray of cooking spray not only helps achieve that crispiness but also prevents the breadcrumbs from becoming too dry during baking. Alternatively, for a healthier option, you can brush the poppers with olive oil instead. This adds a delightful flavor while still achieving that desirable crunch.

Making and Storing Jalapeno Jam

Jalapeno jam is a sweet and spicy condiment that pairs perfectly with these cheesy poppers. When making the jam, the simmering step is crucial; it allows the jalapenos to infuse their flavor into the mixture while the sugar helps caramelize and balance the heat. Aim for a jam-like consistency after cooking, which can take about 15 minutes in total. You'll know it's ready when it slightly coats the back of a spoon.

Storing any leftover jalapeno jam is a breeze. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight jar, and it can keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, consider canning it using proper techniques. This spicy-sweet creation also makes a fantastic topping for grilled meats or a flavorful addition to cheese boards.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Jalapeno Poppers.

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 large jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

For the Jalapeno Jam

1 cup chopped jalapenos (seeds removed for less heat)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup pectin

Now that you have everything, let’s move to the next step!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers with Jalapeno Jam.

Prepare the Jalapeno Poppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Spoon the mixture into the jalapeno halves.

Coat and Bake

Dip each filled jalapeno in breadcrumbs, then place them on a baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to promote crispness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Jalapeno Jam

In a saucepan, combine the chopped jalapenos, sugar, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir in the pectin and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Serving

Once the poppers are done baking, serve them warm alongside the jalapeno jam for dipping. Enjoy the delightful combination!

Enjoy making and sharing this tasty appetizer!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, leave some seeds in the jalapenos. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose larger jalapenos, which tend to be less spicy.

Serving Suggestions

These jalapeno poppers are fantastic on their own, but I love serving them with dipping sauces to enhance the flavor experience. A cool ranch or creamy avocado dip contrasts beautifully with the heat. You could also pair them with a refreshing cilantro-lime crema for a zesty kick.

Presentation can elevate your appetizer game as well. Arrange the poppers on a serving platter along with small bowls of the jalapeno jam for dipping. Garnishing with chopped cilantro or green onions adds a touch of color and freshness, making for an inviting display that draws your guests in.

Variations to Try

If you want to experiment with flavor, think about adding cooked bacon or crumbled sausage to the cheese mixture. This not only amplifies the savory aspect but also adds texture. Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist, consider stuffing the jalapenos with a mixture of black beans, corn, and salsa for a robust filling, complemented by the sweet and spicy jam.

For those who prefer milder flavors, opting for mini sweet peppers instead of jalapenos provides the same fun shape and crunch without the heat. You can still use the same cream cheese filling and jalapeno jam for a unique twist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue people face with jalapeno poppers is the filling oozing out during baking. To prevent this, be sure to firmly press the filling into the jalapeno halves, allowing a snug fit. Also, using fresh jalapenos rather than the larger, overripe ones can help keep the integrity of the poppers intact.

If your poppers turn out too spicy, you can tame the heat by choosing to remove all the seeds and ribs from the jalapenos, as these parts contain most of the capsaicin responsible for the heat. Additionally, serving with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt can help offset the spice, providing a cooling effect.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use pepper jack for added spice or mozzarella for a milder taste.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the jalapeno poppers?

Yes! Freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding additional time as needed.