Jalapeno Poppers with Panko Crust

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Panko Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapeno peppers; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Ideas

I absolutely love making these Jalapeno Poppers with Panko Crust for gatherings or just to satisfy my spicy cravings. The crispy panko coating combined with the creamy, flavorful filling creates an irresistible bite. I always ensure to leave a hint of spice in the filling to keep things exciting. This recipe has become a favorite among my friends and family, and they often ask me to whip them up for any occasion. Calibrate your spice levels to suit your taste, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing delight!

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-01-12T06:54:36.959Z

When I first decided to make Jalapeno Poppers with Panko Crust, I knew I wanted to elevate the traditional recipe. I experimented with different fillings until I stumbled upon a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a dash of garlic powder, which added just the right kick. The combination ensures that every bite is creamy yet has a great burst of flavor.

Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs was the game changer for me. They give the poppers an extra crunch that contrasts pleasantly with the creamy filling. I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping, which balances the heat perfectly!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy panko coating that adds a delightful crunch
Creamy and cheesy filling with a hint of heat
Easily customizable to suit your spice preference

      

Perfecting the Flavor

To enhance the flavor profile of your Jalapeno Poppers, consider incorporating additional spices or herbs into the cream cheese filling. A dash of smoked paprika or cumin can elevate the taste, while fresh chopped chives or cilantro adds a burst of freshness. It's a great way to personalize the recipe and infuse it with your favorite flavors. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly, as the added ingredients can change the overall seasoning balance.

The cream cheese serves as the base that provides creaminess and richness, which beautifully complements the heat from the jalapenos. Using a mix of cheeses, like a blend of mozzarella for stretchiness and cheddar for sharpness, can create varying textures and flavors, making each bite deliciously complex. Experimenting with the cheese ratios can yield delightful results!

Achieving the Perfect Crunch

The panko breadcrumbs are key to achieving that satisfying crunch when frying. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko offers a lighter and airier texture, resulting in a more pronounced crunch that holds up well even after frying. For an extra crispy finish, consider double-dipping the poppers in egg and breadcrumbs—this means first coating in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeating with the egg and breadcrumbs once more. This technique ensures a thick, crispy layer.

If frying seems daunting, you can also bake the poppers for a healthier option. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Just keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures may vary, leading to different cooking times.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start preparing your Jalapeno Poppers:

Ingredients for Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapeno peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Now that you have everything prepared, let's move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Here’s how to create these delicious Jalapeno Poppers:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes—this is where the heat resides. Set them aside.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and creamy.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, pressing down gently to fill them evenly.

Coat the Poppers

Set up a breading station: one dish for flour, another for beaten eggs, and a third for panko breadcrumbs. Dip each stuffed jalapeno first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Fry the Poppers

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the poppers in batches and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your jalapeno poppers warm, optionally with ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy creations!

Now that you’ve made these poppers, they’re sure to impress at any gathering!

Pro Tips

Feel free to adjust the cream cheese mixture by adding cooked bacon bits or spices to enhance the flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Jalapeno Poppers can easily be made ahead of time, perfect for a busy schedule or hosting an event. After stuffing the jalapenos and coating them in panko, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about one hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, there’s no need to thaw them; simply fry or bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again, rather than microwaving for the best texture.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your stuffing falls out during frying, it might be due to overstuffing the jalapenos. Aim to fill them snugly but not overflowing. Ensure you press down gently on the filling to keep it in place without squeezing too much. Also, make sure the oil is adequately heated before frying; if it’s not hot enough, the poppers can absorb too much oil and become soggy.

In case the poppers aren't browning as expected, check the panko coating. If it’s still too pale, consider increasing the frying temperature slightly. However, be cautious not to go too high to prevent burning before the interior is heated through. If you’re using a shallow frying method, ensure that the oil depth is sufficient to allow even cooking on all sides.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake the jalapeno poppers instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them! Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F until golden.

→ What if I want less heat in my poppers?

To reduce heat, ensure you completely remove the seeds and membranes of the jalapenos, or you can use milder peppers.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the poppers and keep them in the fridge uncooked for a day before frying or baking.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you need a different option.