Jalapeno Poppers with Jalapeno Jam

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Jalapeno Jam
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup bread crumbs; Oil for frying (optional); 1 cup diced jalapenos (seeds removed); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 pouch fruit pectin

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

When I decided to make Jalapeno Poppers with Jalapeno Jam, I never expected them to become an instant favorite among my friends and family. The combination of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, and a touch of sweetness from the homemade jam is simply irresistible. These poppers are ideal for gatherings or cozy nights at home. I love how they bring a delightful crunch followed by a creamy filling, and the jam adds the perfect hint of sweetness to balance the heat. Trust me, you'll want to make these again and again!

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:01:28.200Z

Creating Jalapeno Poppers with Jalapeno Jam was a fun culinary adventure that surprised me with its delicious outcome. I meticulously selected plump jalapenos and filled them with a flavorful cream cheese mixture. After a satisfying baking session, the aroma filled my kitchen, instantly making my mouth water. The poppers emerged bubbly and golden, ready to be drizzled with the sweet and spicy jam.

What I found particularly satisfying was the contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy, cheesy filling inside. The homemade jalapeno jam elevated the dish, turning each bite into a delightful experience. Make sure to let the jam cool slightly before serving, as this enhances its flavor profile and pairs beautifully with the poppers.

        Why You'll Love These Poppers
        A perfect blend of spicy and sweet in every bite
Creamy, cheesy filling that complements the heat
Great for parties, gatherings, or a fun family snack

      

Perfecting Your Jalapeno Poppers

For successful jalapeno poppers, choose large, firm jalapenos. Their size allows for ample stuffing, while firmness adds to the final texture. When slicing them, aim for clean, even halves to ensure they cook uniformly. Removing the seeds is vital as it significantly reduces their heat. If you enjoy a bit more spice, consider leaving a few seeds in some of the poppers to cater to varying palates.

Use softened cream cheese as your base to create a smooth and creamy filling. Combining it with shredded cheddar cheese not only enhances the flavor texture profile but also gives a gooey, melty finish once baked. Depending on your preference, you can experiment with flavored cream cheeses, like garlic or herb, that can add an extra layer of taste to the filling.

Breading and Baking Tips

Coating the poppers with bread crumbs is essential for achieving that crispy texture everyone craves. For a more flavorful crust, consider mixing spices like paprika or cayenne pepper into the bread crumbs before coating. If you prefer an extra crunchy texture, double-dip your poppers by first coating them in flour or a beaten egg before rolling them in the bread crumbs.

When baking, placing the poppers on parchment paper ensures easy removal and cleanup, preventing sticking. Keep an eye on them as they bake; a golden brown exterior usually indicates they’re ready, typically around 20-25 minutes. If you want extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch diligently to avoid burning.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smoother cooking experience:

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 large jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup bread crumbs
Oil for frying (optional)

For the Jalapeno Jam

1 cup diced jalapenos (seeds removed)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 pouch fruit pectin

With these ingredients in hand, let's make something truly delicious!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfect jalapeno poppers:

Prepare the Jalapeno Poppers

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut each jalapeno in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.

Coat the Poppers

Dip each stuffed jalapeno in the bread crumbs until well coated. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, spray or lightly drizzle the poppers with oil for extra crispiness.

Bake the Poppers

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the poppers are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Make the Jalapeno Jam

In a saucepan, combine diced jalapenos, sugar, vinegar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, add the pectin and continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool until it thickens.

Serve

Serve the warm jalapeno poppers with a generous drizzle of jalapeno jam on top. Enjoy!

Watch your guests enjoy them disappear!

Pro Tips

For those who prefer less heat, consider using milder peppers or reducing the amount of jalapeno in the jam. You can also prepare the poppers in advance and bake them just before serving.

Making the Perfect Jalapeno Jam

Creating jalapeno jam is a simple process, but getting the right consistency is key. Be sure to finely dice the jalapenos to ensure they integrate well into the jam, providing flavor in every bite. To gauge if your jam is ready, use a spoon to test the consistency—if it coats the back of the spoon, it's on its way to thickening as it cools.

If you're concerned about spiciness, adjust the quantity of jalapenos in the jam to suit your taste. Removing all the seeds can further tone down the heat and create a sweeter profile. Adding extra vinegar can also balance the sweetness with a zesty kick, enhancing the overall flavor balance with your poppers.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Leftover jalapeno poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before baking. Arrange the uncooked, coated poppers on a baking tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

For serving, consider pairing your jalapeno poppers with dips such as ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance their heat. You can even create a platter with various dips for a fun tasting experience. Drizzling additional homemade jalapeno jam on the side not only enhances the dish but also adds an inviting touch to your presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen jalapenos?

Yes, you can use frozen jalapenos, but make sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture.

→ How can I make the jalapeno jam spicier?

To increase the heat, leave some seeds in the jalapenos or add another spicy pepper to the jam mixture.

→ Can I prepare the poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the poppers a day in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

→ How should I store leftover jalapeno poppers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.