Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are my new favorite treat. They take traditional jalapeno poppers and add in some turkey day stuffing. You know, the kind of stuffing or dressing that is common during your Thanksgiving day meal!

These Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers offer flexibility in that they can be served piping hot, but are also equally enjoyable straight out of the fridge. Featuring a smoky, spicy, salty and savory flavor profile, who would’t enjoy this decadent Thanksgiving Day treat?

Choosing Your Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

As a host, the biggest concern with serving stuffed jalapeno poppers is the spice level. For some, the mild spiced pepper can be a bit much to handle.

However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can manage the heat to your and your guests preferred level!

How to choose the right pepper:

Jalapeno peppers are classified as a medium-sized chili pepper, typically on the milder side of the Scoville scale. The Scoville scale is a measurement of the pungency of chili peppers, as recorded in Scoville Heat Units

Growing styles will impact the overall spiciness of the pepper. Knowing the exact cultivation technique with your specific batch of peppers is generally pretty hard to do, so it is always a good idea to have a taste before preparing.

What to look for in regard to sweetness:

While knowing the exact spice level of your jalapeno’s may be impossible, there is one tell tale sign that can help to estimate the spice level. That sign is color.

Red jalapeno peppers are generally sweeter than green (unripe) jalapeno peppers. Often times, they are also spicier. The reason being they have had more time to soak up capsaicin

How to get the right spice levels:

Capsaicin is the concentrated heat compound found in jalapeno peppers. Depending on the overall spice tolerance of the party, choosing the right type of jalapeno pepper will pay dividends.

For a less spicy jalapeno popper, completely remove the seeds and inner membrane of the jalapeno. This can be done with a pairing knife or melon baller. After removing, soak the slices in a bowl of cold water for up to 30 minutes before preparing.

To turn up the heat level, try leaving some of the inner membrane intact. While it is commonly believed that seeds are the cause of jalapeno’s spiciness, it is actually the inner membrane. The inner membrane (or pith) contains most of the capsaicin present in the jalapeno.

How to Prepare Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Don’t forget your gloves when dealing with peppers:

Gloves are a necessity for this recipe, and when handling any spicy pepper. That is because rubber gloves will provide a barrier from touching the pepper directly. This helps prevent the accidental transfer of spice particles to somewhere you don’t want!

Reduce fumes in water to avoid inhaling or getting in eyes:

Another crucial tip is to submerge the jalapeno into a bowl of water when prepping. Removing the seeds underwater will help to minimize the airborne capsaicin fumes, by trapping them inside the water, instead of reaching the air. Do this one slice at a time, and by the end you will not subject yourself to the horrible experience of tear gassing yourself!

Steps for stuffing your Jalapeno Poppers:

1. Using a small pairing knife, slice the pepper in half lengthwise (leaving the stem intact if possible).
2. Fill a mixing bowl with water. Submerge the jalapeno slice under water, and scoop out any seeds and membrane using a spoon or small knife.
3. Place scooped-out slice on a baking sheet or large cutting board. Repeat the process until all slices have had their seeds and inner membrane removed.
4. Combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.
5. Spread the mixture evenly inside jalapeno slices.
6. Sprinkle seasoning over all slices.
7. Take bacon out of package.
8. Wrap the bacon slice all the way around the jalapeno, starting at the bottom of the jalapeno (working up towards the stem).Press firmly into cheese mixture.

Cook Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers Perfectly

I baked these Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers in my air fryer at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. The goal here is crisping up the bacon, without overcooking the stuffing. So low and slow will work best.

You can also cook these in a standard oven. To do so, increase the temperature and decrease cooking time overall. For me, 325 degrees for 45 minutes was perfect!

To air fry stuffed jalapeno poppers:

1. Spray air fryer tray with non-stick spray
2. Place jalapeno poppers in rows on tray
3. Set air fryer to 300 degrees for 45 minutes
4. Remove from air fryer when bacon is crispy
5. Rest for at least 10 minutes before serving
6. Store leftover jalapeno poppers in air tight container in the fridge

To bake stuffed jalapeno poppers:

1. Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray
2. Place jalapeno poppers in rows on sheet
3. Set oven to 325 degrees for 45 minutes
4. Remove from oven when bacon is crispy
5. Rest for at least 10 minutes before serving
6. Store leftover jalapeno poppers in air tight container in the fridge