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Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers No Bacon Easy Recipe

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These creamy baked cream cheese jalapeño poppers are a lighter, no-bacon alternative that balances spicy heat with a smooth, cheesy filling. Perfect for quick snacks or party appetizers, they are baked to golden perfection with a crunchy topping option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium fresh jalapeños, washed and halved lengthwise (seeds removed for mild heat or left in for extra kick)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (50 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (to toss with breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Wash and dry 12 medium jalapeños. Slice them in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes to reduce heat, if desired. Place jalapeño halves cut side up on the baking sheet.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and uniform. Stir in chopped cilantro if using.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, leaving a small gap at the top to prevent overflow during baking.
  5. If using, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the filled jalapeños.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the poppers are golden on top, jalapeños are softened but hold shape, and filling is bubbling slightly. Check after 18 minutes to avoid burning breadcrumbs.
  7. Remove from oven and let the poppers rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before mixing for smooth filling. Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat or keep for spicier poppers. Do not overfill to avoid cheese spilling and burning. Breadcrumb topping adds crunch but can be omitted for gluten-free or softer texture. Check baking time closely to prevent burning. Can freeze unbaked poppers and bake from frozen with extended time.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, cream cheese, baked jalapeños, no bacon, easy appetizer, party snack, spicy snack, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/creamy-baked-cream-cheese-jalape-n-o-poppers-no-bacon-easy-recipe/