Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Prepare jalapeños

Wash the jalapeños. Wearing gloves if desired, slice each pepper lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon to reduce heat while leaving the pepper halves intact. Pat dry with paper towels.

Make filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onion, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

Fill peppers

Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling to the edges but not overstuffing so the filling doesn't ooze out when breading.

Set up breading station

Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl. Lightly season the flour and panko with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

Bread the filled peppers

One at a time: dredge a filled jalapeño in flour, shaking off excess; dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off; press into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and panko step for a double coating. Place breaded poppers on a wire rack while heating oil.

Heat oil

Pour about 1.5–2 cups of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1". Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or a small piece of bread sizzles and browns in about 30–45 seconds.

Fry poppers

Working in batches (do not overcrowd), carefully add breaded poppers to the hot oil. Fry for 2.5–3.5 minutes per side, turning as needed, until golden brown and crisp and the filling is hot. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to drain.

Finish and rest

Let poppers rest 2–3 minutes to firm up and cool slightly before serving. Taste one and adjust breading/frying time in later batches if needed.

In a small bowl combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and minced optional jalapeño if extra heat is desired. Stir gently to combine. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes for flavors to meld, then taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve

Transfer salsa to a serving bowl and place alongside the warm jalapeño poppers for dipping.