Jalapeno Poppers with Mozzarella and Herbs
Highlighted under: Local Collection
I absolutely love these Jalapeno Poppers with Mozzarella and Herbs. They have become a staple at our gatherings, and I can’t get enough of their delicious combination of spicy jalapenos and savory mozzarella. Preparing them is a breeze, and the flavors meld beautifully as they bake. The herbs add a fresh touch that elevates the dish, making them perfect for an appetizer or a game-day snack. Trust me, one bite and you'll be craving these poppers every chance you get!
When I first made these Jalapeno Poppers with Mozzarella and Herbs, I wanted to create something that was both flavorful and simple. The combination of creamy mozzarella with fresh herbs complements the heat of the jalapenos perfectly. I learned that using fresh herbs instead of dried ones truly enhances the flavor profile and makes everything more vibrant.
Over the years, I've experimented with different cheeses and spices, but I always return to the original recipe for its classic appeal. Mixing the cheese filling with garlic and herbs adds depth, and baking instead of frying keeps them lighter and crispier. They never last long at my parties!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy mozzarella that balances the spicy jalapenos
- Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor with every bite
- Perfect finger food for parties or casual get-togethers
Perfecting Your Jalapeno Popper Technique
When preparing jalapenos, it's essential to consider the heat level that you desire. If you want a milder flavor, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes, as they contain the most heat. For those who crave a little more kick, you can leave a few seeds intact or use spicier varieties of peppers. This careful selection plays a vital role in balancing the flavors of your dish.
The key to achieving the perfect filling consistency is to ensure that your cream cheese is adequately softened. If it's too cold, the mixture will be lumpy and difficult to spoon into the jalapenos. I recommend letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing, or you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to achieve the right texture. This ensures a creamy filling that will easily meld with the mozzarella.
Flavor Enhancements and Variations
Feel free to get creative with your herbs! While cilantro and parsley are excellent choices for this recipe, you can also try adding fresh chives or dill for a different flavor profile. Additionally, incorporating spices like smoked paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper can enhance the smoky taste of the cheese filling and elevate the overall flavor of your poppers.
If you're looking to make these poppers more substantial, consider folding in cooked bacon bits into the cheese mixture for a smoky, savory kick. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for an extra spicy flavor or cheddar for a sharp contrast. These variations could make your jalapeno poppers a memorable star of any snack platter.
Ingredients
Jalapeno Poppers
- 12 fresh jalapenos, halved and seeded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
Prepare the Jalapenos
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds to control the heat level.
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, cilantro, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Jalapenos
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, filling them generously.
Bake the Poppers
Place the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapenos are tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving. They are deliciously cheesy and spicy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding crispy bacon bits to the cheese mixture before stuffing the jalapenos.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store your jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep their crispy texture, place them in a single layer if possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes will restore their gooey goodness and crisp edges.
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed jalapenos. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, checking for that lovely bubbly cheese appearance.
Serving Suggestions
These jalapeno poppers make for an excellent appetizer at parties, but you can elevate your serving by pairing them with a vibrant dipping sauce. Consider serving them with a cool ranch or creamy avocado dip to balance the heat with cool, refreshing flavors, enhancing the overall snacking experience.
For a complete snacking experience, serve these poppers alongside other finger foods like mini sliders, chips, or a charcuterie board filled with cured meats and artisanal cheeses. This combination not only pleases varied palates but also provides a beautiful presentation that will have your guests eager to dig in.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the jalapenos and fill them with the cheese mixture a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
→ How can I make these poppers less spicy?
If you prefer milder flavors, you can remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos, or substitute them with sweet peppers.
→ What's the best way to reheat leftover poppers?
To reheat, place the leftover poppers in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until they're warmed through and slightly crispy again.
→ Can I use different cheeses in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or feta for varied flavors.
Jalapeno Poppers with Mozzarella and Herbs
I absolutely love these Jalapeno Poppers with Mozzarella and Herbs. They have become a staple at our gatherings, and I can’t get enough of their delicious combination of spicy jalapenos and savory mozzarella. Preparing them is a breeze, and the flavors meld beautifully as they bake. The herbs add a fresh touch that elevates the dish, making them perfect for an appetizer or a game-day snack. Trust me, one bite and you'll be craving these poppers every chance you get!
Created by: Lottie Pennington
Recipe Type: Local Collection
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 poppers
What You'll Need
Jalapeno Poppers
- 12 fresh jalapenos, halved and seeded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds to control the heat level.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, cilantro, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Mix until well combined.
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, filling them generously.
Place the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapenos are tender.
Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving. They are deliciously cheesy and spicy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding crispy bacon bits to the cheese mixture before stuffing the jalapenos.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 10g