1- Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese & Cheddar Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeds removed
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil spray (for air frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jalapeños:
   Wash the jalapeños, slice them lengthwise, and remove seeds and membranes. Set them aside.
2. Make the Filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
3. Stuff the Jalapeños:
   Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing it gently to ensure it stays in place.
4. Coat the Poppers:
   Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each stuffed jalapeño in flour, then the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Cook the Poppers:
   • Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded jalapeños on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
   • Frying: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the jalapeños in batches until golden, about 2-3 minutes each. Drain on paper towels.
   • Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
6. Serve:
   Serve immediately with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or sweet chili.

Chef’s Tips

• For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits to the cheese filling.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
• These poppers can also be grilled for a smoky flavor; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per popper (depending on specific ingredients used).

This recipe yields about 24 poppers, making it perfect for gatherings or game days!

2- Irresistible Keto Bacon-Wrapped stuffed chicken Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8-12 slices of uncured bacon (adjust based on chicken size)
• 4 jalapeño peppers
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
   • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Jalapeños:
   • Slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds for a milder flavor.
3. Make the Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. If needed, soften in the microwave for about 10 seconds until easy to mix. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then mix well.
4. Stuff the Jalapeños:
   • Spread the cheese mixture into each half of the jalapeño peppers. Press the two halves back together.
5. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Cut a pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. Stuff each pocket with a whole jalapeño (both halves) and close it.
6. Wrap with Bacon:
   • Take slices of bacon and wrap them tightly around each stuffed chicken breast to seal the pocket. Use enough bacon to cover the chicken completely.
7. Cooking Methods:
   • Oven Method:
     • Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, seam side down. Bake for about 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
     • Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
   • Air Fryer Method:
     • Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
8. Serve:
   • Allow the chicken to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Chef’s Notes

• Choose jalapeños that fit snugly inside your chicken breasts for optimal stuffing.
• Depending on your chicken size, you may need more or fewer slices of bacon.
• For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice or your favorite seasoning blend before stuffing.

Approximately 563 calories per serving (based on one stuffed chicken breast).

Emma

I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.

I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!