Description
A quick and easy appetizer featuring jalapenos filled with creamy cream cheese and coated in crunchy tortilla chips for a crispy, flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- Fresh jalapenos – medium-sized, halved and seeded (optional to keep some seeds for heat)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Crunchy tortilla chips, crushed finely to coat the poppers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes unless extra heat is desired. Set aside.
- Soften the cream cheese if needed by microwaving for about 15 seconds.
- Spoon the cream cheese into each jalapeno half, spreading evenly without overfilling.
- Crush the tortilla chips finely using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin.
- Press the cream cheese side of each jalapeno half into the crushed chips to coat evenly.
- Arrange the poppers cream cheese side up on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the chips are golden brown and crispy, watching closely after 10 minutes to avoid burning.
- Let poppers cool for 3-5 minutes to allow the cream cheese to set.
- Serve warm, optionally with sour cream or a splash of lime juice.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier spreading and better chip adhesion. Crush tortilla chips to a coarse crumb for optimal crunch. Watch closely near the end of baking to prevent burning. Cooling after baking helps the filling set and poppers hold together better. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute plant-based cream cheese and gluten-free chips. Air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes yields extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jalapeno half popp
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: jalapeno poppers, cream cheese, appetizer, snack, easy recipe, 3-ingredient, crispy, homemade