Cheesy Baked Jalapeno Poppers Delight
Indulge in the ultimate appetizer with these Cheesy Baked Jalapeno Poppers Delight! Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these spicy yet creamy poppers are stuffed with a rich mixture of light cream cheese, melted cheddar, and a hint of zesty mayonnaise, all encased in a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating. This guilt-free recipe is not only easy to make but also a hit at parties, game nights, or as a savory snack. Enjoy the bold flavors with every bite while keeping your points low!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil flavored cooking spray
as needed (for coating the baking sheet and jalapeno poppers)
Light cream cheese
2 ounces (softened at room temperature)
Low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup (shredded)
Fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (for mixing with the cheese filling)
Jalapeno peppers
8 (halved and seeded)
Fat-free egg substitute
1/4 cup (in a shallow dish for dipping)
Panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (in a separate shallow dish for coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly coat the parchment with olive oil-flavored cooking spray.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, blend the light cream cheese, shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, and fat-free mayonnaise until smooth and well combined. Set this filling mixture aside.
3
Wearing gloves for safety, carefully halve each jalapeno pepper lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. This helps reduce the spiciness, but feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.
4
Generously fill each half of the jalapeno pepper with the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-stuffed.
5
In one shallow dish, pour the fat-free egg substitute. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs for coating.
6
Dip each stuffed jalapeno half first into the egg substitute, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
7
Arrange the coated jalapeno poppers on the prepared baking sheet and give them a light spray of olive oil cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Baked Jalapeno Poppers Delight recipe?
It is a lighter, oven-baked version of traditional jalapeno poppers stuffed with a blend of light cream cheese, low-fat cheddar, and fat-free mayonnaise, then coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs.
How many jalapeno peppers do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 jalapeno peppers, which are halved and seeded to create 16 total poppers.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I bake the poppers?
Bake them for about 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
Why should I wear gloves when preparing the jalapenos?
Wearing gloves protects your skin from the spicy oils (capsaicin) in the peppers, which can cause irritation or burns if you touch your face or eyes.
How can I make the jalapeno poppers less spicy?
Carefully scoop out all the seeds and the white membranes from the inside of the jalapeno halves to significantly reduce the heat.
What ingredients make up the cheese filling?
The filling consists of 2 ounces of softened light cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of fat-free mayonnaise.
What is the purpose of the fat-free egg substitute?
The egg substitute acts as a binding agent, helping the panko breadcrumbs stick to the stuffed jalapeno halves.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko is recommended for this recipe because it provides a much crunchier texture when baked.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is designed to be a guilt-free appetizer by using light cream cheese, low-fat cheddar, fat-free mayo, and baking instead of deep-frying.
How do I ensure the poppers are extra crispy?
Spray the coated jalapeno poppers with a light layer of olive oil cooking spray before placing them in the oven.
What type of baking sheet preparation is needed?
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with olive oil-flavored cooking spray for easy cleanup.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, it is best to use cream cheese softened at room temperature so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe contains no meat products and is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and stuff the peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge, though it is best to coat them in panko just before baking to keep them crisp.
What can I substitute for fat-free mayonnaise?
You can use light Greek yogurt or light sour cream as a substitute for the fat-free mayonnaise in the filling.
Do I need to spray the parchment paper?
Yes, the instructions recommend lightly coating the parchment with olive oil-flavored cooking spray.
How should I serve these poppers?
They are best served hot. Let them cool slightly for a minute or two after removing from the oven so the cheese sets.
Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?
Yes, these can be air-fried at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, though you should monitor them closely to prevent burning.
What is the texture of the finished popper?
The popper features a soft, spicy pepper base, a creamy melted cheese center, and a crunchy, golden breadcrumb crust.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
To keep the recipe healthy, you could add bits of turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon substitute to the cheese mixture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, because of the panko breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat leftover poppers?
Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F until warmed through to restore the crunch of the panko.
How spicy are these poppers?
Jalapenos vary in heat, but since they are seeded and baked with a creamy filling, the spice level is generally moderate.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The primary tags include appetizer, snack, baked, jalapeno poppers, cheese, spicy, party food, and healthy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the low-fat cheddar with other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: cooking spray, light cream cheese, low-fat cheddar, fat-free mayo, jalapenos, egg substitute, and panko breadcrumbs.
What if my cheese filling is too thick?
The 1 tablespoon of fat-free mayo usually creates the right consistency, but make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth blend.
Can I double the recipe for a larger party?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredient amounts to make 32 poppers, but you may need two baking sheets.