Crispy Baked Jalapeño Poppers
Discover the ultimate low-calorie snack that's bursting with flavor! These Crispy Baked Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and crunchy. Made with fresh jalapeños stuffed with a smooth neufchâtel cheese mixture, these poppers are coated in a crispy cornflake crust and baked to perfection. Not only do they make for an addictive appetizer, but they're also a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried poppers. Enjoy them at your next gathering or as a delightful treat just for you!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
jalapeño peppers
12 (Fresh, sliced lengthwise with seeds and ribs removed)
neufchâtel cheese
4 ounces (Softened)
fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
honey mustard
1/4 cup (For coating)
corn flakes cereal
1 cup (Crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly.
2
Carefully slice each jalapeño pepper lengthwise, then remove the seeds and ribs to reduce heat. Rinse and dry the peppers thoroughly.
3
Place the prepared jalapeños in a microwave-safe dish, cover them with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 3 minutes to soften slightly.
4
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened neufchâtel cheese with 2 tablespoons of water and the chopped cilantro until smooth and creamy.
5
Using a pastry bag fitted with a round tip or a plastic baggie with a corner snipped off, fill each jalapeño half with approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
6
Dip each stuffed jalapeño in honey mustard, ensuring they are well coated, and then roll them in crushed cornflakes to create a crunchy coating.
7
Arrange the coated jalapeño poppers on the greased baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Baked Jalapeño Poppers?
They are a healthier, low-calorie appetizer made with fresh jalapeños stuffed with Neufchâtel cheese and coated in a crunchy cornflake crust.
How many jalapeños do I need for this recipe?
You will need 12 fresh jalapeño peppers.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I reduce the spiciness of the peppers?
Carefully slice the peppers lengthwise and remove all seeds and ribs to reduce the heat level.
Why should I microwave the jalapeños before stuffing?
Microwaving them on high for 3 minutes helps soften the peppers slightly before they are baked.
What type of cheese is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of softened Neufchâtel cheese.
What is the benefit of using Neufchâtel cheese?
It provides a creamy texture similar to cream cheese but is typically lower in fat.
How do I make the cheese mixture smooth?
Beat the softened Neufchâtel cheese with 2 tablespoons of water and chopped cilantro until creamy.
How much cilantro should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of fresh, chopped cilantro.
What is the easiest way to fill the jalapeños?
Use a pastry bag with a round tip or a plastic baggie with a corner snipped off to pipe the mixture.
How much filling goes into each jalapeño half?
Fill each half with approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
What acts as the binder for the crunchy coating?
Honey mustard is used to coat the stuffed peppers so the crumbs stick.
How much honey mustard is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of honey mustard for coating.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
The poppers are rolled in 1 cup of crushed corn flakes cereal.
How long do the jalapeño poppers need to bake?
Bake them for about 15 minutes.
How do I know when the poppers are finished cooking?
They are done when the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Are these jalapeño poppers vegetarian?
Yes, these poppers are vegetarian-friendly.
Is this a low-calorie recipe?
Yes, because they are baked rather than deep-fried and use Neufchâtel cheese, they are a lower-calorie alternative.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should lightly grease the baking sheet before arranging the poppers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: jalapeños, Neufchâtel cheese, cilantro, honey mustard, and cornflakes.
Should I wash the peppers?
Yes, rinse and dry the peppers thoroughly after removing the seeds and ribs.
Can I use a different type of cereal for the crust?
While cornflakes are recommended for the best crunch, other unsweetened crushed cereals or breadcrumbs can be used.
What is the texture of the finished popper?
The popper has a creamy center, a soft but firm pepper shell, and a very crunchy exterior.
Are these suitable for a party?
Absolutely, they are a perfect finger food for gatherings and game days.
Should the cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the Neufchâtel cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
What flavor does the honey mustard add?
It adds a subtle tang and sweetness that complements the spicy jalapeño.
Can I make these in advance?
You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time, but it is best to coat and bake them just before serving to maintain crunch.
How many total popper halves does this make?
Since the recipe uses 12 whole peppers, it produces 24 individual popper halves.
Can I omit the cilantro?
Yes, if you do not like cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with parsley or chives.
Do I cover the peppers when microwaving?
Yes, cover them with plastic wrap in a microwave-safe dish for the best results.