Zesty Cajun-Style Jalapeno Poppers
These Zesty Cajun-Style Jalapeno Poppers are a delightful culinary creation stemming from extensive taste tests across various popper recipes. Infused with a medley of creamy cheeses and a touch of Cajun heat, each popper is a burst of flavor. Fresh jalapenos, either sautéed or baked to perfect tenderness, cradle a savory filling that pairs wonderfully with optional dipping sauces. Whether served at a gathering or as a satisfying snack, these poppers are guaranteed to impress with their delicious blend of spices and textures. Use fresh peppers for optimal flavor and always remember to wear protective gloves while handling them to keep your hands safe from the heat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh jalapeno peppers
18 (halved, de-veined and seeded)
cream cheese
6 ounces (softened)
shredded cheese
3 ounces (a mixture of your choice (suggested: parmesan, cheddar, colby, ricotta))
Progresso breadcrumbs
to taste (for coating)
pressed garlic
1 clove (minced)
olive oil
1/2 ounce (for sautéing)
finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons (fresh)
chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon (optional, fresh)
finely chopped pimientos
12 slices (for flavor)
cayenne pepper
3 pinches (to taste)
finely chopped mushrooms
1 ounce (optional)
finely chopped cooked meat
2-3 ounces (optional (suggested: crawfish, ground meat, or sausage))
queso sauce
to taste (for dipping (optional))
sour cream
to taste (for serving (optional))
picante sauce
to taste (for serving (optional))
ranch dressing
to taste (for serving (optional))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Zesty Cajun-Style Jalapeno Poppers?
The main ingredient is 18 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved, de-veined, and seeded.
What type of cream cheese should I use?
You should use 6 ounces of softened cream cheese for the base of the filling.
Which shredded cheeses are recommended for the filling?
A mixture of parmesan, cheddar, colby, or ricotta is suggested, totaling 3 ounces.
What brand of breadcrumbs is specified in the recipe?
The recipe specifies Progresso breadcrumbs for coating the poppers.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 clove of pressed and minced garlic.
What is the purpose of olive oil in this recipe?
Half an ounce of olive oil is used for sautéing the peppers or ingredients.
Are there any fresh herbs included in the filling?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh green onions and an optional 1/2 teaspoon of fresh cilantro.
What provides the extra flavor and color to the popper filling?
Finely chopped pimientos (12 slices) are added to the mixture for flavor.
How is the Cajun heat achieved in these poppers?
The heat comes from 3 pinches of cayenne pepper, or more to taste.
Can I add mushrooms to the recipe?
Yes, adding 1 ounce of finely chopped mushrooms is an optional variation.
What types of meat can be added to the filling?
You can optionally add 2-3 ounces of cooked crawfish, ground meat, or sausage.
What are the recommended dipping sauces?
Suggested dipping options include queso sauce, sour cream, picante sauce, or ranch dressing.
Is it necessary to wear gloves when preparing these?
Yes, it is highly recommended to wear protective gloves while handling fresh jalapenos to avoid skin irritation from the heat.
Can these jalapeno poppers be baked?
Yes, the jalapenos can be either sautéed or baked until they reach the desired level of tenderness.
How many poppers does this recipe make?
Using 18 halved jalapenos, the recipe yields 36 individual popper pieces.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is a creamy and savory medley of cheeses, spices, and optional vegetables or meats.
Are these poppers suitable for a party?
Absolutely, they are described as a perfect party food and cheesy snack guaranteed to impress guests.
Do I need to seed the jalapenos?
Yes, the peppers should be halved, de-veined, and seeded before filling.
Is the cilantro required?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of fresh chopped cilantro is listed as an optional ingredient.
What kind of snack is this classified as?
It is classified as a spicy, cheesy snack and a Cajun-style appetizer.
Can I use store-brand breadcrumbs?
While the recipe suggests Progresso, you can use any breadcrumbs of your choice for the coating.
How much meat should I use if I choose to include it?
Use between 2 and 3 ounces of your chosen cooked meat.
What makes this 'Cajun-Style'?
The blend of spices, particularly the cayenne pepper and the suggestion of crawfish or sausage, gives it a Cajun profile.
Are the green onions cooked or fresh?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh, finely chopped green onions.
Can I use a single type of cheese instead of a mixture?
Yes, the recipe suggests a mixture but allows you to choose any shredded cheese you prefer.
What is the best way to ensure optimal flavor?
The description recommends using fresh peppers rather than canned or frozen ones for the best flavor.
How many slices of pimientos are used?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of finely chopped pimientos.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as both a comfort food and a savory appetizer.
Can I serve these with ranch dressing?
Yes, ranch dressing is one of the suggested optional sauces for serving.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
Start with 3 pinches and adjust to your preferred level of spice.