Name: Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack); 2 green onions, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices beef, cooked and crumbled

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Get ready to wow your crowd with this irresistible Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe! These spicy, melty morsels are everything you want in an appetizer: bold jalapeño flavor mellowed by a creamy, cheesy filling, all baked until the tops bubble with golden perfection. Whether you’re prepping for a game day extravaganza, a backyard cookout, or just need a delicious snack to spice up your weeknight, this Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe is your ticket to instant flavor-packed fun.

Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays its own vital part. From crisp, spicy jalapeños to velvety cream cheese and zesty seasonings, you’ll see how easy it is to give every bite that perfect snap and creaminess.

Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh, firm, and green jalapeños are the star here—halve and seed them for just the right amount of heat.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the key to that ultra-creamy, decadent filling.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar (or a Monterey Jack blend) adds sharpness and melty gooeyness to each bite.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions bring a welcome crunch and a light, fresh taste to balance the richness.
Garlic Powder: Just a smidge enhances the overall flavor, making the filling totally addictive.
Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a gentle smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the peppers.
Salt: A touch sharpens and ties together every ingredient.
Black Pepper: Brings a touch of earthy warmth for depth of flavor.
Cooked Beef (Optional): Crumbled beef adds a savory, meaty boost for those who like an extra protein punch.

How to Make

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. While the oven heats, wash your jalapeños, then carefully slice them lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and membranes—this is where most of the heat hides. For those who are spice-sensitive, don’t forget to wear gloves!

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar (or your cheese blend), chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until you have a luscious, well-blended mixture. This filling should be spreadable but thick enough to mound inside each jalapeño half.

Step 3: Fill the Jalapeños

Using a spoon or small spatula, gently fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Be sure to pile it a bit high for the ultimate gooey bite! Arrange the stuffed peppers in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Add Extra Savory Flavor (Optional)

For a fun twist (and a little extra heartiness), sprinkle crumbled beef over the tops of your filled jalapeños. Not only will this boost flavor, but it adds some tasty texture too. If you’re serving vegetarians, simply skip this step.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your tray into the hot oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’re looking for melted, slightly golden cheese and jalapeños that have softened just enough to be tender, not mushy. If you like an extra browned top, switch the oven to broil for the final minute—watch closely!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let your Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe cool just slightly before serving; the filling will be piping hot! Pair them with cool ranch or tangy sour cream for dipping, and watch them disappear in record time.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Give your platter some extra flair with a sprinkle of fresh chives, a little more smoked paprika, or even a handful of finely chopped cilantro. A drizzle of crema or a scatter of pomegranate seeds can add color and a surprising twist.

Side Dishes

These poppers play nicely with other appetizer favorites—think crisp veggie sticks, tortilla chips and salsa, or a cool cucumber salad. They also shine next to grilled meats at a cookout, or as part of a Tex-Mex inspired spread with guacamole and queso.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe on a big serving board with assorted dips and fresh lime wedges, or nestle them atop mini lettuce leaves for a modern bite-sized treat. If you’re serving a crowd, stagger the jalapeños upright in a decorative shallow dish to show off their cheesy, golden filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to resist eating them all, store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days and make a fantastic snack straight from the fridge—or warmed up!

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble your jalapeños and freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen (just add an extra 5–7 minutes to the cook time) and enjoy that just-made taste anytime.

Reheating

To recapture that melty magic, reheat your Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for about 8 minutes until hot and bubbly. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps them perfectly crisp on the edges.

FAQs

Can I make the Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can stuff the jalapeños up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and chill them in the fridge. When guests arrive, just bake and serve—it’s that easy.

How do I make these less spicy?

For a milder bite, soak the seeded jalapeño halves in cold water for about 30 minutes before stuffing. You’ll notice the heat mellowing, leaving more of that jalapeño goodness.

Is there a way to make the Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the beef topping, and perhaps add in some extra veggies or a few black beans to the cheese mixture for bulk and flavor.

Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?

Of course—feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little goat cheese for tang. Mixing cheeses lets you personalize the flavor profile to suit your crew.

What’s the best way to handle jalapeños without getting burned?

Wear gloves while slicing and seeding the peppers to keep your hands safe from lingering oils. If you go bare-handed, wash very thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face or eyes!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a snack that’s bold, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser, this Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe is sure to steal the show. Try it for your next gathering or treat yourself on a cozy night in—you won’t believe how easy (and addictive) these are!