Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn! There's something about the perfect balance of spicy jalapenos and the sweet, creamy corn filling that really excites my taste buds. This recipe has become a go-to for parties and gatherings. It's simple yet impressive, and everyone always asks for the recipe. Plus, the best part is how quick they are to prepare and bake, making them a perfect high-impact appetizer with minimal effort.
When I first made these Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn, I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared! They combine the heat of jalapeños with a sweet, creamy filling that totally elevates the dish. The crunchy tops add an irresistible texture, and it's become one of my favorite snacks to prep ahead for gatherings.
One tip I learned is to choose jalapeños that are firm and relatively straight, which makes stuffing them much easier. Also, be sure to taste the filling before stuffing to adjust the seasoning—it's crucial for developing those rich flavors everyone loves!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Deliciously spicy and sweet flavor combination
- Creamy and satisfying texture with every bite
- Perfect for game day or any festive gathering
Preparation Made Easy
When preparing jalapeños, be mindful of the heat level you desire. The seeds and membranes hold much of the spiciness, so you can control the experience by adjusting how much you remove. For a milder treat, carefully scrape out all the seeds. However, if you enjoy the burn, leaving some seeds intact or even incorporating a few finely chopped jalapeños into the filling can elevate the heat factor immensely.
To make the stuffing process even easier, consider using a small spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a wide tip. This ensures you can fill the jalapeños neatly and without too much mess. Be generous with the filling but avoid overstuffing, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Aim for a smooth top that levels beautifully with the edges of the jalapeño.
Ingredient Insights and Benefits
The combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar plays a vital role in achieving that creamy filling texture. The cream cheese adds richness while the cheddar contributes a sharp flavor that beautifully offsets the sweetness of the corn. For a twist, you might replace the cheddar with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you're looking for a vegan option.
Using fresh corn will give a lovely sweetness and a juicy burst in each bite. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works just as well, but be sure to thaw and drain it to prevent excess moisture in your filling. These little adjustments can significantly impact the final outcome, allowing you to tailor the poppers to your taste perfectly.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious experience!
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeños
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Enjoy the deliciousness of these poppers!
Instructions
Follow these steps for success!
Prepare the Jalapeños
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds for a milder flavor. If you prefer more heat, leave some seeds in.
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine corn, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Jalapeños
Spoon the corn mixture into each jalapeño half generously, ensuring they are filled to the top.
Coat with Breadcrumbs
Dip the stuffed jalapeños in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. This creates a delightful crunch when baked.
Bake
Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these poppers warm!
Once they’re baked, feel free to serve them with your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the filling mix. You can also experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
These jalapeño poppers are a fantastic appetizer by themselves, but serving them with a zesty dip can really elevate the flavor experience. A homemade avocado cilantro sauce or a creamy ranch dip complements the spicy poppers beautifully. Just mix together some sour cream, lime juice, and a touch of garlic powder for an easy and refreshing accompaniment.
For a visually appealing platter, arrange the poppers on a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach. You can also garnish them with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or chives for added color and flavor. This not only enhances the presentation but gives a fresh kick to each bite.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, jalapeño poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat them, place them in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the breading regains its crunch. Microwaving can make them soggy, so it’s best to avoid that method.
For those interested in making these poppers in advance, you can assemble them a day before and store them in the fridge, covered well. When ready to cook, simply pop them in the oven without the need for extra prep time, which is especially handy for busy game days or gatherings!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and bake them right before serving.
→ What if I can't find large jalapeños?
You can use smaller ones; just adjust the cooking time accordingly and fill them slightly less.
→ Can I freeze the stuffed jalapeños?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking, and then you can bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.
→ How can I make them vegetarian?
These poppers are already vegetarian, but ensure your cheese is sourced accordingly to meet your dietary preferences.
Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn
I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn! There's something about the perfect balance of spicy jalapenos and the sweet, creamy corn filling that really excites my taste buds. This recipe has become a go-to for parties and gatherings. It's simple yet impressive, and everyone always asks for the recipe. Plus, the best part is how quick they are to prepare and bake, making them a perfect high-impact appetizer with minimal effort.
Created by: Hallie Foster
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 poppers
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeños
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds for a milder flavor. If you prefer more heat, leave some seeds in.
In a mixing bowl, combine corn, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spoon the corn mixture into each jalapeño half generously, ensuring they are filled to the top.
Dip the stuffed jalapeños in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. This creates a delightful crunch when baked.
Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these poppers warm!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the filling mix. You can also experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 6g